Minutes of the Classical Association of Florida Friday, April 8, 2016

Friday, April 8, 2016

Orlando Wyndham Resort, Orlando, Florida

CAF President, David Jackson, called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm with 53 members present. David asked for a review of the fall minutes. CAF Secretary proposed the revision of typographical errors and the fall minutes with changes were approved. Generosa Sangco-Jackson moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and the motion was seconded.

David reported that, at the request of the National Committee, Florida will assist Alabama to host the 2017 National Junior League Convention at Troy State University. Committee members will be needed.

The 2016 Florida Foreign Language Association Conference will be October 20-22 in Kissimmee, Florida. David reported that proposals are needed and the deadline for submission is coming up next week.

David concluded by thanking the group for the opportunity to serve as CAF President and expressed his fondness for the organization. Because of his other professional duties, he declared he would not seek reelection.

CAF Vice President Travis King stated State Forum was taking place as planned. Travis also reported that he must step down from office due to imminent relocation out of state.

David Jackson interjected that, in accordance with the CAF constitution, the Executive Board has appointed Rachel Robinson from the Classical Academy of Sarasota as the new vice president.

CAF Secretary Meredith Borum inquired on the winner of the CAF raffle basket at the FFLA Convention last October. Aurelia Ogles stated that an individual outside of CAF won the basket. Meredith reminded group to sign in on the attendance sheet.

CAF Treasurer Craig Bebergal stated that the organization currently has 89 members. He commented that a number of dues were remitted after the deadline and encouraged the membership to communicate if the deadline should be moved.
Craig reported a total balance of $6,178.74 with $5,084.74 in the general fund, $969 in the Marie Girardeau scholarship fund, and $125 reserved for the essay contest. The essay contest was not offered this year. Expenses include $180.46 for the raffle basket and $40 for the Teacher of the Year plaque. Disbursements for the Marie Girardeau Scholarship, $495, and the travel scholarship, $2000 are anticipated in the upcoming year.
Craig reviewed requirements to be considered for the Teacher of the Year award as well as those currently eligible: Craig Bebergal, Keith Bloin, Meredith Borum, Phil Dillinger, Guy Earle, Tony Haackman, Judith Hahn, DJ Holt, Amy Hornick, David Jackson, Janice Lee, Juliana Mosley, Leslie Peebles, Geoff Revard, Daniel Robie, Pierce Taylor.

Craig Bebergal spoke on behalf of the Scholarship Committee that it received some applications and would be awarding both the Mama G and FJCL scholarships. He also asked for ideas on how to raise interest and applications for scholarships in the future.

Florida State Chair Adam Mize reported on the NJCL Convention, being held July 25 - August 30 in Indiana. He mentioned the NJCL Miller Fellowship which covers the packet cost for new teachers. He advised the group that packets would likely beginning selling out in April or early May so interested individuals should act as soon as possible. There will be no statewide trip, due to prohibitive pricing. Adam added that trends in bus charter cost indicates to him that it only be feasible to plan bus trips for conventions within the Southeast and he anticipates a large group for next summer’s Convention at Troy State University. Leslie Perkins inquired whether Florida, as cohosts, will be restricted in the number of delegates it is allowed. Unsure of the answer, the topic was tabled for further investigation. Generosa Sangco-Jackson pointed out that the Indianapolis International Airport is over an hour from the convention site and discussion followed regarding shuttle options and prices. Adam reminded the group that there are two registrations: NJCL and the Florida delegation. He invited the group to contact him with further questions.

From the Nominating Committee, Amy Hornick stated that Phil Dillinger is interested in consideration for the office of President and Kendall Ogles is interested in the office of Secretary. David asked for nominations for President and Travis King nominated Phil Dillinger, seconded by Kyle Gimsey. David asked for nominations for Secretary. Craig Bebergal nominated Meredith Borum and the motion was seconded. Leslie Perkins nominated Kendal Ogles, seconded by Harrison Sepulveda. David stated that Adam Mize’s five-year term as Florida State Chair is coming to a close and opened the floor for nominations. Brenda Fields nominated Adam Mize for another term, seconded by Kendall Ogles. There were no additional nominations. Leslie Perkins asked whether the constitution allows two consecutive terms and discussion followed which indicated two consecutive terms is permitted. David moved that Phil Dillinger and Adam Mize be elected through acclamation for their respective offices and the motion was seconded.

Meredith and Kendall addressed the group as candidates for office of CAF Secretary.

Adam Mize explained that the rationale behind assigned seating at the Forum awards assembly was to manage the proclivity of some groups to arrive extremely early and claim certain areas. Sections in the front of the room are therefore reserved for the top 5 senior schools and top 3 junior schools from the previous year’s competition as well as for the schools of teachers on the Forum Planning Committee. Adam added that this committee is always eager for new members. He clarified that there are no definite vacancies at the moment – just a general, ongoing need for help.

From the Forum Planning Committee, Travis King thanked the group for the amount of help he received in his first – and last – year as CAF Vice President. He asked for suggestions and requests for the event as he prepares his successor Rachel Robison for the fall planning meeting.

