NASDSE Board of Directors: Minutes

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE DIRECTORS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

May 2-4, 1999 Meeting Alexandria, Virginia

Sunday, May 2, 1999

Call to Order: President John Herner of Ohio called the meeting of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc. (NASDSE) to order at 8:45 a.m. EST.

In addition to the President, Board Members participating in the meeting were President-Elect Martha Brooks of Delaware, Secretary-Treasurer Robert Runkel of Montana, Past-President John Corpolongo of Oklahoma, and Board Members-at-Large Carolyn Black of Mississippi, Douglas Cox of Virginia, Jeananne Hagen of Iowa, and Steve Johnson of Oregon. Executive Director Martha Fields, Deputy Executive Director Bill East and Special Assistant for Governmental Relations Myrna Mandlawitz were also present at appropriate times throughout the meeting.

Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by consensus of the Board.

Approval of Minutes from the January 8-9, 1999 Board Meeting and the April 6, 1999 Conference Call: The motion to approve both sets of minutes as presented in writing was made by John Corpolongo with a second by Doug Cox. The motion carried. Steve Johnson inquired as to the possibility of posting Board minutes on the NASDSE website. Discussion followed about the possibility of providing an executive summary for the membership. It was agreed that sharing the minutes to the membership via the web was a desired goal, and that NASDSE staff would explore how this could be accomplished. It was decided that this should be discussed further at a future Board Meeting

Executive Director's Report: Executive Director Martha Fields presented a report that described activities related the four goals established for her by the Board. Activities related to the following four goals: (1) Continue to provide leadership to the field of special education, (2) Continue to improve external relationships, (3) Continue to improve the internal management of the organization, and (4) Continue to improve the fiscal management and diversify the funding base of the organization. The report demonstrated continued positive results in the four goal areas. Highlights included expanded governmental contacts, influence on federal regulations, a successful satellite series, successful annual meeting, numerous publications, strong relationships with Congress and staff, implementation of a quality website, and an expanded revenue base.

Executive Session: John Corpolongo motioned that the Board of Directors go into Executive Session to discuss the annual evaluation of the Executive Director and related matters. A second was provided by Carolyn Black, and the motion carried. After completing discussion, Doug Cox motioned and John Corpolongo seconded a return to the general session. The motion was approved.

Action Items Following Executive Session: Martha Brooks moved and John Corpolongo seconded the approval of a resolution praising Executive Director Martha Fields for her outstanding performance during the past year, as well as for the past six years during her tenure as Executive Director. The motion adopting the resolution was unanimous. The resolution is provided below:

Based on outstanding performance for the past year and in recognition of six years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization, the Board awards a bonus inclusive of the pension benefit.

Executive Session: Steve Johnson made a motion, seconded by Doug Cox, to enter into Executive Session to consider matters related to the Executive Director's position. The Board interviewed candidates for Executive Director to replace Martha Fields who was retiring. After completing discussion, Doug Cox motioned and John Corpolongo seconded a return to general session. The motion was approved.

Action Items from Executive Session: John Corpolongo made the motion that, based upon a comprehensive national search chaired by President-Elect Martha Brooks, Dr. Bill East, Deputy Executive Director of NASDSE, be named as its Executive Director. The Board was unanimous in its adoption of the motion. The Board developed a process for making the announcement regarding the new appointment and reviewed a sample press release.

Financial Report for Second Quarter: Secretary-Treasurer Robert Runkel and Dick Crutchley of Crutchley, Marginot and Tosi presented the financial report from the second quarter. The report provided a positive financial status for the NASDSE organization overall. Concern was expressed regarding the RIATT@NASDSE operation, which will be monitored closely over the new few months. Steve Johnson motioned and John Corpolongo seconded that the report be accepted.

Proposed 1999-2000 Budget: Dick Crutchley and Martha Fields presented the proposed 1999-2000 NASDSE projected budget worksheet. The Board discussed the $3 million budget and approved it as a working document after John Corpolongo's motion and Steve Johnson's second.

Status of Possible Funding Sources: Executive Director Martha Fields discussed the status of several initiatives that could lead to new leadership opportunities and funding for NASDSE. NASDSE had participated in the submission of six applications for federal funding. These applications were: 1. Research Institute to Improve Results for Adolescents with Disabilities in General Education Academic Curricula. 2. Improving the Delivery of Early Intervention, Special Education or Related Services to Children with Disabilities from High Poverty Backgrounds. 3. Model Demonstration Project for Children with Disabilities: Appropriate Services for Children with Deaf-Blindness. 4. National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. 5. Research Institute to Enhance the Role of Special Education and Children with Disabilities in Education Policy Reform. 6. Improving Post-School Outcomes: Identifying and Promoting What Works.

Wingspread IV Conference: Executive Director Martha Fields shared an updated agenda and briefly discussed the conference to be held in early October. Further updates will be provided as needed to prepare the Board to participate in this fourth Wingspread Conference.

