Minutes

Present: Carmen Aguero, Ed Ballas, Mary Cunningham, Linda Denison, Connie Hayden-McPeak, Jean Leone, Nelson Luis, Mari McBryar, John Miliziano, Bill Person, Andi Ringer, Maria Singfield, Pat Smith, Tee Solomon, Charlotte Valenti, Mark West.

In the absence of the President, Dr. Miliziano called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. He thanked the group for making the special effort to attend the July meeting. Since there were a few new faces, Dr. Miliziano asked the Board to go around the table and state their name, position and worksite. During this process, Linda Denison was officially voted as Special Projects chairperson. Afterward, Dr. Miliziano passed around a master list of contact phone numbers for the group to verify and/or edit.

A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS:

I. Secretary – Ken Allen:

In the absence of the Secretary, Dr. Miliziano asked the Board to review the minutes of the June 2002 meeting. Mark West moved that the minutes be approved. Nelson Luis seconded the motion and it carried. A suggestion was made by Tee Solomon that the Board be given extra time to review the minutes before a motion for approval is made. This suggestion met with agreement from the Board. The possibility of having the minutes sent to Board members prior to meetings was discussed.

II. Treasurer – Nelson Luis

Nelson Luis presented the June treasurer’s report for the Board’s review. A motion was made and seconded that the report be condensed this year to one or two pages. The Board agreed and the motion passed. No corrections were made and the June treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.

Mr. Luis discussed contacting Evelyn Hughes, as in past years, to audit the HASA books for 2001-2002. Mark West made a motion to have Mrs. Hughes audit the books. Jean Leone seconded the motion and it passed.

Mr. Luis distributed a draft budget for 2002-2003. He explained that the figures were determined by the expenditures made during the 2001-2002 fiscal year. The draft budget was discussed and amended. The Board asked Mr. Luis to bring back a final budget for 2002-2003 to the August meeting for approval. It was decided that August 5^th was too soon to meet again, so the date was changed to August 12^th.

Pat Smith brought up the issue of raises for the Executive Director and Administrative Assistant. Mark West moved that the Executive Board form a committee to bring a recommendation regarding raises to the August meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

III. Membership Report – Charlotte Valenti

Charlotte Valenti reviewed the membership report with the Board. She noted that membership has grown to 623 out of a possible 800. She informed the Board that a new membership pamphlet is in the works. Giving prizes for new member recruitment at the Fall Social was discussed. Suggestions included cash prizes and/or gift certificates. The Board agreed to promote the “prizes for recruitment” idea at the Social, but not actually put the plan in motion until the membership drive in the fall.

IV. President’s Report – Nuri Ayres

Dr. Miliziano reported that the President, Nuri Ayres, had to miss the Board meeting because she was at the hospital with her daughter, who was having a baby.

V. Executive Director’s Report – John Miliziano

Dr. Miliziano recommended that, based on unresolved issues with the web page, we abandon Carolina Consulting for our web page needs. He presented a proposal from Cathy Davis to design, build and maintain the HASA web page. Pat Smith mentioned that Cathy had done a fabulous job on the Guidance Services Department web page. Hal Nelson had corresponded with Dr. Miliziano that Cathy’s proposal was a fair one, as good or better than Carolina would have given us. The proposal called for $950 to design/build the web page, $450 to host the site, and $22.00 per hour to regularly update the site, not to exceed $800 in a year. Pat Smith moved to accept the proposal. Tee Solomon seconded the motion and it carried.

During the discussion of the web page expenses, the subject of newsletter expenses was broached. Some points that were made included:

Ø The newsletter is the most expensive item in HASA’s monthly budget. Online newsletters could save dollars.

Ø Members may not take the time read an online newsletter. A paper copy coming in the mail brings HASA to mind, and is convenient to be carried to meetings, etc.

Ø Consider suspending the newsletter during July and December.

Ø Consider surveying the membership to see how much interest exists for an online newsletter

Ø Only positive comments have been heard about the newsletter.

It was decided that some comparative shopping should be done for printing services to see if printing costs can be reduced.

Charlotte Valenti asked if the $10 from member dues for the PAC could be clarified in the next newsletter. Dr. Miliziano stated that he had the law firm of Holland and Knight check out the legalities of taking $10 from member dues for the PAC. As long as an opportunity to “opt out” is offered to members who don’t wish to contribute to the PAC, it is legal to take $10 from the member’s $105 yearly dues. He also reiterated that 25% of all PAC funds had to come from membership dues and 75% could come from fundraising and/or other sources.

Mark West asked if HASA had approval to set up an information table at the Joint Principal’s meeting of July 25th. Dr. Miliziano reported that Dr. Lennard saw no problems with it, but that Beth Shields would need to give the final word. It may even be possible to speak to the principals briefly about HASA.

