Members Present: Heather Tratt, Betsy Murphy, Michael Daly, Joyce Meyer, Bethanie Whittaker, Emily Weaver, Beth Bobel, Martha Vache, Kathy Neu, Karen Garman, Lyle Goldensoph, Cathy Anderson, Jeanne Fisher, Corrine Woehler, Natalie Komo, Katie Hoving, Missy Jones, Robin Miller Young, Robert Abbott, Iris Kerbis Puccini, Betsy Murphy
1. Call to Order Heather Tratt
The meeting was called to order by President Heather Tratt at 9:13 AM. Michael Daly made a motion “that the agenda presented be adopted for the 3/8/08 meeting.” Iris Kerbis Puccini seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Adoption of Agenda/Procedures Joyce Meyer, Substitute Parliamentarian
Joyce reminded us that we conform to Robert’s Rules of Order. Direct comments to the President to be recognized. Fill out orange sheets when making a motion.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting Bethanie Whittaker, Substitute Secretary
Written report submitted by Jeri Wenberg, ICEC Secretary. Minutes were read by ICEC Executive Board members. Karen Garman made a motion “to accept the minutes from November 1, 2007 meeting.” Second by Michael Daly. Motion passed unanimously.
4. President’s Report Heather Tratt
Written report.
Two past presidents have passed away this year: Bob Leach and Margaret Ortinau-Simons. Margaret was honored at this meeting with an empty seat at the table.
Heather Tratt asked for a moment of silence to honor both pas-presidents. Heather Tratt received a thank-you card from the Simons family. Heather Tratt informed national CEC of the deaths of Bob Leach and Margaret Ortinau Simmons.
1900 flyers were mailed for Spring Conference 2008.
Heather Tratt communicated with National CEC regarding the RA change from Mary Camp to Iris Kerbis Puccini, effective January 1, 2008.
5. President-Elect’s Report Betsy Murphy
Written report.
Betsy Murphy will be attending National CEC Convention in Boston, MA. She will attend the State/Provincial Unit President’s Meeting and the State/Provincial Unit Chair’s Meeting. Heather Tratt will also be attending. Betsy Murphy will get information for Beth Bobel regarding membership.
6. Past-President’s Report Margaret Ortinau Simons (deceased)
No report.
7. Treasurer’s Report Michael Daly
Written report. Checks are written as of the end of February. Michael Daly noted a $35,000 transfer from the checking account to the Money Market Fund, and he drew attention to the current balances.
8. CEC Representative Report Bob Abbott and Iris Kerbis Puccini
Written. Bob Abbott thanked Mary Camp for her work as CEC Representative for the past two years. Iris Kerbis Puccini was introduced as the new CEC Representative, serving with Bob Abbott. Iris Kerbis Puccini will get information off the website and sharing it with Bob Abbott.
The Necrology Report was sent around the table to be updated by Iris Kerbis Puccini. Bob Abbott and Iris Kerbis Puccini need the list of the ICEC Executive Board Members. Beth Bobel will send that to them.
Susan Fowler will lead a Strategic Planning meeting in Boston. Strategic planning is the focus of the RA Meeting. Divisions are currently being surveyed. Bob Abbott did discuss strategic planning with Susan Fowler at the ICEC Fall Convention.
Bob Abbott encouraged members going to Boston to make hotel reservations quickly and to make sure that the hotel is in the area you want.
There will be a $3 dues increase. There is no resolution on the dues increase for retired members discussion.
Flyers for the Boston National Convention were distributed. The Pioneer Showcase will feature Pam Gillett. Bob Abbott asked for any ICEC members going to Boston to come to the Showcase to help greet.
They will represent Illinois to the best of their abilities, and make sure our voice is heard.
9. ISCEC President’s Report Emily Weaver
Written report. Emily Weavers report was incorrectly numbered as 43. She asked that board members change the report number their copy of the report. Emily Weaver is looking forward to the 2008 Fall Convention and student activities. There will be 11 NEIU students attending National CEC Convention. They will contact other student chapters to plan an informal social event there. She sent a sheet around for email address to make contacts.
