Metro West Governing Board Meeting
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Virtual Metro West Uniserv Meeting – Zoom
Those of Attendance:
Kay Carlson, SLP, President
Rose Korst, SLP, Secretary
Megan Lhotka, Treasurer
Melissa Benjamin, Orono VP
Shelly Sutherland, ECCS
Dave Clark, Richfield
Monica Byron, Richfield
Marc Doepner-Hove, Westonka
Ann Hersman, Minnetonka
Mark Broten, Minnetonka
Paula Klinger, Hopkins
Anne Naumann, Wayzata
Cory Knudtson, Wayzata
Dennis Fischer, EdMN Field Staff
Adam Janiak, EdMN Field Staff
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 pm by Kay Carlson.
Motion to approve the Agenda with modifications.
MOTION: APPROVE
Motion to approve April Minutes.
Moved: Melissa Benjamin
Seconded: Megan Lhotka
MOTION : APPROVED
- Officer Elections for 2021-2022
President: Kay Carlson
Vice President: Melissa Benjamin
Treasurer: Megan Lhotka
Secretary; Rose Korst
MOTION TO APPROVE THE ABOVE SLATE OF OFFICERS.
Moved: David Clark
Seconded: Mark Broten
MOTION: APPROVED
The current slate of officers were approved.
- Treasurer's Report: Megan Lhotka
Balance in Checking: $594.39
Savings: $39,629.07
- Motion to approve the budget:
Moved: Mark Broten Seconded: Anne Neuman
MOTION: APPROVED
Proposed budget for next year 2021-2022:
A direct copy of what we have used for the last two years. If anyone has an adjustment, please bring it to the August meeting.
We will vote on this budget at the August meeting.
At this moment, the August meeting will most likely be a Zoom meeting. We are hoping to resume live meetings next year.
Will we need more for relicensure ?
- IO Chairs: Kay Carlson
Over 9000 users for professional development. All relicensure courses are on the EdMN website. A
The Unity Campaign—Cohort meeting with 12-15 locals are involved.
The Racial Justice committee is working. There are 11 members. Monica Byron is one of the members.
In the fall the officers would like to come out to do a one hour presentation. We will invite them to come to our October 28 meeting.
We will finalize the 2021-2022 Calendar at the August meeting. At this point lets meet the 4th Thursday of each month.
Local time enhancement grants. Rob Gardner said it will be opened up for more applications again at the end of the school year. Apply now for a June 21 decision. One year grants.
Possibilities: release time, union leave days, stipends.
Unity Campaign. Trying to get at least one member from each local to join.
- Board of Directors. Monica Byron
Membership: 6,806 members at this point.
Everything through EdMN is in good standing. Revenue at 52.4%
Dues will increase by $10 next year. They will go from $463.00 to $473.00. The average salary in Mn is
$67,412.00 (An increase of 6.73% from previous year>)
Racial Justice planning committee. Just sent out a survey and they will compile the data to report back. How people are engaged within locals and community. What can we do moving forward as the result of the survey.
- Council Chairs:
Melissa Benjamin, Communications: The website is up to date.
David Clark, Gov Relations. A tentative agreement with the Governor and the legislators. Waiting to hear what it is.
Marc Doepner-Hove, Negotiations. Waiting to hear what the state funding will be. Marc is sharing a document where he would like you to enter “new strategies” for negotiations this coming year.
Where should we hold our relicensure event this year? A central location? Also a virtual offering. Let's take this up at our August planning session. Will people be up for an in person training? Reengagement seminar? Mix of re engagement and relicensure?
- Set the date for our August planning session. The August meeting will be Thursday, August 19. Meeting will begin at 9am and go through noon. More information to come.
- Adam Janiak. EdMN
Money has been set aside for summer school. Internal deadlines right now. Now is a critical time to reach out to your legislators.
Executive director of EdMN has announced her retirement. Summer school offerings will be online.
Local dues for next year need to be confirmed. Please get membership numbers in.
All the federal funds that have come from the Rescue America Plan, field staff has the info now. The money can be used for stipends, premiums (bonus).
There are districts that want to reward their staff for the hard year they just completed. EdMN is tracking this statewide. Let Adam or Beth know if your district is going to give premiums.
- Ethnic Studies Initiative Coalition. ECCS has 3 facilitators lined up to work with Chaska members this summer. Well attended. People enjoyed it. Think they will try this again this fall in person.
Next year is Westonka's 75th birthday. Shirts will be made up and deep dives into the contract to highlight advances that have been made over the last 75 years will be highlighted. Member engagement will take on a whole look this coming year.
Minnetonka LEMURS will have an informal pre-school meet.
Richfield will be doing an all district Bar B Que for staff copying the idea that union staff started.
Wayzata is applying for a grant. New logo and union branding items. Bash in the fall.
- Open Forum:
A lot of teachers aren't returning to the profession. Young teachers are going international. Those who could retire, did as a result of Covid. Many things are influencing next year.
- MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Moved: Ann Hersman
Seconded: Cory Knutson
MOTION TO ADJOURN: PASSED
The meeting adjourned at 6:29 pm.
See you all August 19 at 9am.
Respectfully submitted,
Rose Korst