Minutes

Present: Nuri Ayres, Ed Ballas, Sandy Bunkin, Judy Kennedy, Jean Leone, Nelson Luis, John Miliziano, Hal Nelson, Bill Orr, Peter Russo, Tempress Solomon, Don Sorondo, Donna St. Peter, Charlotte Valenti, and Mari McBryar.

In the absence of HASA’s President Mark West, John Miliziano, Executive Director, called the meeting to order at

4:55 PM.

A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS:

I. Secretary - Sandy Bunkin:

Sandy Bunkin asked the Board to review the minutes of the December 2001 meeting. Jean Leone moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nuri Ayres seconded the motion and the vote carried.

II. Treasurer – Nelson Luis

Nelson Luis presented the treasurer’s report, with a summary of the last six months of activity. No corrections were made and the December 2001 report will be filed for audit.

III. Membership Report – Nuri Ayres

Nuri Ayres reported that four new members have been added to the rolls since November 30, 2001, and that two non-members had received promotions. Dr. Miliziano clarified the status of some members who had job changes and are still paying dues. Since the job changes may be temporary, those members opted to continue paying their dues for a period of time to see if they will be returned to their previous administrative positions.

The Board discussed whether or not there is a need for a membership drive at this time. Many component groups are close to full percentage for membership. It was suggested that renewed focus be placed on the retirees’ component while the new membership brochure is being completed. Dr. Miliziano agreed to prepare a percentage report to bring next month, indicating the percentages of non-members in each component group.

IV. President’s Report – Mark West

Dr. Miliziano reported for Mark West on the status of the Superintendent’s Roundtable. Results of the December Roundtable meeting will be in the January newsletter. The Board opted to forego a Roundtable meeting in January, since the Legislative Reception is scheduled for the 16^th.

V. Executive Director’s Report – John Miliziano

Dr. Miliziano presented some possible topics for articles for the February newsletter. The web page will be up and running by then and can be featured on the front page. Another topic was the upcoming FASA Legislative Days.

Charlotte Valenti gave a report on the status of the members planning to attend FASA Legislative Days. (Ken Allen, Eric Stamets, Tom Rao, Mark West, Charlotte Valenti, Nuri Ayres, Susan King, Judy Dato, Pat Smith). She also gave an update on the School Board Forum scheduled for February and themed “United in Freedom, Spirit, and Education.” She urged Board members and committee members to get their reservations to Mari McBryar as soon as possible.

It was mentioned that Dr. Lennard has requested the topics that will be addressed at the School Board Forum. The Board took a few minutes and suggested:

q Finances/Funding

q School Board members’ personal recommendations for facing shortages/deficits

q OPPAGA – what will be the impact of information received?

q The possibility of HASA and the School Board working together to produce ideas for promoting a more positive image of the school system (public perception) and improving communications between all groups, internally and externally.

q Have the School Board ask any questions of HASA that they may have.

Regarding the Legislative Benefits Committee, Dr. Miliziano reported that the newsletter had information on how to speak out regarding the two bills going to session (1) Three best years instead of five, and (2) 2.1 instead of 1.6 for the retirement formula. He urged Board members to do whatever they could to help support these bills.

Dr. Miliziano reported on the status of the Tampa Bay Area Coalition. There have been three meetings so far, with one more scheduled in February. Pinellas and Pasco are still considering joining, but wish to remain involved. A Constitution and By-Laws have been developed and edited and a final draft prepared for the associations. Dues are $1 per county member to get started (ex. - HASA would pay $600 for 600 members).

B. OLD BUSINESS

Program of Work & Committee Reports:

Hal Nelson gave an update on the web page, citing www.HASAonline.net as a probable site address. The server will offer 24-7 access with a hit counter to indicate how many visitors we get at the site. Information will be abundant, including educational links, the District Calendar and much more. Nelson Luis suggested letting members know when it is accessible so that they can form shortcuts on their desktops for quick access.

C. NEW BUSINESS/ROUNDTABLE

§ Dr. Miliziano mentioned that Janelle Buck would not be able to carry out her duties as Historian for a while and asked that anyone call him who would be willing to step in and help out temporarily.

§ Tempress Solomon asked about a briefing before the Legislative Reception. A briefing is scheduled for January 10^th at 5:00 PM.

§ Dr. Miliziano suggested getting busy on membership cards so that benefits obtained by the Legislative Benefits Committee could be utilized by our members. Identification as a HASA member will be necessary.

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Bunkin, Secretary