In July 2022, the Board approved a motion that each officer and director nominate a minimum of five (5) potential members each year. Implied in the recruitment effort was that those accepting the nomination will have the first-year dues waived. Success of the strategy of those nominated and accepting members has been good. We recognize Brent Clark, Martin Brooks and Kevin Riley for exceeding this goal in 2023.

Those members who have not renewed their membership after one-year of billing have been deleted from the data base.

Membership by Category

Full Members – 106 (down 30 from 2023 report)

New members- 58

One year pilot membership- 33 (of 58)

Retired Members – 74 (no change)

Professor/student – 2

Not Current – 116

Past President / Lifetime – 36
Membership by Year

Membership by State

State	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23
Alaska	7	7	6	7	7	13	14	15	9	7	5	3
Alabama	2	3	4	4	3	4	4	5	3	2	1	1
Arizona	11	12	12	11	12	13	12	18	15	17	17	19
Arkansas	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	4	2	2	2	1
California	19	20	21	20	20	20	20	22	16	17	13	10
Colorado	6	6	4	4	5	6	7	6	5	5	5	4
Connecticut	9	8	13	10	13	12	14	15	8	11	12	11
Delaware	1	2	2	2	0		0					0
Dist. Columbia	4	4	4	4	3	3	3	2				1
Florida	13	10	9	9	10	10	11	13	5	8	10	12
Georgia	7	10	13	12	12	13	12	11	5	5	6	7
Hawaii	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Idaho	4	4	5	4	4	4	5	5	3	3	2	2
Illinois	125	118	135	121	115	120	114	129	82	91	71	84
Indiana	3	3	2	1	3	3	3	4	2	4	3	2
Iowa	13	11	11	15	12	13	12	13	11	9	8	8
Kansas	2	2	2	3	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1
Kentucky	1	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	2	2
Louisiana	3	2	2	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Maine	1	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Maryland	22	20	18	17	11	9	7	7	1	1	1	4
Massachusetts	13	13	14	14	14	13	13	13	9	8	5	4
Michigan	7	9	18	16	16	16	16	16	10	10	6	5
Minnesota	5	5	5	4	5	5	5	5	2	2	1	1
Mississippi	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Missouri	6	7	7	6	7	6	5	5	3	4	5	3
Montana	2	3	4	5	10	9	7	7	6	6	6	5
Nebraska	33	31	32	28	26	30	32	36	30	32	34	42
Nevada	3	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	3	3	3	3
New Hamp.	2	3	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	3	2	3
New Jersey	18	16	18	15	11	12	12	12	11	10	7	10
New Mexico	2	2		2	0	2	2	1	1	1	1	0
New York	35	30	31	32	37	39	40	43	34	42	38	37
N. Carolina	38	38	37	27	19	19	18	19	14	14	5	5
N. Dakota	1	0	2	1	0	0	0		1	1	1	2
Ohio	10	10	11	11	9	8	9	9	1	4	4	3
Oklahoma	2	2	2	2	2	3	2	2	2	2	2	1
Oregon	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0
Pennsylvania	6	5	6	5	6	6	5	5	4	4	5	4
Puerto Rico					0	0	0		0	0	0	0
Rhode Island					0	0	0		0	0	0	0
S. Carolina	4	4	4	3	2	2	2	2	2	2	3	6
S. Dakota	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	0	0	0
Tennessee	3	3	2	3	4	4	4	4	1	1	1	1
Texas	18	17	19	18	14	12	10	10	7	9	8	10
Utah	5	4	5	5	4	5	5	4	2	3	3	3
Vermont			0		0	0	0	1	5	5	9	11
Virginia	28	25	25	24	21	20	19	18	10	12	8	8
Washington	44	41	46	39	40	43	43	45	33	34	26	25
West Virginia	0		0		0		0			0		0
Wisconsin	9	8	12	12	15	14	13	14	6	8	8	5
Wyoming	0		1	1	2	1	1	1	1	0		0
Totals	553	533	583	537	515	532	520	557	375	408	354	372

New Members: (as of December 31, 2023)

