RFArea REA Minutes, October 15, 2014

Submitted by Secretary Larry Harred

The meeting was called to order by President Marylin Plansky at 10:40 a.m.  Twenty-two members were present, including 8 new members. 

Secretary’s Report:  Secretary Ethel Johnson’s final set of minutes for the August 2014 meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Bernie Brohaugh’s final treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.

Legislative Report:  Jane Harred noted that Wisconsin’s voter ID law is on hold, so as things now stand, we will not need IDs to vote on Nov. 4.  She also mentioned the transportation referendum that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot (more available on the blog); DPI reports on lower-than-average teacher salaries in Wisconsin; tax spending on private voucher schools, some of which fail to meet basic standards; and the Walker administration’s rejection of a complaint from labor groups that Wisconsin’s current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is not a living wage.

Programs:  Program Chair Ruth Wood reminded members that the program schedule for 2014-15 is available in the latest issue of the newsletter.  The next regular meeting is on Nov. 19, when Tony Pedriana will inform us about the “Jump Start to Literacy” program.  For the remainder of the 2014-15 year, business meetings will be held in December, February, April, and June.

 

The next book discussion will take place on Wed., Nov. 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the Lewis Room at the West Wind Restaurant.  Tony Pedriana will lead a discussion of The Smartest Kids in the World by Amanda Ripley.  Tony asked us to consider the question “Has American education dropped the ball?”

Scholarships:  Marylin Plansky relayed a message from Gene Kreibich that Royal Neighbors will donate a match of up to $500 to benefit the scholarship fund.  Our fundraiser for scholarships, the bake sale, will be held on April 2, 2015.

Membership:  Laura Zlogar reported that 8 new members were in attendance at the meeting: Gorden Hedahl, Jean Loudon, Glenn Potts, Jeanette Potts, Jean Ritzinger, Vicki Cobian, Judy Siebolt, and Cheryl Mapplethorp.  The new members introduced themselves.

Educational Issues:  Evelyn Klein reported on three educational issues:  the UW initiative involving the new flex degree program, which will be administered at UW-Milwaukee; UWRF’s high marks in the state’s school-to-career ranking; and efforts to narrow the achievement gap by creating financial incentives for students of color to choose careers in elementary and secondary education.

Old Business

All members who have been a part of WREA for 20 or more years will receive “honored members” recognition at the December meeting.

Marylin Plansky asked members to study the list of committees attached to the agenda and inform Bernie Brohaugh if they wish to serve on any of them.

She also announced that she distributed WREA challenge award brochures to schools in the area.

New Business:

Ethel Johnson installed new officers for 2014-15.  They are President Bernie Brohaugh, Vice President Marylin Plansky, Treasurer Laura Zlogar, Legislative Chair Jane Harred, Secretary Larry Harred.

Members of 2012-2014 board were congratulated on their hard work.

Doug Johnson reported on three upcoming local arts events and encouraged our attendance: a show at Gallery 120, another show at Hammond Arts Alliance, and the Bowls of Hope display at UWRF next spring.

Bernie Brohaugh relayed a request from Ila June Brown-Pratt for volunteers to serve as host families for Brazilian students currently studying at UWRF.

A motion (Jane Harred/Ruth Wood) to begin all meetings at 11 a.m. at West Wind on designated Wednesdays, with exceptions to be noted, passed unanimously.

A motion to adjourn the business meeting (Tony Pedriana/Jeanette Potts) passed unanimously. 

 

Lunch and a panel discussion followed.  The panel consisted of 4 new members, all recently retired educators.  Judy Siebolt, Vicki Cobian, Jean Loudon, and Jean Ritzinger talked about their careers and shared their perceptions of teaching in Wisconsin.  Among the major points:  teachers’ jobs have become more complex; technology has changed the manner of and demands upon teaching; increased emphasis on standards and testing has also added to the complexity of the job.

 

We will continue to discuss these ideas at the next book discussion on Nov. 5.