Consideration of Board Resolution Limiting Current Board Members' Participation in the Board of Directors Nominations and Selection Process: The Board has had a long-standing practice of not getting involved in the nominations process for new Board members. The Board considered whether to adopt a resolution to provide Board members guidance in this matter. However, after discussion, the decision was made to continue this general practice, but no formal action should be taken.

Consideration of NASDSE Policy Manual Revision: Executive Director Martha Fields proposed several policy manual revisions which would update the existing NASDSE manual. Steve Johnson motioned and John Corpolongo seconded approval of the changes. The motion carried.

Adjournment: By consensus, the Board agreed to adjourn for day one of their meeting. President Herner called for the adjournment at 4:50 p.m.

Monday, May 3, 1999

Executive Director Announcement: Prior to continuing day two of its meeting, the Board met with the NASDSE staff to inform them of the appointment of Dr. Bill East as the next Executive Director of NASDSE.

Call to Order: President Herner called the Board of Directors meeting to order at 9:09 a.m. and set the order for the work of the Board for day two.

Governmental Relations Report/Discussion: Special Assistant for Governmental Relations Myrna Mandlawitz joined the meeting to provide an update. Before beginning the report, Board Members praised Myrna for her recent work on the "Side-by-Side" comparisons of the IDEA regulations. Myrna Provided a handout and lead a discussion related to Ed flex, funding, Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Act reauthorization, discipline, and RRC funding. The Board discussed their upcoming meeting with OSEP's Director Tom Hehir to discuss Part D funding which includes funding for the RRCs.

Discussion with Cindy Brown - CCSSO: The Board of Directors was visited by Cindy Brown, Director of the Resource Center on Educational Equity, of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Cindy lead a discussion of ways the CCSSO has worked with NASDSE -- such as being a partner in the Policymaker Partnership initiative, and in submitting two applications for federal funding. She provided CCSSO materials and discussed priorities such as professional development research, assessment and accountability.

Discussion with Dane Linn - NGA: The Board of Directors was visited by Dane Linn, the Education Liaison for the National Governors Association. Board members introduced themselves to Dane and shared some of the activities and issues in their states. Dane shared information regarding NGA's emphasis on including students with disabilities in accountability programs, educational technology and connecting it to policy and practice, school safety, reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Part B funding (especially funding for the RRCs).

Update on NASDSE Projects and Initiatives: Executive Director Martha Fields directed Board Members' attention to the written update summaries of NASDSE projects and initiatives. The Board received the written updates prior to the meeting and did not require clarification.

Update of NASDSE Annual Conferences for 1999 and 2000: Executive Director Martha Fields shared that planning for the 1999 meeting at Lake Tahoe (Nevada) and the 2000 meeting in Florida was progressing. She believes that the agenda for the 1999 meeting is outstanding. NASDSE will provide a pre-conference activity with Steve Kukic offering the Covey "Trust Building" workshop on Saturday prior to the conference.

Report on Precincts: Board Members shared information from states in their areas of the country. States in the Southeast were concerned about the lack of information and support for monitoring. Bob Runkel has agreed to write the experiences of Montana and share with other states. States in the Great Lakes region were concerned about teacher shortages and teachers aging out. A new director will be in place in Kansas soon. In the West, Alaska has a problem of availability of state staff, Hawaii has their court case, and California has political issues related to the control of that state's education system. In summary, states are very busy at various stages of implementing the IDEA 1997 and Regulations.

Resolution of Appreciation for Tom Hehir: In recognition of Tom Hehir's many contributions to special education as the Director of OSEP, and pending move to another position outside of the federal government, the Board approved a resolution of appreciation from NASDSE. President John Herner and Executive Director Martha Fields presented the resolution to Tom at a conference on May 4,1 999. This resolution was approved after a motion by Steve Johnson and a second by Jeananne Hagen.

The HOSTS Program and Information Regarding Board States: Executive Director Martha Fields and President-Elect Martha Brooks shared information regarding this Delaware-based program that promotes one-on-one mentoring in schools. The program has been successful in a number of states and was present in many of the Board Member states. Martha Brooks and Bill East plan to visit a HOSTS site in Delaware to learn more about the potential of this program for the NASDSE membership and organization.

Board of Directors Meeting in Bar Harbor, Maine: Board Members and staff discussed the logistics for the June Board Meeting to be hosted by Past President David Stockford. The Board will meet on June 26-27 and then participate in part of Maine Local Directors meeting. NASDSE is very appreciative of the support from Maine and its Special Education Director.

Adjournment: Being no further business for consideration by NASDSE's Board of Directors, President Herner adjourned the meeting at 5:08 p.m. after a motion by John Corpolongo and second by Steve Johnson.

On Tuesday morning, May 4, the Board attended NASDSE's CSPD Conference in Arlington, Virginia. At this meeting the Board was introduced and the Resolution of Appreciation was presented to Tom Hehir.

Submitted by: Robert Runkel Secretary-Treasurer

Approved: (date)