CSTA BOARD MINUTES
September 26, 2009
Via Teleconference
Introduction
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the California
Science Teachers Association, a California Non-profit Corporation,
was called to order at 9:08 a.m.
Attendance and Quorum
The following Board Members were present: Meg Burke, Deb Farkas,
Michelle French, Dean Gilbert, Rick Pomeroy, Sue Pritchard,
Bonny Ralston, Donna Ross, Greg Schultz, Marian Murphy-Shaw,
Tim Williamson, Karen Withey-Smith. A quorum was present.
Also in attendance was Executive Director Christine Bertrand.
Tim Williamson served as Chair, and Marian Murphy-Shaw served
as Secretary.
Notice
The Chair called the meeting to order and announced that the
meeting was held pursuant to written notice to all members
of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. A copy of the
notice was ordered entered into the minutes book following
the minutes of the meeting.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as written.
Approval of Minutes
Rick Pomeroy moved that the minutes of the June 6, 2009 Board
of Directors meeting be approved. Seconded by Dean Gilbert;
motion carried.
Programs
2009 Science Education Conference
Christine Bertrand provided an update on the conference attendance,
sessions that have been cancelled, and sponsors. She reported
that, in addition to the sponsors listed on the handout, a
commitment of $1000 was received from SeaWorld San Diego.
Board members volunteered for various duties on site at the
conference. A verbal survey indicated that enough board members
will be at the star gazing event to help out there and with
setting up the Sunday luncheon. Christine will email the final
volunteer list for reference.
Christine mentioned that, in addition to the board events
listed on the packet handout, there will be a chapter meeting
on Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30; while board members are welcome
to attend, they are not obligated and preferably will not
outnumber chapter members present.
2010 Science Education Conference
Rick Pomeroy presented the 2010 conference committee’s proposed
changes to the conference format, explaining that the intent
is to increase the ease of attendance for teachers who may
not be able to attend on Thursdays. Pros and cons as discussed
in committee were presented for consideration. Hotel contract
obligations and vendor concerns were noted. The revised CSTA
structure could make it easier for another group to hold an
associated pre-conference event which could help with our
contracted hotel room obligations.
The board expressed appreciation for the creative model, as
it addresses substitute teacher and travel costs and prompts
the board to think about why events are offered on certain
days and what has priority, such as the opening session and
when to hold the awards event to include more of those in
attendance. The 2010 location in Sacramento provides a good
test site due to its central location and ease of travel.
Dean Gilbert moved that
the 2010 conference committee move forward with the proposed
plan as presented, contingent on addressing hotel, exhibitor,
and membership input questions.
Seconded by Deb Farkas. Rick Pomeroy asked that the motion
not be prescriptive to the committee. Motion and second were
withdrawn.
Rick and the committee will move forward with the proposal
addressing the questions, concerns, and input from the board,
and provide a detailed proposal for final approval by the
board by either phone or email.
Conference Proposal Scoring Rubric
Christine Bertrand presented the proposed conference proposal
scoring rubric, stating that the board had requested that
some sort of rubric for scoring workshop proposals be developed,
to ensure that reviewers were looking at and rating the same
things. She reminded the board that, at its request, the scoring
would be by blind review this year. Discussion included suggestions
to evaluate sessions for newness in terms of repeat conference
attendees, allowing for rationale notes during scoring, including
proposal-writing support at newcomer sessions or via the webpage
in the future. Rick Pomeroy reminded the board that some more
hands-on involvement will be in the future for this process.
Dean Gilbert moved that
the board accept the rubric with changes to a 5-point scoring
scale and an addition to item 3 to evaluate the “newness”
of a proposal.
Seconded by Karen Withey-Smith; motion carried.
Booth and Activities for San Diego Science Festival
Christine Bertrand reported that she received information
from the San Diego Science Festival indicating that planning
is already underway for next year’s event. She indicated that,
if CSTA chooses to participate, we need to act at this meeting
to put together the type of interactive, hands-on display
the festival requires. Donna Ross presented additional details,
noting that Petco Park is the likely location as, with 50,000
in attendance last year, Balboa Park was overwhelmed. The
event is attended by the general public, teachers, and students.
