May 31, 2006 Minutes

Board members present: Pat Swanson, Eric Clausen, Paul Meartz, Steve Hayton, Marilyn Weiser, Maxine Trotter, and Robert Kulack. Doug Munski and Curt Eriksmoen via telephone conference call.

Robert Kulack made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2005 telephone conference call Board meeting and the April 25, 2006 draft telephone conference call Board meeting minutes. Steve Hayton seconded. Motion carried.

Marilyn Weiser requested that her report on “My Wonderful World” be moved to a later time on the agenda in order for Doug Munski and Curt Eriksmoen to be included in other items. Request accepted.

Doug Munski and Marilyn Weiser reported on the Federal funding status of the “Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act” (S. 1376) and the “My Wonderful World” campaign. Doug stated this is a multi-prong attempt regarding Federal and State leaders. Conrad and Pomeroy have co-sponsored the bill and he is waiting to hear about Dorgan’s decision. The state level has been positive and Doug is waiting for more replies. He requested that board members call, email and hand-write letters to key State leaders, the Federal representatives and their area media outlets. Bob Dulli reported that the legislation is moving through the Senate and is being introduced into the House. We still have work to do in the Senate. Marilyn Weiser commented that templates for letters are on the “My Wonderful Website.” Doug strongly recommended to personally write your own letter or email.

As of May 30^th, the office has received 30 board member election ballots. At this time it is assumed that the three will be elected; Jeff Beck and Phil Murphy as teacher members and Paul Meartz as a general member. Their terms will begin September 1, 2006.

The 2006 Kress Award recipient is Bonny Berryman. Plaques will also be presented to Sarah Nordby and Gerry Rude for their outstanding work on the “Seeds of Change” project. Presentations of the awards will be during the “SW Agriculture Tour for Teachers” on June 1, 2006.

Eric Clausen distributed his proposal for the 2006-07 program plan. Discussion was held on this item and also the status of the current (2005-06) NGSEF-approved grant contract. Eric Clausen was asked again to sign the contract, and he stated that he has tried to keep the reputation of NDGA respectable and if the board feels it is honoring their promises in the 2005-2006 contract, then he cannot be a part of it. He is willing to sign his 2005-2006 compromise contract. Eric stated that if the board wants the NGSEF-approved contract signed, he is out of the way and the board can move on without him. He will resign on August 31, 2006.

The 2006-07 grant proposal is due July 5, 2006. The payout is to be $35,664. Additional roll-over and additional funds for a total of approximately $86,000 may be available.

Discussion was held regarding continuing the NDGA Magazine and Dakota Alliance Newsletter.

Bob Dulli suggested NDGA ask for money in the 2006-2007 budget to include a year of planning.

Curt Eriksmoen advised it would not be good to take a year off. He feels the momentum of the organization needs to continue. Maxine Trotter stated NDGA would not be inactive, but would be planning.

Bob Dulli, Eric Clausen and Toni Schwartz left the table in order for the remaining board members to discuss several issues.

Steve Hayton made a motion to name a four-member executive committee of the Board to consist of two K-12 teachers and two general members. Marilyn Weiser will become the chairman of the interim board. Robert Kulack seconded. A vote was taken. One opposed, seven in favor. Motion carried.

The four-member board will consist of Marilyn Weiser, Steve Hayton, Maxine Trotter, and Robert Kulack. Marilyn will ask Julie Costello to also serve as a member of this committee. This committee will then represent each of the four quadrants of the state. Minot State University will be asked to remain as the NDGA institutional home. Toni Schwartz will be asked to serve as the clerical manager and administrative assistant during the NDGA interim. The Board named Doug Munski as the liaison for state and national legislation.

Bob Dulli, Eric Clausen and Toni Schwartz returned to the table. Marilyn Weiser discussed the five-year “My Wonderful World” (mywonderfulworld.org) campaign. After a Power Point presentation, she distributed the PSA calling list with a PSA Pitch Script and 5 Steps to Placing a PSA. Marilyn will email the Board members a template and tips for writing a letter to the editor of area newspapers.

Motion to reconvene the meeting was made by Robert Kulack and seconded by Paul Meartz.

A motion was made by Steve Hayton to empower Eric Clausen as NDGA Magazine editor, to notify subscribers that the summer issue (August) will be the last issue for the interim as the NDGA Board members evaluate the future of the magazine. Pat Swanson seconded. A vote was taken. One opposed, seven in favor. Motion carried.

Pat Swanson moved to continue the Dakota Alliance Newsletter on-line and honor Paul Meartz’s contract. Maxine Trotter seconded. Motion carried.