Dr. Miliziano reported on the last Superintendent’s Roundtable. As to Pat Smith’s concern about one day of sick leave pay for teachers, Dr. Lennard had said that it was excluded by statute, thanks to Bill McKay. Dr. Miliziano also reported that the extended work year for APIs is slated to go before the School Board. It would include five days in the beginning of the year and two at the end, for a total of seven additional days.

Dr. Miliziano distributed the survey on benefits in the ten Southeastern states. He said he hoped to use that information when talking with the Legislative Delegation. He also reported that Richard Martinez had agreed to attend the August meeting to discuss upcoming health insurance issues. Dr. Miliziano encouraged Board members to invite alternates to come.

Dr. Miliziano told the Board that one of Nuri Ayres’ goals for the coming year is to look at establishing a Legal Defense Fund, possibly with matching HASA dollars. Just 20-30 more members could fund the initiative. Nelson Luis stated that this Legal Defense Fund could be funded with a designated portion of HASA’s CD assets. Linda Denison noted that HASA is envied throughout the state for the relationship it enjoys with the administration of the school district. HASA Board members agreed with that sentiment, but also agreed that a Legal Defense Fund is still a good idea. Dr. Miliziano noted that the LDF would not be predicated on administrators feeling threatened. It would be established as a benefit. Nelson Luis noted that establishing such a fund would do a lot for HASA’s public relations. Dr. Miliziano offered to bring the issue to the Legislative and Benefits Committee to look into and possibly come back to the Board with some guidelines. He also noted Nuri Ayres’ additional goals for 2002-2003: (1) a serious membership drive and (2) greater legislative involvement.

Dr. Miliziano spoke to the Board about supporting the five legislators who introduced retirement benefits legislation last year. Most have committed to reintroducing the Bills again. Mary Cunningham stated that we should make sure the representatives know all the details of the bills before we offer support. This issue was to be forwarded to the Legislative and Benefits Committee for review and recommendation.

Nelson Luis asked if a committee would be appointed to spend PAC dollars. The HASA Board does not have enough knowledge/experience to do so. Dr. Miliziano agreed to take the concern to the Legislative and Benefits Committee.

Dr. Miliziano reviewed the new appointments on the HASA Board. A motion was made and seconded that Hal Nelson be assigned membership on the Board and titled Webmaster. Pat Smith moved to have Andi Ringer serve as Alternate for the Supervisors’ component. Mark West seconded the motion and it carried. Motions were made that Ed Ballas serve as Alternate for Retirees, and that Bill Orr assume the newly-created Board position of Parliamentarian. He agreed to develop the Role and Responsibilities of the position. He would also retain Elections Committee chairman. Mark West moved to accept these recommendations. Charlotte Valenti seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

Dr. Miliziano reported to the Board that, at the FASA conference, he was informed that $500 would be set aside in the HASA PAC for a legislator that is deemed most worthy of assistance. The Board was skeptical at this announcement, but Nelson Luis suggested that we wait to see whom the FASA PAC endorses.

Newsletter suggestions were distributed and additional ideas called for. Those included more specifics on the Legal Defense Fund, and a survey of information members would like to have.

B. OLD BUSINESS

Dr. Miliziano reported on the success of the FASA conference; HASA’s hospitality suite was a huge success, thanks to the many efforts and contributions of HASA members. The entire event was minimal in cost but maximum in appearance and attendance.

Linda Denison gave an update on the Fall Social. Theme: “Carrying the Torch for Education.” It will be held at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club on August 22^nd from 5:00 – 7:30 PM. Reasons for hosting the Fall Social are to network, invite potential members, and pat ourselves on the shoulders for jobs well done.

C. NEW BUSINESS/ROUNDTABLE

Charlotte Valenti reported that she was glad to be back into the swing of things after dealing with her recent bout with cancer. She also reported that Doug Crawford has announced his retirement from FASA.

Pat Smith informed the Board that she has an upcoming opportunity to talk to several candidates on a Starlight Cruise fundraiser dinner arranged through her husband’s contacts.

Dr. Miliziano mentioned a CTA fundraiser for Bill McBride coming up in mid-August. Donations are $25 at the door. It was unclear whether this would violate the $500 maximum contribution law for those who already gave. He also informed the group about the HAPE/CTA/PTA forum after the upcoming elections, not before, as HASA had preferred. He asked for feedback about possible involvement. Connie Hayden-McPeak stated that it could be a good time to establish relationships, meet new people and recognize faces. The Board decided to try and obtain an agenda and budget.

Tee Solomon reported on the KARP financial planning seminars she attended. She stated that the information was timely, informative, and a good value, although attendance at the seminars was low. She strongly recommended that future seminars be given serious consideration. The time invested is only 2.5 hours per week for four weeks, and well worth it. Tee also announced her intention to personally contact members of her component group and request their further involvement.

Dr. Miliziano thanked all who assisted with HASA’s portion of the FASA conference, including Mary Cunningham, who donated refreshments, Pat Smith for setting up the Hospitality House, and all the HASA members who attended and helped host the event.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kenneth R. Allen, Secretary

*Minutes not official until approved at August 12, 2002 meeting.