VSTA Board of Directors
Cyber "Meeting"
March 2001
Members participating: Dave White, Judy Corey, Cassie
Major, Bob Raskovitz, Bruce Parks, Kathy Renfrew, Gay Craig
The VSTA Board meeting was held as a cyber discussion
throughout the month of March due to a bit of snow in our respective areas.
This precipitation made travel a challenging adventure even for us.
Officers’ Reports:
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Minutes were reviewed and one correction was made. Judy Corey
could not be the March meeting dinner coordinator because she will be in
Washington with Kathy Renfrew to receive the Presidential Award.
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The treasurer’s report will be reviewed at the April Board
meeting.
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David reported that the PASS assessment standards setting
meetings would be 5/16 for grade 5 and 5/17 for grades 9 and 11.
The Department of Education will reimburse for travel,
substitutes, and hotel accommodations. Board members who can participate
will notify David.
This item was followed by much discussion concerning payment
of teachers for professional work; no consensus was reached at this time.
There are two positions under discussion; teachers are paid by their schools
for professional days and should not be paid again by the DOE, teachers
must do sub plans and invest travel time to participate and should be compensated
for this time beyond the contracted day.
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The newsletter will be published at the April break and any
entries must be sent to Cassie by 4/10. Bruce suggested that we ask Joyce
Tugal to write a District Director’s report.
New Business:
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Claudia Vanderborght is willing to serve on the VSTA board.
The responding members agree that she will be an excellent addition to
our board. Claudia is currently acting as an education consultant.
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VSTA presence at NSTA, St. Louis; David made a motion to
join in a regional event for Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine NSTA members
and to pay up to $200. The motion passed. After attending the Conference
David felt that $50 would cover our share nicely.
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The committee to choose the National Science Camp participants
from Vermont will be formed this month by Kathy Renfrew.
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The committee to choose the Vermont Presidential Award nominees
will be formed at the April meeting. They will meet in May.
Old Business:
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Members suggested that we support the National Wildlife Federation
by sharing our school science contact list, by announcing their activities
in the newsletter, and by including sample activities and student products
in the newsletter.
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Kathy Renfrew suggested we support the State Science Fair
by advertising it in our newsletter and by encouraging high school students
in the advanced science classes to participate.
Action Items:
1) Claudia Vanderborght will be invited to join the VSTA
Board of Directors.
2) VSTA will co-sponsor a hospitality reception at the
St. Louis Convention along with NSTA District II and support the event
with a $200 donation.
3) Don't forget to send newsletter items to Cassie and
consider participating in the VT-PASS standards setting process if you
have not already responded.
Submitted by Gay Craig, Secretary