Donna Ross moved that
the board form a sub-committee to submit a proposal to
the San Diego Science Festival being held in March 2010.
Seconded by Dean Gilbert. It was suggested that a sponsorship
might be more appropriate for CSTA as an organization and
allow statewide support of the event. Motion withdrawn. Dean
Gilbert moved that
the board form a subcommittee to open conversation with
the Festival planning committee to discuss options for CSTA
involvement.
Seconded by Donna Ross. Discussion indicated that a motion
was not really needed as Donna’s current role allows her to
proceed. Motion withdrawn.
There was agreement that this is a good PR opportunity, but
a budget would need to be developed to ascertain how and if
CSTA would be involved. Donna will proceed to contact the
organizers and inquire about sponsorship at a level suited
to our organization as well as other options for CSTA involvement.
Policy and Organizational Issues
Appointment of Director
Tim Williamson presented the nomination of Valerie Joyner
as Region 1 Director. Sue Pritchard moved that
the board appoint Valerie Joyner as Region 1 Director for
the reminder of this term.
Seconded by Deb Farkas; motion carried.
2010 Election
Christine Bertrand reported that CSTA will be conducting the
next election via electronic ballot, but members without email
addresses on file or those who request it would be able to
vote via paper ballot. Christine will test the electronic
system with the board in a simulated election prior to the
election. Christine noted that since there is still a vacancy
in the 2-Year College Director position, it could be added
as a one-year term to the next ballot.
Committee Recommendations
Tim Williamson commended the committees and members for all
their time and work.
Membership Committee
Dean Gilbert presented the proposals of the membership committee
with the note that preservice and new teachers are a focus
area. He indicated that the committee will proceed with focus
groups to survey the field; dates from the committee are due
to Dean for these events statewide. The committee proposed
five membership incentive options for board approval, with
the goal that incentives and increasing membership remain
the focus. Especially for students, the simpler the process,
the easier it will feel to teachers. Dean moved that
a one-year free student membership be offered for students
(preservice), which would include receiving the conference
member rate and web access but no publications.
Seconded by Deb Farkas. Discussion that the definition of
“preservice” remains unclear and that staff needs clear definitions
to process membership categories. Motion withdrawn. Dean Gilbert
moved that
a one-year free student membership be offered for students
enrolled in a credential program, which would include receiving
the conference member rate and web access but no publications.
Seconded by Deb Farkas; motion carried.
Dean Gilbert moved that
new teachers, defined as first or second year teachers,
be offered two years’ membership for the price of one year,
at full price ($39).
Seconded by Deb Farkas; motion carried. Christine Bertrand
noted the need to address the logistics of this for staff
and how they would ascertain if someone is a new teacher.
It was suggested that teachers wishing to join under this
option be required to get signed verification from a BTSA
provider or a site principal. Christine replied that a paperwork
process for a principal signature could be managed.
Dean Gilbert moved that
veteran teachers who have never been members of CSTA be
offered, for a limited time of six months and with the conference
in the middle of that timeframe, two years’ membership for
the price of one year.
Seconded by Michelle French. It was suggested that the offer
could address the elementary teachers who are often not aware
that they can join CSTA, but there was profound concern for
offending existing members who have made the effort to join
and concern that it would be hard to distinguish those who
are members every other year. A variety of marketing ideas
were discussed. It was suggested to consider Option 4 (below)
in lieu of this option. Tim Williamson called the question.
Vote: Yes 4, No 6, Abstain 0; motion failed. Dean Gilbert
moved that
the board approve Option 3 as in the proposal.
Seconded by Michelle French. Vote: Yes 1, No 8, Abstain 2;
motion failed.
Dean Gilbert moved that
current members who bring in five (or other number) new
members get the following year’s membership free.
Seconded by Rick Pomeroy; motion failed. It was suggested
that there be a set timeframe for the new members to be submitted,
as the lag time is too hard to track. It was suggested that
all the names would need to be submitted at the same time.
