148th Maryland State Education Association … · 148th Maryland State Education Association Representative Assembly ... Doug Prouty spoke in support. ... asked if it is possible

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APPROVED

148th Maryland State Education Association Representative Assembly

MINUTES

The MSEA Board of Directors, Executive Director David Helfman, Treasurer Bill Fisher, Vice President

Cheryl Bost, and President Betty Weller were introduced. President Weller called the Representative

Assembly to order at 9:09 a.m.

The JROTC unit from Stephen Decatur High School in Worcester County presented the colors. The unit

was directed by Lieutenant Commander Kelly Reavy.

President Weller thanked all current and past local presidents who were in attendance and recognized

Steve Brooks, CAESS, who served as the sergeant-at-arms.

PRESENTATION OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN

President Weller presented Jon Ericson, parliamentarian. Jon Ericson then provided an overview of the

card system and basic parliamentary procedure.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

President Weller called for a moment of silence in memory of colleagues who have passed away during

the last year.

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Trish Bendler, co-chair, presented the report. There were 36 out of 37 possible affiliates in attendance

and, as of 9:00 a.m., 506 registered delegates out of possible 777 pre-registered.

On behalf of the committee, Trish Bendler moved adoption of the preliminary report as presented. Seeing

no questions, the chair put the question to the body. The body adopted the preliminary report of the

Committee on Nominations and Credentials.

ADOPTED

ADOPTION OF THE RULES

Judith Cephas, co-chair, Bylaws and Rules Committee, moved on behalf of the committee, adoption of

the rules as presented. Seeing no questions, the chair put the question to the body. The body adopted the

rules as presented.

ADOPTED

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

President Weller reviewed the agenda. Teresa McCulloh, moved, Ashlee Anderson seconded, adoption of

the agenda with flexibility. The body adopted the agenda with flexibility.

ADOPTED

MSEA’s Got Talent finalist, Andrew Widger, Somerset County, performed.

PAC CHALLENGE

Vice President Cheryl Bost introduced the 2015 MSEA RA PAC captains and announced that local

delegations that reach 100 percent giving at the $50 level will receive a gold star.

ADOPTION OF THE GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Trish Bendler, co-chair, presented the Guidelines for Nominations and Elections for the 2015 MSEA

elections for adoption.

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Jane Stern moved, David Nicholson seconded, to amend guideline 13 with the addition of the following

after the first sentence: Candidates will have the opportunity to include up to nine brief biographical

items of information of the same approximate length which, in previous years, was available for listing

association positions held, but candidates will be free to choose to select any kind of biographical data

without restriction as to the type of information included.

Seeing no cards, the chair put the question. The body adopted the amendment.

ADOPTED

Paul Lemle, moved, David Nicholson seconded, to amend guideline 27 with the addition of the following

words: MSEA will permit pre-filed candidates, who have filed for candidacy by the Monday before the

MSEA Fall RA and are running for the positions of NEA Director, MSEA officers, and MSEA Board

Members the opportunity to speak to the assembly for three minutes.

Theresa Dudley spoke in support.

Seeing no additional cards, the chair put the question. The body adopted the amendment.

ADOPTED

On behalf of the committee, Trish Bendler moved, adoption of the 2015 Guidelines for Nominations and

Elections, as amended. The body adopted the 2015 Guidelines for Nominations and Elections, as

amended.

ADOPTED

CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITY SEAT ON THE MSEA BOARD

President Weller presented the candidates and noted that candidates may also be nominated from the

floor: Veronica Henderson, ESPBC; Rowena Shurn, PGCEA; Nathaniel Wallace, ACE-AFSCME.

MSEA’s Got Talent finalist, Butch Azbell, Worcester County, performed.

REMARKS BY U.S. LABOR SECRETARY TOM PEREZ

President Weller introduced U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez. Secretary Perez addressed the

representative assembly. He praised educators for their work and unions for the significant role they play.

MSEA’s Got Talent finalist, Amy Anderson, Caroline County, performed.