First	Last	Title	City	State	Sponsor
Janice	Garnett	Professor	Omaha	NE	Riley, Kevin
Kay	Keiser	Professor	Omaha	NE	Riley, Kevin
Elliot	Ostler	Professor	Omaha	NE	Riley, Kevin
Michael	Sortino	Dir. Student Svc	Gretna	NE	Riley, Kevin
Jeanne	Surface	Professor	Omaha	NE	Riley, Kevin
Tami	Williams	Professor	Omaha	NE	Riley, Kevin
Melissa	Frans	Coord. Higher Lrng	Crete	NE	Riley, Kevin
Bary	Habrock	Superintendent	Elkhorn	NE	Riley, Kevin
Joshua	McDowell	Superintendent	Crete	NE	Riley, Kevin
Ryan	Saunders	Superintendent	Springfield	NE	Riley, Kevin
Grant	Norgaard	Superintendent	McCook	NE	Riley, Kevin
Ashley	Tomjack	Superintendent	Cairo	NE	Riley, Kevin
Anthony	Buono	Asst Supt	Westport	CT	Brooks, Marty
Carol	Kelley	Superintendent	Princeton	NJ	Brooks, Marty
Rachel	Kelly	Superintendent	Bronxville	NY	Brooks, Marty
Eric	Byrne	Superintendent	Rye	NY	Brooks, Marty
Drew	Patrick	Superintendent	Scarsdale	NY	Brooks, Marty
Ray	Sanchez	Superintendent	Sleepy Hollow	NY	Brooks, Marty
Michael	Simek	Superintendent	Deerfield	IL	Brooks, Marty
Stephen	Walker	Superintendent	Croton-on-Hudson	NY	Brooks, Marty
Robert	Duron	TASB (FS)	Austin	TX	Alejandro, Ruben
Bryan	Hernandez	Superintendent	Midland	TX	Alejandro, Ruben
Maria	Armstrong	ALAS ED	Wash.	DC	Alejandro, Ruben
Lissa	Mann	Student	Naples	FL	Deweese, Jeanne
Lashawn	Sells	Equity Director	Essex Junction	VT	Deweese, Jeanne
Lynn	Cota	Superintendent	Enosburg Falls	VT	Deweese, Jeanne
Karen	Conroy	Superintendent	St Johnsbury	VT	Deweese, Jeanne
Catherine	Gallagher	Superintendent	Hyde Park	VT	Deweese, Jeanne
Rene	Sanchez	Superintendent	Shelburne	VT	Deweese, Jeanne
Kathie	Foster	Superintendent	Princeton	NJ	Deweese, Jeanne
Curtis	Cardine	Superintendent	Gilbert	AZ	Deweese, Jeanne
Michael	Deweese	Ret. Superintendent	Lancaster	SC	Deweese, Jeanne
Timothy	Dixon	Superintendent	Adel	GA	Clark, Brent
Tina	Hallliman	Superintendent	Chicago Heights	IL	Clark, Brent
Nick	Polyak	Superintendent	Franklin Park	IL	Clark, Brent
Don	Angelaccio	Superintendent	Prospect Heights	IL	Clark, Brent
Amy	Dixon	Superintendent	Carmi	IL	Clark, Brent
Susan	Harkin	Superintendent	West Dundee	IL	Clark, Brent
David	Hill	Superintendent	Bloomingdale	IL	Clark, Brent
Rebecca	Jenkins	Superintendent	Libertyville	IL	Clark, Brent
David	Mouser	Superintendent	Bloomington	IL	Clark, Brent
John	Bute	Superintendent	Crystal Lake	IL	Clark, Brent
Dustin	Day	Superintendent	Cathage	IL	Clark, Brent
Suzanne	Johnson	Superintendent	Elgin	IL	Clark, Brent
Patrick	Mogge	Superintendent	Arlington Heights	IL	Clark, Brent
Cassandra	Shug	Superintendent	Belvedere	IL	Clark, Brent
Emily	Weidner	Superintendent	Monticello	IL	Clark, Brent
Chris	Meisner	Superintendent	Sparta	IL	Clark, Brent
Chris	Covino	Superintendent	LaGrange Park	IL	Clark, Brent
Lucilla	Davilla	Superintendent	Glendale Heights	IL	Clark, Brent
David	Brown	Superintendent	Riverdale	IL	Clark, Brent
Sandy	Gessner Crabtree	Superintendent	N. Bremerton	WA	Polm, John
Jennifer	Robinson	Principal	Maricopa	AZ	Weibke, Kathy
Ellie	Poling	Student	Marco Island	FL	Mann, Lissa
Lauren	Amparo	Student	Tallahassee	FL	Mann, Lissa
Michael	Amadei	Superintendent	Des Plaines	IL	Hertel, Paul
Edwin	Bell	Professor	Winston Salem	NC	Weston, Rod

