October 31, 2024

Horace Mann League Board Meeting

October 31, 2024

Minutes

Attended by: Kevin Riley, Martin Brooks David Berliner, Brian Schmitt, Roxann Caserio, Carl Hermanns, Jeanné Collins Deweese (ED)

David Berliner moved the Board meet despite being short a quorum. Seconded by Brian Schmitt. Motion assed unanimously.

Marty moved the Board approve the minutes of Aug 9, 2024, seconded by David Berliner. Motion passed.

 

Executive Director’s Report

  • Jeanne Collins Deweese reported the financial picture has improved since May. Summer membership dues helped this picture as well as the donations solicited from Matt Krise, Maria Armstrong, Gregg Furstenau and board member donations and match. However, the League still has outstanding obligations to Post editor (paid through June) and Executive Director (paid through May), needing to raise $20,000 to meet its obligations by Dec. 2024.
    • This led to a discussion by present board members that this is a concern each year and wondering if we need to be a “giving” board. Jeanné noted the board was given a reminder in June and those who could, donated. However, this was not a state expectation at the time of recruiting new members and often sitting supts also need to balance their family’s needs and we would not want to lose new board members. Jeanné suggested a communication to lifetime members acknowledging their commitment and inviting them to consider making donations Kevin noted HML has three revenue streams: membership dues (and new members add to that list); conference/luncheon sponsors; and board donations. Group asked to put this discussion on Feb agenda for further discussion.
  • Podcast update: New podcast released this week with Ray McNulty on Artificial Intelligence. Being released next month is a podcast with Martha Bruckner on Women in Leadership. Future podcasts include John Tanner, Dan Domenech. Send ideas for future podcasts to Jeanne or Jimmy Minichello, who is producing them.
  • Member Benefits Updates:
    • Sept/Oct have been announced. Several more are lined up. More nominations accepted at https://forms.gle/rXTCpKZH151GMABG8
    • External newsletter option suggested and explored. Not viable at this time
    • To continue to work on: Communications toolkit (David, Carl and Jimmy has offered to help) & the special edition of the Education Policy Analyses Archives (EPAA) based on the book Public Education: Defending a cornerstone of American Democracy)

 

 

  • Action Items
    • Executive Coaching Pilot Program – Upon review of information requested by the Board, this program approved to move forward as a pilot program
    • Inaugural Conference web page is set up and registration is open. Be sure to book your room and register for the conference. Also reminder to invite others personally to attend the conference. Discussed desire to name one presentation.
    • Discussion around the need to ensure the lens of democracy in education is consistent and prominent. Request to discuss partnering with other organizations to bring in fellows, speakers, etc on how to advocate for democracy in public education at our Feb. meeting.
    • David, Carl and Jimmy will meet to move the communication toolkit forward
    • Jeanné will send out a google form to the Board to finalize the 2025 award winners
    • Jeanné will send out communication to lifetime members acknowledging their commitment and inviting them to consider making donations.

 

Future Meetings Scheduled:

Inaugural HML Conference              Feb 5-7, Charleston, SC

Annual Meetings:

Board                                     March 6, 1 pm local, New Orleans AASA NCE

Luncheon                               March 7, 11:30 am local,  New Orleans AASA NCE