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Cheryl Bost introduced Betty Weller, MSEA president. President Weller spoke to the need for less testing

and more learning.

CANDIDATE SPEECHES FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITY SEAT ON THE MSEA BOARD

Veronica Henderson and Rowena Shurn gave speeches in support of their respective candidacies.

REMARKS FROM PRINCESS MOSS

NEA Secretary-Treasurer Princess Moss gave remarks to the MSEA RA. Princess Moss reviewed the

NEA primary endorsement process and encouraged delegates to attend the afternoon session on that topic.

ACTION ON PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS

President Weller reported that Bylaw Amendment 1 was withdrawn.

On behalf of the committee, Judy Cephas moved adoption of Bylaw Amendment 2.

Doug Prouty spoke in support.

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Seeing no cards, the chair put the question. The body adopted Bylaw Amendment 2.

ADOPTED


Bill Fisher spoke in support.

Anna Laughlin, point of information, asked how often there is a problem with counties being late with

dues. Betty Weller responded fewer counties are late with dues now than in past years. The amendment is

more about protecting the affiliate relationship between the state and the local. This is to protect members

and the local affiliates.

Paul Lemle spoke in opposition.

Ryan Burbey, question for general counsel through the chair, asked for the negative consequences should

the bylaw be voted down. Kristy Anderson explained the consequences.

Linda McLaughlin, point of information, asked if a local calls for legal counsel, isn’t the affiliation why

those services are received. Kristy Anderson replied yes.

Lori Hrinko spoke in support.

Gary Hammer spoke in support.

Seeing no cards in opposition, the chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed. The body

adopted Bylaw Amendment 3.

ADOPTED

Harry Lawson, NEA, gave brief remarks regarding the afternoon session on the School to Prison Pipeline.

President Weller announced the winners of the MSEA’s Got Talent competition:

Third Place: Butch Azbell

Second Place: Andrew Widger

First Place: Amy Anderson

Cheryl Bost gave the PAC update noting last year $23,000 was raised in the PAC raffle; so far $20,406

has been raised. FCASA, CAESS, and Retired have met the 100 percent goal.

SESSION II

President Weller called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.

FINAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Trish Bendler reported there were 36 out of 37 affiliates in attendance and 638 registered delegates out of

a possible 777 pre-registered. On behalf of the committee, Trish Bendler moved adoption of the Final

Report of the Committee on Nominations and Credentials. The body adopted the Final Report of the

Committee on Nominations and Credentials.

ADOPTED

PAC CHALLENGE UPDATE

Cheryl Bost reported so far $23,896 has been through the PAC raffle. The Carroll County Education

Association met the 100 percent goal.

ACTION ON PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS

Bylaw Amendment 4


David Nicholson spoke in support.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted Bylaw Amendment 4.

ADOPTED

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Bylaw Amendment 5

On behalf of the committee, Judy Cephas moved adoption Bylaw Amendment 5.

Jason Fahie spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 6

On behalf of the committee, Judy Cephas moved Bylaw Amendment 6.

Richard Benfer spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 7

The maker requested to modify Bylaw Amendment 7 as shown on the screen. Hearing no objections, Judy

Cephas moved adoption of Bylaw Amendment 7, as amended, on behalf of the committee.

Gary Brennan spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 8


Joe Coughlin spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 9




ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 12



Tawana Lane spoke in opposition.

Ryan Burbey, point of information, asked if there has ever been a functioning Student Advisory Board.

Betty Weller replied no. She added that when the bylaw was proposed students were not consulted. We

have not been able to find students who are interested.

Cheryl Bost spoke in support.

Donna Christy, point of information, asked if eliminating this bylaw means eliminating funding for future

teacher committees. Betty Weller replied no. This bylaw just eliminates the advisory board; it does not

change funding or commitment to students.

Theresa Dudley spoke in opposition.

Ryan Burbey spoke in support.

Jacob Zebley moved to close debate. Anna Gannon seconded. Debate was closed. The chair put the

question. The body adopted Bylaw Amendment 12.

ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 13


Cheryl Bost spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 10

The maker requested to modify Bylaw Amendment 10 as shown on the screen. Hearing no objections,

Judy Cephas moved adoption of Bylaw Amendment 10, as amended, on behalf of the committee.

Doug Lea spoke in support.

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Greg Beard moved, Darla Heinz, seconded, to refer Bylaw Amendment 10 to a special committee or task

force chosen by the board to review and to bring back to the 2016 MSEA Representative Assembly. Greg

Beard provided the rationale.

Anna Gannon spoke in opposition.

Ryan Burbey, point of information, asked if the bylaw amendment changes MSEA’s current liability in

the case of trusteeship. Betty Weller replied no.

Gary Hammer spoke in opposition.

Lori Richmond spoke in support.

Missy Dirks, point of information, asked if there is a legal definition for integrity. Kristy Anderson

replied yes, there is a great deal of case law that defines integrity.

John Reuschlein, point of information, asked if it is possible for Mr. Hammer to provide a brief synopsis

of what happened in Wicomico. Gary Hammer provided a synopsis.

Kevin Johnson spoke in opposition.

Doug Lea moved, Anna Gannon seconded, to close debate. Debate was closed. The chair put the question

on the motion to refer. The motion failed.

The body returned to the proposed bylaw amendment.

Gary Hammer spoke in support.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted Bylaw Amendment 10

ADOPTED

Bylaw Amendment 11


Russell Leone spoke in support.


ADOPTED

Based on the just approved bylaws, the representative assembly must approve the MSEA Review Board.

The Review Board list was put before the body for approval. The body approved the recommended

Review Board.

APPROVED

CANDIDATE SPEECHES FOR NEA DIRECTOR ELECTION

Theresa Dudley, Paul Lemle, and Nikki Woodard gave speeches.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Bill Fisher, MSEA treasurer, presented the MSEA Treasurer’s Report and then highlighted that MSEA’s

membership has grown from $69,626 to $70,600 in the last year for a second year of strong growth and

reviewed the consolidate revenue and the operating expenses for MSEA.

MARYLAND PTA

Elizabeth Leight, Maryland PTA president gave remarks to the body regarding the importance of parent

involvement and partnership.

REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS

Tawana Lane, co-chair, moved on behalf of the committee, the MSEA Resolutions as amended. There

was a request to set aside B42. The body voted on all Resolutions except B42. The body has adopted all

resolutions except B42.

ADOPTED

Angela Guthrie moved, Phyllis Robinson seconded, to amend Resolution B42. Angela Guthrie provided

the rationale.

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Barbara Stanton spoke in support.

Brandy Reazer spoke in support.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed. The body

adopted the amendment to Resolution B42.

ADOPTED

The body returned to the main motion to adopt B42 as amended. The body adopted Resolution B42 as

amended.

Gary Hammer moved that all items adopted today be reconsidered. The chair replied the RA Standing

Rules do not allow for that motion.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REMARKS

MSEA Executive Director David Helfman addressed the body regarding the importance of engaging

members and the power of organizing.

REPORT OF THE CRISIS FUND

Iris Harris, chair, reported the Crisis Fund increased bringing the balance to $2,627,673, which continues

to exceed the $1,000,000 goal established by the Crisis Fund in 1986. On behalf of the trustees, Iris Harris

moved adoption of the annual report of the Crisis Fund Trust. The body adopted the annual report of the

Crisis Fund Trust.

ADOPTED

NOMINATIONS AND SPEECHES-CRISIS FUND TRUSTEE

Betty Weller reported there is one Crisis Fund Trustee position open for a three-year term.

Susie Jablinske nominated Iris Harris

David Nicholson nominated Betsy Johnson

There were no additional nominations. The chair declared nominations closed. Iris Harris and Betsy

Johnson each gave speeches in support of their respective candidacies. The vote was: Betsy Johnson, 254

and Iris Harris, 289. Iris Harris was elected to a three-year term as a trustee to the Crisis Fund.