Corporate Partnerships (Feb 1)

the K-12 success platform, helps districts increase the quality and frequency of school-family communications and combat chronic absenteeism. With more than two hundred million successful school-home interactions and millions of users across all product lines, SchoolStatus drives meaningful results for districts and schools across the US.

Financial Report. January – December 2023

Revenues for 2023

Revenues	Proposed 2023	Actual 2023	Percent 2023
Revenues	Proposed	Jan-Dec.	Percent
Beg. Balance	$4,785	$4,785	100%
Regular	$20,750	$16,850	81%
Retired/Student	$7,500	$6,205	83%
Annual Mtg	$4,000	–	–
Donations	$2,000	$5,607	280%
Corporate	$7000	$10,500	150%
Books/Prints	$0	–	–
Total Revenue	$41,250	$43,948	107%
With Beg.Bal.	$46,035	$48,733	105%

Expenses for 2023

Budget Area	Proposed 2023	Actual 2023	Percent 2023
Supplies	$1,000	$1,227	123%
Postage	$1,500	$2,708	181%
Printing	$2,000	$3,309	165%
Exec. Dir	$20,000	$16,315	82%
IRS – State	$4,000	$3,000	70%
Annual Mtg	$10,000	$12,443	124%
Exec. Dir. Ass’t	$2,000	$2,000	100%
Summer Bd	$1,500	0
Subscript/Memberships	$2,000	$1,820	91%
Technology	$2,000	$3,361	168%
Fees (Credit card, bank, etc)		$1,276
HML Post		$4,000
TOTAL	$46,000	$51,459	112%

Annual Ending Balance

Dec. ’17	Dec. 18	Dec. 19	Dec. 20	Dec. 21	Dec. 22	Dec. 23
$3,571.37	10,657.50	$ 8,722.57	3,443.56	7,373.04	$ 5,347.02	$6637.16*

*Savings and Checking Combined

The proposed budget for 2024 is in the Action Section of the Agenda

Podcast Information

Producer/Director: Jimmy Minichello

2023 Podcasts

Artificial Intelligence in Education by Dr. Ben Williamson

Honoring Jack McKay: 30 years as Executive Director of the Horace Mann League

The Public Education Landscape with Joshua Starr

Women in Leadership with Superintendent Andi Fourlis

Previous Podcasts can be found on the website HMLeague.org

2024 Suggested Podcasts

Topic	Presenters
HML Award Winners	Dr. Alfredo Artiles & Dr. James A Banks
Benefits Based Accountability	John Tanner
Women in Leadership	Kathy Hurley, Martha Bruckner
The Future Superintendent’s Skills	Dan Domenech
School of Opportunity	Principal/ Superintendent

Highlights of 2023-2024 HMLeague

Transition to new Executive Director March 1
Add the POST to budget as Jack continues to be editor
Superintendent Advisory Committee- met twice to give ideas on membership
Taped four more Podcasts
Communication Subcommittee met to give suggestions
Recommended two ByLaws changes: Increase board membership up to 16 Directors, add Office of Treasurer (pending membership approval Feb 16, 2024)
Added a Sponsorship Fundraising Proposal with consultant and developed new tiered sponsorship model
Appointed five new Board members: Carl Hermanns, Matt Krise, Maria Armstrong, Roxann Caserio and Brooke Farrell-Olsen
Re-created social media profiles
New Book on Superintendency authored by Jack McKay, who is generously giving the proceeds to HML. Thank you, Jack!

