Proposed Minutes

President Bolton called the meeting to order at 4:49 p.m.

In attendance: Mary Ann Achorn, Ronald Bennett, Jim Bolton, Lisa Brightman, Shirley Campbell, Jack Day, Martin Friedman, Karen Galbraith, Mary Beth Hengelbrok, Linda LaCoe, Wally Leech, Sean McDonough, Ann Noonen, Jamie Plaster, Jacqueline Smith, Paul Welliver

Guests in Attendance: Celina Byers, Michelle Demenico, Mark Radcliffe.

President Bolton posted the agenda for the meeting and asked for a motion to approve. Wally Leech moved to approve the minutes. Sean McDonough seconded. Agenda approved.

Sean McDonough made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous board meeting. Wally Leech seconded. Minutes approved.

Ron Bennett distributed copies of the Treasurer’s Report. Ann Noonen motioned to approve the report. Sean McDonough made the second. The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Paul Welliver handed out a report on the Archives. He noted that Janet Holiday’s “stuff” came to him and he has organized the items. He discussed that he did not throw out that he thinks he might want. He would like to bring all of the items in and possibly have the board go through and decide if there is more to dispose of. He is in the process of looking for a location to house the items. He noted that he did get some items from Art McDonald, Gary Knight, and ???. Wally Leech asked how many boxes there are. Wally offered to volunteer some nice space at the resource center. Paul and Wally will discuss in the future since Paul would like to hold off until he brings the items for further “weeding”. President Bolton thanked Paul for all of his efforts.

President Bolton took a survey of how many members present will be attending ISTE in San Diego. There were about three. He questioned if it because of dates. Some responded that it was due to a conference.

Jim updated us on some initiatives (such as PDE’s Classroom of the Future) that we’ll be hearing more about at the conference. He would like to release a public statement supporting these items. Jim noted that this is very good step in moving PA and educators to 1 to 1 computing and PAECT is ready to help with the professional development pieces. Jacquie asked if Jim could give us a little background of the initiative. Jim explained that PDE is looking to put a laptop on every desk in high school level core subjects. They will start with 100 schools the first year with $20 million. There will be lots of resource training over three years with money from the state and federal government. Even though the focus is on high schools at this time, there is a science elementary level piece. This has also inspired an initiative for principals and improved resources for libraries with a greater emphasis being PA Competes. Jim is hoping for us to position ourselves to be a big part of this. Wally asked, “has there been research looking at other states and what they’ve done?” Sean responded yes, but we are looking to extend to even the next level. Mary Ann brought up an incident at a middle states evaluation but the board tabled the issue because of increased IT needs (mainly people) and questioned the type of funding. Sean stated that these would be competitive grants. Jim would like to submit a motion “that the board is in support of this initiative both conceptionally and as far as man power support in the implementation of anything that PDE needs from us”. Jim does think there is some need for professional development and the good knowledge in this organization. Jacquie stated it is a great opportunity for the regional directors. Even though there was no motion made, Mary Beth stated that he needs to make the statement anyhow.

Ron Bennett discussed the PAECT booth for PETE & C. He reviewed the booth arrangements and stated that if you can’t work the time(s) scheduled, please find someone to take your place. There are pens and candy to distribute and 40 golf shirts to sell for $25 each (invested $17.50 per shirt). If you receive any checks, please make them out to PAECT. The check will be the receipt. Envelopes will be at the booth for cash (with change available). There are also ribbons to hand out for members, officers, and board members. A membership database listing will be at the table. There are brand new banners – one for in the back of the booth and one for on the table. A special thank you to Karen Galbraith for getting these! Mary Beth asked if we want to hand out temporary cards for new members. Ron stated no, we’ll tell them we’ll send them their new member packet.

As a reminder, the PAECT Awards Banquet and Dinner will start at 7 p.m. in Crystal A. It is a buffet. Towards the end of the meal we will have our business meeting and then the awards ceremony. Following the ceremony will be the President’s reception in the PAECT suite. As a reminder we will be handing out the quick reference guide on Copyright.

Karen Galbraith updated the group on the Student Showcase. It will be held May 22. The application is on the website. Mary Beth will put the pdf version on the website. Applications will also be available at our booth. Sean will be putting the notice out on PennLink. Please get the word out. Sean suggested we hand out applications to groups presenting at the PETE & C student showcase that appear to be “great”.

Martin Friedman handed out a list of the upcoming meetings and events for the year. If you have any questions, please contact Martin.

Shirley Campbell updated the group on the 21^st Century Task Force. She noted that the group would meet immediately after this after this board meeting in this room. There will be invitations located at the booth for people to register so we can get an approximate lunch count. The first general meeting will be held Tuesday at 11:30 in the Crystal Ballroom. The task of regional directors and others attending from PAECT is to sit with people and be excited. If know anyone that can come, please urge them to come. Mary Ann has been posting on website. Celina set up another website for registration to know who is coming. Shirley stated that she is looking for getting funding to pay for food for the regional meetings. She has forms to give to vendors to help with funding. Vendors will be acknowledged in written form (with a paper being handed out). The Task Force needs a response system for each of the regional meetings. We also need laptops and PDAs. Smart System has offered to provide us with response systems and has offered to fund one event. Apple will provide food for at least one event (maybe more) and also some giveaway items. Lyn Nolan is coming from ISTE to tell everyone that ISTE is behind us in this initiative and will send standards to give out at meetings and copies of Leading and Learning to hand out. ISTE will also help us with the data items. ISTE is also looking for funding sources to help us. Jacquie asked who is invited for the kickoff event. Shirley responded that everyone is invited. Shirley stated that if you know anyone that wants to join the task force, just let her know. Also, anyone that wants access to .Mac account, see her. Celina put presentation together for the kickoff event.

Jamie Plaster announced that the Northwest Tech Fair will be held May 4 at Edinboro in Butterfield Hall. They are partnering with Discovery Learning.

Sean McDonough introduced and welcomed Mark Radcliffe from Northcentral region.

Jim thanked all members present for serving and standing behind him (and pushing him) and giving guiding hands and advise. In his words, “we’ve come a long way as we look back”.

Jacquie Smith asked about the elections for next year’s officers. Jack Day stated that elections will be held at the business meeting and that there is a full slate.

Wally thanked Jim for all he has done and stated that we’ve seen a lot of great things happen due to Jim. And, Jim has even shown us what it is like in the Northwest corner of the state! (This was from a recent board meeting.)

Sean McDonough made a motion to adjourn. Jamie Plaster seconded the motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda LaCoe

Recording Secretary