ACTION ON NEW BUSINESS ITEMS

NBI 15-01: Less Testing, More Learning

The Representative Assembly calls on members of the association to advance organizing and legislative

strategies that will reduce the time and stakes associated with standardized testing and will work with

local associations to put into place school board resolutions and actions to do the same.

NBI 15-01 was moved by the MSEA Board of Directors. Russell Leone spoke in support.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted NBI 15-01.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-02: Community Schools

The Representative Assembly calls on members to organize efforts to promote the expansion of public

community schools throughout Maryland in order to address the multiple needs of students and the

communities in our most challenging public schools.

NBI 15-02 was moved by the MSEA Board of Directors.

Donna Christy, point of information, asked how much would be connected to privatization of services

that should and could be provided by our staff. Doug Prouty replied the employees are all school system

or county government employees in Montgomery County.

Gary Brennan spoke in support.

Amy Conner spoke in support.


ADOPTED

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NBI 15-03: PARCC

MSEA will call on MSDE to use Maryland’s position as PARCC fiscal agent to further shorten the

assessment, to improve accommodations for all students, to reduce the impact on the school program (i.e.

schedule, technology, personnel), to deliver test results more quickly to educators, and to extend the

moratorium on PARCC as a graduation requirement for the students and on any portion of a teacher or

principal evaluation. MSEA will organize and work collaboratively with education stakeholders on these

issues.




ADOPTED

NBI 15-04: Opt-out

MSEA will call on MSDE to clarify parents’ rights to opt out of state standardized testing and if the

county or school has a policy regarding opt out, that educators should not face disciplinary action for

sharing this information.


Doug Lea spoke in support.

Casey Day-Kells moved and was seconded, to amend the NBI as follows:

MSEA will call on MSDE to clarify parents’ rights to opt out of AND STUDENTS’ RIGHTS TO REFUSE

state standardized testing and if the county or school has a policy regarding opt out, OR REFUSAL, that

educators should not face disciplinary action for sharing this information.

The chair asked if there is objection to adding this as a friendly amendment. There was no objection. The

amendment is considered friendly.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted NBI 15-04, as amended.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-05: Election Endorsement Procedures

That MSEA’s procedures for making endorsements be modified as follows:

1. Candidates for statewide office will be asked specifically to endorse individual items in MSEA’s

legislative platform. Their positions on or responses to the individual items will be provided

before an endorsement vote is to be held. If no response is provided, members will be so

informed.

2. For candidates with voting records on issues in MSEA’s or NEA’s legislative platforms, records

of their votes will be provided before an endorsement vote is to be held.

3. The option not to endorse must always be available when an endorsement vote is to be held.

Seth Rich moved, Angela Guthrie seconded. Seth Rich provided the rationale.

Cheryl Bost spoke in opposition.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The motion failed.

NBI 15-06: Free Speech in the Workplace

That MSEA produce and/or acquire guidelines for members which delineate actions and advocacy which

lie within free-speech grounds and thus should be protected against disciplinary action. These guidelines

should discuss, at least, social media, letters to the editor and similar editorial publications, and in-

person advocacy. These advocacy guidelines should allow for specific recommendations for parent rights

to refuse high stakes tests. These guidelines should be distributed to local affiliates and made available on

MSEA’s website.

Seth Rich moved, Angela Guthrie seconded, NBI 15-06.

Doug Prouty, point of information, the third sentence, asked for clarification. Seth Rich wants

information included regarding how teachers can speak to parents regarding opt-out.

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Linda Mclaughlin, point of information, question to the maker, asked if MSEA is already doing this.

Betty Weller replied there have been 11 articles in ActionLine and information is on the MSEA website.

Jessica Fitzwater, point of information, asked how this will impact what is currently being done. Kristy

Anderson said it will not, though she cannot give specific recommendations without specific facts.

Unidentified delegate, spoke in support.

Karina Colon, point of information, asked if there is a comprehensive guide. Betty Weller replied all

articles are in one place on the website.

Valerie Mainwaring spoke in opposition.

Susan Loftus spoke in support.

Christine Prozik moved to close debate. The chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed.