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
10. Region I Elizabeth Mackie
No Report.
11. Region II Lyle Goldensoph
Written report. Black Hawk Chapter #48 had a Meet and Greet, on January 11, in Moline. It was well received. People were encouraged to take flyers which contained information about membership and Spring Conference along with the President’s Message and ICEC website. Chapter #48 is gearing up for spring activities in the area.
Beth Bobel questioned the date on the membership forms Lyle Goldensoph had. She will check the forms for the correct dues amount and date. She will send new forms dated 2008 to all who request them.
On Thursday, Michael Daly, Natalie Komo and Lyle Goldensoph spoke at NIU about finding a job and the hiring process. Joyce Meyer thanked Lyle Goldensoph, Natalie Komo and Michael Daly for visiting the universities and making personal contacts.
12. Region III Karen Garman
Written report. The Bradley University chapter has been very active.
Chapter 79 will have Bosses Night May 14. Karen Garman invited President Heather Tratt to the dinner. Chapter 79 will have a Make & Take at Spring Conference.
Karen Garman asked for contact information for UOICEC. Bob Abbot suggested she contact Susan Fowler, CEC President, who is on-campus. Beth Bobel will send Karen Garman the email address for Susan Fowler. Bob Henderson, retired, may also be a contact. Missy Jones will give Karen Garman a contact name. Robin Miller Young gave contact names. Natalie Komo asked for a list of the contacts. She will try to visit the campus once we know who the contact is on campus before the school year ends.
13. Region IV No Region IV. Has been absorbed. See #45.
14. Region V Kathryn Neu
Written Report. Chapter 696, SIUE has a new faculty advisor: Dr. Craig Miner. Kathryn Neu will be attending a meeting at SIUE this spring. The Region may pay for a hotel room for students attending the Spring Conference.
15. Region VI Bobbi Kearney
Written report. Oral report given by Betsy Murphy for Bobbi Kearney. EIU is very active. Katie Hoving and Anita Fisher may be visiting EIU with Natalie Komo during break. They may try Polar Plunge there!
16. Region VII Martha Vache
Written report. Chapter 102 has been very active. Martha Vache has given the Officer list for Springfield Chapter 102 to Michael Daly. They have added CEC members from Decatur to the Springfield Chapter.
On March 12, Jacksonville Chapter 99, will host a progressive dinner with a presentation. Four former ICEC Clarissa Hug Teacher’s of the Year (Sue Carter, Joyce Ginder, Susan Roegge and Martha Vache will share lesson plans and techniques. They generally have 65-100 attendees at meetings.
Several student CEC members will be joining as professional members.
17. Region VIII Beth Bobel
Written report. Beth Bobel attended Chapter 336’s Board Meeting on January 15, 2008. They also had a “Night at the Movies” on January 24, and are planning a ECW “Yes I Can” Brunch for May 4, 2008. Applications for student awards have been mailed. This event is always a sell-out.
Chapter 57 is sponsoring an ECW event this evening. They are sponsoring a dance for 10 surrounding high schools. There have been a lot of responses and they received 25 calls from people bringing groups. As part of the week’s events, students presented fundraisers and awareness posters.
North Park University wants to be recognized as a chapter. Discussed was the recognition of a student chapter at North Park University.. The chapter has been active for over a year and has sponsored activities. Ellen Griffin is the sponsor there. Beth Bobel contacted National CEC, which told her that they would choose a number for the chapter.
Beth Bobel made a motion “that we would recognize North Park University’s student chapter.” Iris Kerbis Puccini seconded the motion. Discussion: Iris Kerbis Puccini said the NPU is very excited about ICEC. They have 20+ members and meet the criteria for a chapter. National CEC has Okayed the chapter, which consists of graduate and undergraduate students, since the graduate students are not employed. They are just starting to certify teachers. Beth Bobel noted that NPU meets on Wednesday nights. Emily Weaver will attend a meeting. Elizabeth Mackie will try to go. Motion passed unanimously. Beth Bobel will contact NPU with the news.