It was suggested that the number of new members be lowered
to three and that the offer be expanded to include members
who convert their status from “student” to “new.” Dean Gilbert
moved that
current members who bring in three new members get the
following year’s membership free.
Seconded by Sue Pritchard. Some concern was expressed that
regular members could misuse this or it could increase the
“every-other-year member” issue. Request was made to amend
the motion to address this issue. Amended motion:
current members who bring in, at the same time, three new
regular members who have not been active for three or more
years get the following year’s membership free.
Amendment accepted by Dean and Sue; motion carried.
Dean Gilbert introduced the last membership committee proposal,
that vendors and informal science organizations who purchase
four or five memberships for employees would get a discount
on their booth at the conference. It was suggested that this
is seen as an unnecessary complication by informal board members
for their staff. Concern was expressed on how this may impact
the budget. Staff was requested to look at the fiscal impact
of this option and defer this item to the next membership
committee meeting.
Dean Gilbert introduced his marketing message and requested
feedback by the board to the membership committee in time
for their next meeting, October 21. The message includes questions
to address about professional organizations as perceived by
teachers, PR for the profession itself, and CSTA as their
professional organization. Some board members indicated they
were unable to open the sample attachment; Christine will
send it out again and Dean will accept input by email. The
item was tabled until the December 2009 CSTA board meeting.
Bylaws Review Committee
Tim Williamson and Christine Bertrand introduced the recommended
revisions to the bylaws. Sue Pritchard moved that
the board accept all changes to the bylaws as presented.
Seconded by Dean Gilbert; motion carried. Christine mentioned
that, in accordance with the California Corporations Code
and the changes to the bylaws just approved, the position
of 2-year college director continues to be held by Jeff Bradbury,
as no one ran for that position in the last election and attempts
by the board to fill the position have not succeeded. Sue
Pritchard moved that
the board formally request, pursuant to the revised bylaws,
that Jeff Bradbury continue as the 2-Year College Director
through the remainder of the term ending in 2011.
Seconded by Rick Pomeroy; motion carried.
Finance Committee
Greg Schultz presented recommended adjustments to the 2009-2010
budget, noting that the anticipated reduced revenue from the
conference suggest it would be prudent to make a number of
preemptive adjustments at this time. A question about our
reserves was addressed. It was suggested that cost savings,
like AV provided but not used during conference, need to be
explored during the budget review in December. It was suggested
that data be collected at the Palm Springs conference as to
how many presenters are using overhead projectors. Dean Gilbert
moved that
the board approve the recommend adjustments to the 2009-2010
budget.
Seconded by Donna Ross; motion carried. Rick Pomeroy recommended
that all board members need to look at details closely, such
as the voluntary furlough by Christine Bertrand; sincere thanks
to Christine were expressed by the board. Other changes noted
include removal of conference attendance support for directors
and a staff member leave, resulting in some one-time savings.
Christine reminded the board that more cuts were imminent
after the conference.
Legislative Update
Christine Bertrand referred to her report in the board packet
and added that the Race to the Top issue is growing and is
a concern on many counts. She reported that it includes business
group involvement in structuring preservice teacher programs
at universities and holding teacher education programs, as
well as teachers, accountable for student test scores.
Science Framework and Adoptions
Christine Bertrand reported that all work on the curriculum
frameworks has been stopped in all content areas. She reported
that, apparently, the work done so far on the science framework
in particular was not appreciated by those in the governor’s
office, and she warned that the gains made in conducting a
transparent framework and adoption process are being directly
opposed. Christine suggested that CSTA consider publishing
a framework document independently to support the profession.
National Congress on Science Education
Tim Williamson reported on his attendance at the National
Congress on Science Education and expressed his opinion that
there was great value for CSTA in maintaining a presence on
the congress. Board members were referred to the report in
the meeting packet.
Presidential Awards
Dean Gilbert reported on the submissions and process of the
Presidential Awards, which he and Diana Takenaga reviewed
this year. He indicated that there were still very few science
applicants, and he asked that his recommendations be reviewed
and this item revisited at the December meeting.
Reports
Due to time running out, all reports are to be emailed to
the full board.
Sue Pritchard moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded
by Dean Gilbert; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
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