The body has adopted NBI 15-06.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-07: No Test Scores in Teacher Evaluation

MSEA opposes all use of all use of student test scores in teacher evaluation.

Seth Rich moved, Angela Guthrie seconded NBI 15-07. Seth Rich provided the rationale.

Neil Becker moved an amendment, Sharon Chirgott seconded. Neil Becker provided the rationale.

MSEA opposes THE USE OF STATE STANDARDIZED all use of student test scores in teacher

evaluation. Seth Rich did not consider the amendment friendly.


Jessica Fitzwater, point of information, believes MSEA is already doing this. Therefore, what action

would officers interpret this NBI having MSEA take. Betty Weller responded making member voices

heard at MSDE and in the legislature regarding not using standardized tests in teacher evaluations. Jessica

Fitzwater asked if there is a specific action Neil Becker is looking for the NBI to take. Neil Becker replied

not one specific action, just a continuation of what MSEA currently does, including working legislatively

to oppose use of state standardized testing.


Mark Naydan spoke in support.

Unidentified speaker spoke in opposition.

Stephanie Lewis spoke in opposition.

The chair put the question to close debate on the amendment. Debate was closed. The motion failed.

Cheryl Bost moved, and was duly seconded, the following amendment: MSEA will WORK TO OPPOSE

THE USE OF STANDARDIZED all use of student test scores in teacher evaluations.

Jessica Fitzwater spoke in opposition.

Lori Hrinko, point of information, asked if this would impact teacher created tests. Cheryl Bost said

county standardized tests, even if created by teachers, if the tests are given countywide.

Seth Rich accepted the amendment as friendly. Without objection the amendment was accepted as

friendly. There was no objection.

Neil Becker spoke in support.

Gary Hammer, point of information, asked if the elimination of state and county mandated tests allow

teachers to make their own assessments for SLOs and wasn’t that the original purpose. Betty Weller

replied yes.

Rachel McCusker spoke in opposition.

Mark Naydan spoke in support.

Casey Day-Kells moved to amend by adding the word “required” after standardized. Gary Brennan

seconded. Seth Rich accepted the amendment as friendly. There was no objection.

Karina Colon spoke in opposition.

The chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed. NBI 15-07 was adopted as amended.

ADOPTED

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President Weller announced the results of the elections to fill the minority seat on the MSEA Board of

Directors: Rowena Shurn, Prince George’s County: 413 votes; Veronica Henderson, Baltimore County:

122 votes; and, Nathaniel Wallace, Calvert County: 31 votes. Rowena Shurn was elected to fill the

minority seat on the MSEA Board of Directors.

Session III

President Weller called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP AWARDS

Joan Sabree, chair, Membership Organizing Committee, presented the membership awards.

MARYLAND TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Ryan Kaiser, social studies teacher, Mount Washington School, Baltimore City, gave remarks to the

assembly during which he emphasized the importance of learning by doing.

President Weller, point of personal privilege, introduced Dr. Darla Strouse, MSDE, who organizes and

coordinates the Maryland State Teacher of the Year Awards Gala.

ACTION ON NBIs (CONTINUED)

Theresa Dudley, point of personal privilege, thanked the MSEA leadership for allowing the PGCEA

Sparks to attend and participate in the convention. Betty Weller recognized all the Sparks members in

attendance.

NBI 15-08: Public School Unions Right to Strike

That MSEA add, to its legislative agenda, that it is no longer illegal for public school staff to strike.

Seth Rich moved, Angela Guthrie seconded, NBI 15-08. Seth Rich provided his rationale and requested

to withdraw his motion. President Weller said without objection the maker will be allowed to withdraw

the motion. There was objection. The chair put the question to the body. NBI 15-08 was withdrawn.

NBI 15-09: Renewal of NBI 14-19 SLO Measurements

MSEA calls upon the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to better educate and inform

local school systems in order to avoid unilateral mandates, at the system or school level, for teachers to

use specific assessments or measurements in Student Learning Objectives (SLO).

An SLO is to be teacher driven with site administrators in order to address the specific needs and targets

of their student population.