Martha Vache commented on students who are joining ICEC as professionals. Bob Abbott said that CEC is implementing a new plan of transitioning for students to remain as active members of CEC. There is an adjustment of fees. Pioneers Division is meeting with students regarding mentoring. SIUC has participated in this. Bob Abbott was surprised that National CEC was going to assign a chapter numbers since they do not recognize chapters. Bob Abbott did not think that we should assign a number to a chapter who reactivated. Beth Bobel asked if we could assign a number if National CEC did not. Bob Abbott said it is easiest to give the chapter the number of the year. What number to give was questioned along with how to choose it. Bob Abbott and Iris Kerbis Puccini will investigate this matter.
SUBDIVISIONS
18. Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) Lynette Williams
Iris Kerbis Puccini reported that ISBE is mailing out their site by site comparison from the Federal law Illinois interpretation. The Governor’s task force is looking into extending the internship for principals for up to one year prior. ISBE RtI information is on the web. They will have a district a self-assessment tool. There will be a liaison coming to the ICEC Executive Board Meetings.
19. Illinois Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (ILCCBD) Bethanie Whittaker
Written report. Reported on ILCCBD Drive-In held in Naperville, February 22-23, 2008. Dr. Cheryl George, President of CCBD, made two presentations. There was and RtI panel on Friday, February 22. Next meeting will be at Spring Conference at the Radisson.
20. Illinois Division of Career Development and Transition (IDCDT) Donna Ree
Written report.
21. Illinois Division for Developmental Disabilities (IDDD) Iris Kerbis Puccini
Oral report/no written report. Iris Kerbis Puccini got mailing labels for IDDD member from Illinois. They will revitalize the subdivision. , Iris Kerbis Puccini hopes that IAA will reunite the subdivision. Discussed were items included on the IAA.
22. Illinois Division on Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (IDDEL) Rita Brusca Vega
Written report. Rita Brusca Vega will be going to the National CEC Convention in Boston.
**Moved Report #23 to after Report #26 for this meeting only.
24. Illinois Division for Learning Disabilities (IDLD) Robin Griswold
Oral report by Bob Abbott no written report. IDLD will be meeting at the Spring Conference at 7:30 AM. They will discuss transfer and transition plans. Karen Tipp will be the new IDLD president.
This is the 25th Anniversary of IDLD. There is a celebration and presentation planned for the ICEC Fall Convention.
25. Illinois Subdivision Pioneers Division (ISPD) Bev Johns
Written report.
26. Illinois Teacher Education Division (ITED) Melissa Jones
Written report. ITED held a conference call meeting this week. There will be no higher education spring conference this year because of no ISBE funding and little interest.
23. Illinois Division for Early Childhood (IDEC) Robin Miller Young
IDEC met regarding Share-A-Vision at the fall conference in 2007. They meet every two years, so the next conference will be October 7-9, 2009 at the Westin in Lombard.
May 13 – IDEC will discuss by-laws in Bolingbrook.
Robin Miller Young will be meeting with Michael Daly to discuss Share-A-Vision.
Betsy Murphy discussed returning Illinois Teachers of the Hearing Impaired to subdivision status. Bob Abbott stated that they were never a subdivision, but an affiliate. They need to petition to reactivate by writing a letter to the president and ask to reactive with affiliate status. They would have no voting rights as an affiliate. Beth Bobel suggested that Nancy Riggin be asked about policy because they were never disbanded.
STANDING COMMITTEES
27. Awards Mary Camp
Written report. Mary Camp as included the forms in her report: Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award, Legislator of the Year Award, Meritorious Service Award and the Outstanding Contributor Award. Please adjust the dates on the forms to November 6, 7, 8. Heather Tratt encouraged all board members to complete the forms. They are due May 24, 2008.
28. By-Law and Policy Nancy Riggin
Written Report. PROPOSED CHANGE: ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES was tabled because there were not 45 days prior to Delegate Assembly in which to notify delegates of the proposed change. Delegates will be notified before the Fall Delegate Assembly.