Terms for Officers and Directors

Year	2023	2024	2025	2026
President	Mathis	Brent Clark	Kevin Riley
Pres.-Elect	Clark	Kevin Riley
Vice Pres.
Past Pres.	Alejandro	Bill Mathis	Clark	Riley
Exec. Dir.	Collins Deweese	Jeanné Collins Deweese	Collins Deweese
Director	Berliner (1)	David Berliner (2)	Berliner(3)
Director		Jack McKay (2)	McKay (3)
Director	Fuerstenau (2)	Gregg Fuerstenau (3)
Director	Schmitt (1)	Brian Schmitt (2)	Schmitt (3)
Director	Bruckner (1)	Martha Bruckner(2)	Bruckner (3)
Director		Carl Hermanns (1)	Hermanns (2)	Hermanns (3)
Director	Hammond (2)	Linda Darling Hammond (3)	Darling Hammond (1)	Darling Hammond (2)
Director	Brooks (3)	Martin Brooks (1)	Brooks (2)	Brooks (3)
Director	Cardenas (2)	Brooke Farrell-Olsen (1)	Farrell-Olsen (2)	Farrell-Olsen (3)
Director	Riley (1)	Matthew Krise (1)	Krise (2)	Krise (3)
Director	Minichello (1)	Jimmy Minichello (2)	Minichello (3)
Director	Parady (2)	Roxann Caserio (1)	Caserio (2)	Caserio (3)
Director	Fourlis (2)	Andi Fourlis(2)	Fourlis (3)
Director		Maria Armstrong (1)	Armstrong (2)	Armstrong (3)

HML Post Publication

Access to recently published issues of the HML Post are now linked from the League’s website and the weekly Post. There is also a link to previously published issues, going back to 2012, available for research purposes.

Action Items

Should the Nominations Committee’s Report be Accepted?

Slate of Nominees for 2024-25 (for Board and membership approval)

President: Brent Clark

President-elect: Kevin Riley

Vice President: Gregg Fuerstenau *will open a vacancy on the Board

Past President: Bill Mathis

Treasurer: (nominee has not yet accepted)

The Officers and Director can nominate regular members of the League to the Board.

The general criteria for being a board member:

Respected and professional influence with colleagues
Ability and willingness to strengthen the League by (a) engaging in League activities and meeting and (b) recruiting new members.

Nominees for Reappointment to the Board for an additional, three-year term (Board action):

Martin Brooks

Linda Darling Hammond

Suggested Board Director Nominees for Board consideration (motion is needed for consideration):

Ruben Alejandro

Ray Sanchez, Supt of Tarrytown, NY

Should the Budget for 2024 be Approved?

Budget Proposal for 2024
Revenues

2023 Revenues	Proposed 2023	Actual 2023	Proposed 2024
Beg. Balance	$4,785	$4,785	$$6637
Regular	$20,750	$16,850	$20,000
Retired	$7,500	$6,205	$7,500
Annual Mtg	$4,000	$0	$4,000
Donations	$2,000	$5,607	$3,000
Corporate	$7,000	$10,500	$22,000
Books/Prints	$0	$0	–
Total Revenue	$41,250	$39,162	$56,500
With Beg. Bal.	$46,035	$43,947	$63,137

Expenditures

Budget Area	Proposed 2023	Actual 2023	Proposed 2024
Supplies	$1,000	$1,227	$1,000
Postage	$1,500	$2,708	$2,000
Printing	$2,000	$3,309	$2,000
Exec. Dir*	$20,000	$16,315	$24,000*
IRS * (Form 990)	$4,000	$3,000	$100
Annual Mtg	$10,000	$12,443	$12,000
Exec. Dir. Ass’t	$2,000	$2,000	–
HML POST *	–	$4,000	$10,400
Summer Bd	$1,500	–	$-
Subscript/Memberships	$2,000	$1,820	$1,800
Technology	$2,000	$3,361	$2,000
Fees		$1,276	$1000
TOTAL	$46,000	$51,279	$56,300

Changes for 2024:

*Previous budgets included $20,000 for the Executive Director and $4,000 for the taxes on employment. I suggest rolling these together as the taxes paid will now be borne by my LLC, not HML, thus changing the line to $24,000 for a year and eliminating the IRS line
The previous budget had an Assistant Executive Director, which is eliminated. In its place is the Editor for the POST.