Jessica Bradshaw, Forum Registrar, reiterated how the accuracy of student nametags contributed to a smoothly-running Forum and stressed to the group the importance of entering student information carefully and proofreading the confirmation emails she sends before the event.

Janice Lee inquired whether a plan for new Forum registration software is being considered. Operation of the existing software requires bringing in the former registrar each year at the expense of the FJCL. David Jackson added to the discussion that, while his service is greatly appreciated, the additional hotel expense for Jeffrey and the age of the program validates Janice’s inquiry; that the program author, Jim O’Neil (Massachusetts), does not intend to write further software or provide updates to the existing program. So, at some point the group will have to determine whether it is practical and cost effective for the current registrar to require the aid of an additional person in order to perform the tasks required of the position. Janice pointed out that students on the Forum Planning Committee are required to arrive to State Forum early at their own expense which adds the further concern of consistency and equity when adults receive remuneration. Janice requested the topic be discussed and vetted by the group and David stated it would be taken up again at the fall meeting.

The discussion returned to general planning committee topics and Craig Bebergal solicited feedback on this year’s Google Docs online registration form. Generosa requested that users get a submission receipt with an invoice and that fields be added for the school’s head administrator and email address to aid the CAF Vice President when sending letters of commendation after State Forum. Brenda Stevens asked for verification that space for a third sponsor would also appear on the form. Leslie Perkins stated that the certamen registration was confusing because it was included with Ludi events and needs to be a separate registration. Adam Mize inquired whether the submission could be edited at a future time or if subsequent submissions could be enabled as “resubmissions.” Further comments were offered on certamen and Ludi registration.

Craig Bebergal informed the group that CAF Teacher of the Year voting would be open on the website in coming two weeks and invited members to vote.

From the Constitution Committee, Generosa Sangco-Jackson stated that the committee is charged with conducting the five-year review of the CAF constitution. Current difficulties include a nonexistent office and unclear term limits (e.g., the State Chair position.) First, typos will be corrected and the language made consistent. Then, substantive issues will be addressed. The goal is to have a draft presented by the next meeting in October 2016. The suggestion was made that the plan be reversed and glaring issues be remedied before the wording is cleaned up. Generosa indicated there were cascading issues and that the committee will confer independently for further discussion.

As the first item of new business, David directed the group’s attention to a constitutional amendment he proposes to limit terms on the Forum Planning Committee. He states the reason for his proposal is not to discourage participation on the committee but rather to enable involvement of the organization’s number of eager new sponsors. David states that his proposal, with 4-year, renewable term limits, for example is in line with the NJCL guidelines. Benefits include transparency. David read the proposed amendment to Article IV Section 4 of the Bylaws aloud to the membership:

Section 4. Election and Term Limits. Members of the Forum Planning Committee

shall be elected to four year terms. Individuals may serve in one position for two

consecutive terms. After the completion of two terms in the same position, an

individual must vacate that position for at least one term, unless no one chooses

to run for said position. The current members of the planning committee should

schedule the end of their terms so that no more than three officers are up for election

in the first year.

David explained his reasoning and pointed out potential challenges. Aurelia indicated the organization used to have a booklet that stated something similar although it outlined three-year terms. She recommended elections be held one year in advance to allow for an apprenticeship year. Generosa, chairperson of the Constitution Committee, pointed out the issues of ambiguity with the overlapping of CAF offices and Forum Planning Committee positions. She further stated a concern that the verbiage of the amendment contradicts the wording of the current CAF Constitution, a document that already needs attention in the area of consistency. David doubted the wording of the two were in conflict. Further concerns were discussed such as the unpredictability of life, calling officers to move away out of state, for example, that would make strict, prescribed continuity impossible to maintain. Discussion followed. David Jackson moved that there be a vote to approve the amendment. The motion was seconded by Generosa Jackson. The amendment passed and the Planning Committee will work to implement it.

The voting results were announced; Kendal Ogles was elected the new CAF Secretary. David Jackson recognized Ritchie Raulerson’s attendance after an extended absence and he wished Travis King good luck with his upcoming move to North Carolina. Adam Mize recognized new teachers in attendance and they introduced themselves: David Bardou – South Lake High School, Cory Granholm – Satellite High School, Samantha Adamczyk – Community School of Naples, Valerie Oates – Spruce Creek High School, Alexandra Juras – Lincoln High School, and Ariana Louder – Academy of Holy Names.

Jessica Bradshaw asked for the group’s advice on a server host for the Sphinx testing database – the server of the CAF website, that of the FJCL, or a third party. Discussion followed and the consensus was Sphinx may be hosted www.fjcl.org. Jessica also asked for members to see her after the meeting to clarify test writing preferences.

Generosa introduced her University of Florida peer seeking employment, David Hetrick.

Aurelia Ogles solicited those interested in a group trip to Germany in 2017.

Jessica Bradshaw moved to adjourn and was seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Meredith Borum, CAF Secretary