29. Communication (Newsletter) Samantha Thomas
Written report. The Spring Newsletter was submitted to the printer. Fall Convention is highlighted. Spotlights include Spring Conference and the Jacksonville Chapter.
30. Convention Site Betsy Murphy
Written report. The committee met with the hotel. They are wrapping up fall details. Fall Convention 2008 will be held at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, IL.
31. Credentials and Elections Cathy Anderson
Written report. Cathy Anderson distributed delegate forms. Please mail or fax the completed forms to her.
32. Exceptional Children’s Week/“Yes I Can” Awards
Anita Fisher and Dr. Joan Rog
Written report. Miles Williamson will be awarded the “Yes I Can” award at Spring Conference. His work will also be displayed onsite at the conference.
Betsy Murphy remarked that the Regional Directors had asked about Exceptional Children’s Week activities. There will be information at Spring Conference to help rebuild this activity. Bob Abbott informed us that there is a huge file and handbook for Exceptional Children’s Week in the History.
33. Fall Convention 2007 Melissa Jones and Joyce Meyer
Written report. This year’s conference registration was 95 people for Thursday and 214 for Friday and Saturday. There was a small profit made on the convention. They spoke with the hotel last night and today about this year’s conference. Missy Jones commended the 2007 Convention Committee.
33a. Fall Convention 2008 Melissa Jones and Joyce Meyer
Oral report. They are looking at streamlining the committee and possibly changing the format of the convention. A more targeted program with a narrower focus is being considered, as well as no partnership for the Thursday session. Missy Jones and Joyce Meyer are seeking ideas for a keynote speaker.
34. Finance Lyle Goldensoph
Written report. Lyle Goldensoph drew attention to Line Number 203. Region III will be receiving $50 to make their amount $300. This is due to the regional director’s university assignments.
Cathy Anderson asked for a corrected list of which universities are in which Regions.
35. Governmental Relations Corrine Woehler
Written report. The committee met March 8, 2008. They discussed special education class size, and will be contacting the IFT and IEA regarding this issue. ISBE has a site for Response to Intervention implementation and will listen to teachers’ concerns regarding RtI. Corrine Woehler has been scanning legislative sites and is looking for a system in order to the get information retrieved and to the Board in a timely fashion. If you have legislative information, please pass it on to Corrine. Bob Abbot suggested contacting Matt Cohen’s website, where there is an analysis of current information.
Betsy Murphy asked about special education extraordinary funding. Are we getting monies to districts to show our support? Corrine answered that, yes, that is happening.
Iris Kerbis Puccini credited Corinne Woehler for building relationships with other organizations and noted that Corinne will be an excellent liaison.
36. History Bob Abbott
Written report. Bob Abbott has provided Treasurer Michael Daly with not-for-profit information he needed for the audit. He also noted that to maintain our not-for-profit status, we need to keep accurate records and updated forms.
Bob Abbott has prioritized ICEC history items and will work this summer with Beth Wignot and Samantha Thomas to scan them. He will be developing a solution for the incomplete histories. It has been hard to get people together. He will be working with Missy Jones and Joyce Meyer to get interviews completed at Fall Convention.
Bob Abbot reminded us that rental fees for the space at ASM are due in May 2008. Michael Daly will cut him a check for the fee at Spring Conference.
We have to prove actions or we could be open to lawsuits. Minutes are not to say “Report on File”. This has been recorded and there has often been no report filed. Precedence for this has been set. Motions must be recorded precisely: what was approved, what was not approved, the nays and the abstainers. We must be very precise in show what motion was approved.
Charlie Zimmer sent an appreciation to the Board via Bob Abbott. Included was a photo of the stained glass door at the Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria, IL, which is a memorial for Dr. Lesley Graham (former President of ICEC) along with an update.
Oral history room – Iris Kerbis Puccini would like to watch videos of the oral histories at Fall Convention 2008. She suggested we have a theater room at the convention in which to do this.
37. Membership Beth Bobel and Natalie Komo
Written report. ICEC membership has increased to 1933.