Should the Board Renew the Contract with Jeanné Collins Deweese as Executive Director through February 2025? Will the Board Authorize the President to Execute this Contract with Jeanne Collins Deweese, d.b.a Deweese2Consulting, LLC as a Contracted Service

Attachment: Proposed contract

Changes: I am asking the Board to contract with my LLC, rather than employ me directly. This is a change from the last contract. However, my research indicates the work I do for the League meets the IRS definition of a contracted employee. Specifically, the work requires I “exercise independent discretion for and control over the manner and method required to perform the Services”. This change would shift the burden of taxes as well as insurance to my LLC. The attached contract spells out this obligation. I also ask the Board to approve this arrangement retroactively to Nov., 2023 as a modification to the 2023-2024 contract.

This change requires two motions:

Motion to authorize the president to execute the contract for Executive Director Services with Jeanné Collins Deweese, d.b.a Deweese2Consulting, LLC;
Motion to retroactively approve a modification to the 2023-2024 contract with Jeanné Collins Deweese to state the contract is with Jeanné Collins Deweese, d.b.a Deweese2Consulting, LLC for the services of Executive Director.

Should the Board Renew the Arrangement with Jack McKay to Edit the HML Post?

The Board arranged in 2023 with Jack to continue editing the POST upon the transition of Executive Directors. Therefore, it is recommended to renew that arrangement and that Jack McKay continue editing the HML Post through to our next annual meeting, in Feb. 2025. Current compensation is $200.00 per issue; to be discussed by the Board.

Should the Board Meeting Dates for 2024 – 2025 be Set?

Spring Meeting- March 22 1PM EST Virtual

Summer Meeting -Virtual: June 21 or Aug. 9 *Note: the summer meeting is critical for nominations

Fall Meeting- Sept. 20 Virtual

May need a Nov. meeting

Winter Annual Meeting – February 14, 2025 (in person)

What are the Next Steps for the Superintendent Advisory Committee?

The Superintendent Advisory Committee met for the 2^nd time on Dec. 4 and agreed upon the following recommendations:

The POST will offer questions on a relevant topic monthly, to which we will invite written responses that will be published in subsequent issues of the POST. In addition, we will solicit white papers on the topic chosen from university professors and researchers.
HML should reach out to all 50 state executive directors of superintendent associations and offer membership in the League, while also asking them to nominate superintendents from their state to be spotlighted in the POST- these would be superintendents whose work connects with the principles in which Horace Mann believed and with the League’s mission. 1-3 superintendents will be spotlighted per POST.
If enough interest exists in a specific topic, HML will host a webinar on zoom, chaired by a superintendent or an HML Board member. The webinar will be interactive and include superintendents connecting with other superintendents across the nation on the call. The initial meeting might well focus on equity.

REMINDER: COLLABORATIVE RECEPTION HELD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE OMNI- OPEN TO ALL!

Annual Meeting Program

Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 576 737 6699

Passcode: HMLeague

Agenda

Welcome –Guests, Board, and Past Pres. by Bill Mathis

Recognition of Corporate Partners by Matt Krise

Ambassador Awards
Brent Clark, Martin Brooks, Kevin Riley by Gregg Fuerstenau

Outstanding Friend of the League

to Matthew Krise by Brent Clark

Outstanding Public Educator

Dr. James A. Banks by Brent Clark

Outstanding Friend of Public Education

Dr. Alfredo Artiles by Brent Clark

Outstanding Friend of the League

to Matthew Krise by Brent Clark

Business Meeting

The League By-Law Revisions by Bill Mathis

Nomination and Election by Bill Mathis

Past Presidents Award to Bill Mathis                 by Ruben Alejandro
Passing the Gavel to Brent Clark                         by Bill Mathis
Adjournment                                                           by Brent Clark

Set Up Duties

Before:

Set-up awards table with awards, table top display, runner _____
Set-up registration table with runner, name cards, brochures _____
Check WIFI, Zoom, Owl set up with hotel support Jeanné
Place Programs on each chair _____

As Guests Arrive:

Check in guests at the door ______
All board members greet as guests arrive Everyone
Welcome Awardees and Corporate Partner Reserve seats Matt Krise

During:

Photos during and of award winners at the end Jimmy Minichello

After

Pack up and bring display to FEDEX office Jeanné

Attachment 1

HORACE MANN LEAGUE

Board Minutes

Nov. 3, 2023

Attendance:

Bill Mathis (President), Kevin Riley (Vice President), Ruben Alejandro (Past President), David Berliner, Marth Bruckner, Carl Hermanns, Matthew Krise, Jack McKay, Jimmy Minichello, Roxan Roserio, Maria Armstrong, Jeanné Collins Deweese (Executive Director)

Executive Director Report

Membership Update: Renewals are running shy of target. Board members are reminded to nominate 5-10 people for membership.
- Suggested the POST remind members of need to update info when change positions or retire- esp in April, May, June.
- Kudos to Brent Clark for reaching out to all new IL superintendents. Discussion on how this practice can move to other states as well.
Deweese noted about 110 members have not responded to renewal notices since April. Board members offered to look at who they may be aware of and help reach out or provide updated contact information for them. Jeanne will create a list and send it out.
- Update: Jeanne researched the names, sent out renewal emails and have reached out to a few board members to see if they can help. Will report out in Feb or before.
Switched to using Shopify for online dues payments. This is working well and will be used for the luncheon as well. Checks are, of course, still accepted as payment.
Expenses are being reviewed and changes made to reduce costs that are no longer needed or can be annualized, particularly in technology and periodicals.
Sponsorship commitments are not yet in; Matt Krise has a few leads and is working on getting more.
Ex Dir salary is still an issue. $14, 467 is owed as of Dec 31, 2023; Post editor payments will need $7200 by the same date. Total cash needs for 2023 is $25,000. The bank holds about $15,000 as of this meeting.

Annual Luncheon Update

Award winners have been contacted:
- Outstanding Friend of Public Education – Alfredo Artiles, will arrive the night before and attend in person
- Outstanding Public Educator – James Albert Banks, will arrive the night before and attend in person
- Friend of the League Award – Matt Krise will attend in person
- Ambassador Award – earned by members who have strengthened the league generally through recruitment of five or more members in a year.
- Past President’s Award- given annually to the Outgoing President- Bill Mathis
Sponsorship update: Matt Krise communicating with about 30 companies, with only four declining due to budget constraints. He also mentioned that there were a few serious potential sponsors (higher tier), and overall progress is being made. He feels confident he can receive funds this current fiscal year.
Superintendent’s Network Collaborative Reception: Feb. 16 5-7 pm in collaboration with the Mid-American Association of School Superintendents, the National Superintendent’s Round Table and the Schlechty Center’s Superintendents Leadership Network.

Membership Task Force

Supt Task Force met Aug 31 and made recommendations:
- Help superintendents understand common issues
- Be more present at state and regional levels
- Publish White Papers*
- Articulate the consequences of being silent as public education is under attack
- Offer pilot membership year (already being done)
- Focus on leadership in today’s world
*White Paper Initiative:
- Martin Brooks to bring back to advisory committee on 4 at next meeting
- Bill Mathis to appoint editorial board to help Jack vet what is received
- Carl Hermanns will get list of topics determined by AZ AASA and will see if the AZ synthesis can be shared with the Board.
New focus group of professors desired- Jeanné will set up meeting of David Berliner, Carl Hermanns, Kevin Riley, Matt Krise along with Martin Brooks to plan and discuss.

Podcast Update: (Minichello)

Three podcasts completed this summer and fall. The fourth with Andi Foulis is in progress.
Jimmy Minichello will reach out to board members to collect ideas and will look at the list of topics for the white papers by end of Dec.
Discussion about the topics of the podcasts as they support the League’s mission of the school’s role in democracy. Topics included freedom of speech vs hate speech, for example, trauma impact of war on kids, David French op ed in NYUT, Debbie Myers- can’t teach democracy in schools not run democratically were all suggested.

Consent Agenda

Riley moved and Alejandro seconded the Consent Agenda- Passed

Minutes of Aug 31 Board meeting were approved

Treasurer position

Discussion: This position was proposed at the last Board meeting: to create a non-paid treasurer position to provide oversight and a second set of eyes on the organization’s finances. Matthew Krise supported the idea, emphasizing the importance of having someone knowledgeable about taxes and financial growth as the organization undergoes changes and aims for financial stability.