Beth Bobel made a motion “to recognize North Park University’s new student chapter. CEC will assign a chapter member.” Second by Iris Kerbis Puccini. Motion passed unanimously.
Natalie Komo gave kudos to Beth Bobel for the work she has put in on this.
38. Nominations Dr. Francis Carroll and Dr. Vinni Hall
No report.
39. Past-President’s Advisory Committee Margaret Ortinau-Simons (deceased)
No report. Past-presidents will meet at Spring Conference. Margaret Ortinau-Simons had asked someone to moderate the last two meeting. PPAC will self-run their next meeting.
40. Ray Graham Memorial Fund Betsy Murphy
Written report. Betsy Murphy has updated the Ray Graham Grant application form. Cathy Anderson and Sue Greene will report on the use of the grant money they received at Fall Convention 2008.
41. Scholarship Corrine Woehler
Written report. Corinne Woehler and her committee are using a grading rubric and flow tree to make the scholarship decision more efficient and equitable. It was noted that there is another scholarship form enroute to Corinne through the mail. Report 41 which is included in the packet it the incorrect report; please the correct report on the loose sheet.
42. Spring Conference 2008 Jeanne Fisher and Betsy Murphy
Written report. Spring Conference will be held April 11 – 12 at the Radisson (formerly Jumer’s) in Peoria. Registration flyers were out last week, and registration is up and running on the website. More flyers were mailed today. This year the board meeting will be separate. It will be Friday night at 7 PM. There will be a very abbreviated Delegate Assembly Saturday morning. Action items will be presented along with brief, timed reports.
Betsy Murphy reported that Pioneers will meet on Friday at 5 PM, IDLD will meet at 7 AM on Saturday and ILCCBD will also meet at the conference.
Karen Garman was thanked for acquiring the keynote speaker. Others who found speakers were thanked, also.
Regions and Subdivisions were asked for baskets for the basket auction. Information for basket delivery will be at the registration table. Betsy Murphy will send this information. Some baskets will be sold by silent auction, others will be sold during a live auction at lunch.
The room block at the Radisson will be released March 18. Please make your room reservations early.
43. Student Activities Natalie Komo, Katie Hoving and Ken Hoving
Written report. Natalie Komo, Michael Daly and Lyle Goldensoph visited NIU, and Student Activities will be sponsoring four students from NIU to go to Spring Conference. Michael Daly and Lyle Goldensoph visited WIU on Monday. Natalie Komo will be visiting EIU in April and will be contacting Missy Jones about that visit. If anyone wants to visit a university in their area, Natalie Komo will give them the information they need. Natalie Komo will distribute a letter that board members may copy and distribute to universities in order to increase ICEC awareness.
A specific day for just students will be advertised for Fall Convention. Surveys will be sent to compile date to find out where we are missing students and what is missing from the our program for them.
Regional Directors were thanked by Natalie Komo for contacting universities and disseminating information to them.
44. Website/Webmaster Samantha Thomas
Written report. The website has been updated. Spring Conference registration is on the website. Fall Convention handouts have been posted for the presenters who agreed to posting.
It was noted that Samantha Thomas saved ICEC several thousand dollars by typesetting the Fall Convention program herself. She was commended for this work.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
45. Explore Illinois CEC Chapters and Regions Dr. Joan Rog
Region IV no longer exists. It has been absorbed by the other Regions.
46. Communication Advisory Committee Nancy Riggin
Newsletter was proofread by Heather Tratt and Betsy Murphy prior to publication.
47. Mission Statement Bev Johns
No report.
48. Special Thinkers Dr. Vinni Hall
No report.
49. New Business
There will be an Executive Board Meeting on June 7, 2008, at Eaglewood Resort and Spa.
At Fall Convention 2008, we will honor our two past-presidents who have died this year.
50. Old Business
None.
51. Adjournment
Heather Tratt thanked the board for an efficient meeting and discussion. A motion “to adjourn this meeting.” was made by Lyle Goldensoph. Second by Karen Garman. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.
Respectfully submitted, April 11, 2008,
Bethanie J. Whittaker
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