Alejandro moved to create an office of the Treasurer for a two year term starting at the annual meeting in February, 2024. The Treasurer shall be an officer of the Board and shall work closely with the Executive Director to understand the finances of the League, lead a periodic audit of the finances, and communicate with the Board in developing the annual budget and fundraising strategies for the association. Bruckner seconded. PASS

Discussion included looking at terms of officers and whether they all need to line up if the Treasurer will be two years. Some members expressed concerns about changing the bylaws without proper agenda preparation, while others felt that the president’s commitment would be too lengthy with two year terms. By Law suggestions on terms of office were pulled off the table due to lack of warning.

TO DO ITEMS

Board members to nominate 5-10 new members by Dec. 31
Post will put a reminder in the spring issues to notify HML if their position changes or a person retires (McKay)
Deweese to reach out to Board members for help in finding lost members. Report in Feb.
Supt task force meets 4 to discuss white paper idea
Deweese to schedule meeting with Brooks, Berliner, Hermanns, Krise and Riley to set up a professor’s task force in December.
Mathis to appoint editorial board for white paper initiative by start of project
Hermanns to talk with AZ AASA about sharing topics and papers with HML- completed in Dec.
Minichello to email the Board asking for podcast ideas – due in Dec
Deweese to pull together the nominating committee (officers) to set up a slate for Feb vote, including the new treasurer position.

Future Scheduled Meetings

Winter Meeting – February 15, 2024 (in person at AASA NCE) 2 pm PST
Annual Luncheon- February 16, 2024 (in person at AASA NCE) 11:30 am PST
Collaborative Reception- Feb 16, 2024 (in person at AASA NCE) 5-7 pm PST

Attachment #2 Executive Director Contract

Horace Mann League of the United States of America

Executive Director’s Contract for 2024-26

AGREEMENT By and Between THE HORACE MANN LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INC. (Tax ID No. 52-6054490) and MS. JEANNE COLLINS DEWEESE d.b.a DEWEESE2CONSULTING, LLC (D2C), of 4018 Bryce Canyon Lane, Lancaster, SC 29720.

The Horace Mann League of the United States of America, Inc. (hereinafter “The League”) hereby contracts with Ms. Jeanné Collins Deweese, d.b.a. Deweese2Consulting, LLC (D2C), for Executive Director services for the period of March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2026. The parties intend that in the performance of the Services, D2C shall be acting as an independent contractor. D2C shall exercise independent discretion for and control over the manner and method required to perform the Services consistent with the following:

D2C must perform all work in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;
D2C is responsible for reporting, paying, withholding and transmitting all applicable payroll taxes, making all required unemployment contributions and handling all unemployment and workers compensation claims involving D2C;
D2C shall keep and maintain records for D2C income and expenses related to the Services; and
D2C shall obtain and maintain all business licenses necessary for D2C to perform the Services.

For all professional services rendered by D2C in said role, the details of which are contained in the attached Description of Executive Director Duties, The League agrees to pay D2C the annual sum of $24,000, to be paid in equal installments on the 20th day of each month, beginning March 20, 2024. D2C will be responsible for taxes incurred. The League will also reimburse D2C for necessary and reasonable expenses, including travel to and lodging for Board meetings, as authorized by The League and incurred in the conduct of these responsibilities, upon presentation of receipts or other documentation, in an amount which shall not exceed $3,000 per year.

D2C will report regularly to the President of The League on the progress in discharging the aforementioned Executive Director Duties. Such work shall also include delegated work with other members and committees of the League.

It is the intention of this Agreement to secure the personal services of Ms. Jeanne Collins Deweese, d.b.a Deweese2Consulting, LLC, and no substitution of services will be permitted without the explicit, written authorization of The League’s Board of Directors.

Due to the current uncertainty of The League’s revenues and expenditures, this Agreement may be terminated by either party upon thirty days written notice; all monies due at the time of termination shall be paid to D2C. It may also be modified to provide for changes in the duties of the Executive Director and/or the payment of additional fees by The League only upon the written agreement of both parties.

In witness whereof the undersigned have set forth their signatures this _____ day of ______ 2024.

Board of Directors, The Horace Mann League of the United States of America

_________________________________, ____________________________________

Jeanné Collins Deweese / Date President / Date

THE HORACE MANN LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INC.