Kevin Johnson moved, Joan Smith seconded, NBI 15-09. Kevin Johnson provided rationale.

Sharon Flynn moved, and it was duly seconded, the following amendment: MSEA calls upon the

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to better educate and inform local school systems in

order to avoid unilateral ONE SIZE FITS ALL MANDATED ASSESSMENTS mandates, at the system or

school level, for teachers to use specific assessments or measurements in Student Learning Objectives

(SLO).

An SLO is to be a teacher driven IN COLLABORATION with site administrators. In order to address the

specific needs and targets of their student population EDUCATORS WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE

TEACHER-CREATED ASSESSMENTS BASED ON COMMON CORE STANDARDS. FURTHERMORE,

EDUCATORS SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A NON-INSTRUCTIONAL DAY TO COMPLETE ALL

TASKS ASSOCIATED WITH SLOs.

Kevin Johnson accepted the amendment as friendly. Seeing no objection to the amendment, the chair put

the question to adopt NBI 15-09, as amended. The body adopted NBI 15-09, as amended.

ADOPTED

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NBI 15-10: Kindergarten Readiness Assessment

MSEA will conduct a survey of kindergarten teacher members on the 2015-2016 implementation of the

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). This survey information will be compiled and provided to

MSDE and other pertinent stakeholders and local associations.

Traci Davis moved, Linda Mclaughlin seconded, NBI 15-10. Traci Davis provided the rationale.

Amber Gaede spoke in support.

Seeing no additional speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted NBI 15-10.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-11: NEA Primary Endorsement

MSEA shall, using internal and external publications, publish a letter to the NEA President indicating

disapproval of the NEA decision to recommend Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Primary for president

of the United States.

Gary Hammer moved and was seconded, to object to consideration of this NBI. Betty Weller said the

rules require the maker to move the motion and speak to it.

Paul Lemle moved, Erika Chavarria seconded, NBI 15-11. Paul Lemle provided the rationale.

The chair put the question to the body regarding consideration of NBI 15-11. There was a call for

division. President Weller stated the motion needed a 2/3 vote to pass. It did not get 2/3, so it will be

debated.

Susan Loftus, point of information, asked, in the interest of clarity, as to the body’s policy for the use of

the motion of object to consideration. Betty Weller replied the body follows Roberts Rules except that its

rules allow for the speaker to speak to the motion before the vote for object to consideration is taken.

Yvonne Baicich moved to amend NBI 15-11 as follows:

MSEA shall, using internal and external publications, publish a letter to the NEA President indicating

disapproval of the NEA decision to recommend A CANDIDATE Hillary Clinton in the Democratic

Primary for president of the United States. The motion was duly seconded. Yvonne Baicich provided the

rationale.

Paul Lemle accepted the amendment as friendly. There was objection.

Joe Coughlin spoke in opposition.

Jane Stern moved to amend the amendment by substituting the word “publish” with the word “send”.

Betty Weller said the motion is out of order at this time.

Jim Politis spoke in opposition.

Paul Lemle spoke in support.

Seeing no additional speakers, the chair put the question. NBI 15-11 was amended. The body returned to

the main motion, as amended.


Randy Changuris moved to amend by removing publish and replacing it with send. Jane Stern seconded.

Paul Lemle accepted the amendment as friendly. There was no objection. The body returned to the main

motion.

Yvonne Baicich spoke in support.

Gary Brennan spoke in opposition.

Jacob Zebley spoke in opposition.

After three speakers for and three speakers in opposition, the chair put the question to close debate.

Debate was closed. The motion failed.

NBI 15-12: Removing Racist Symbols

The association will stand ready to work with coalitions at the state and local levels which work to

remove racist symbols from public property and places of honor in Maryland. This will be understood to

include, but not be limited to, working with groups wishing to have the statue of Roger B. Taney removed

from the State House grounds in Annapolis.

Jane Stern moved, Jennifer Martin seconded, NBI 15-12. Jane Stern provided the rationale.

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Josh Rubin moved, Cindy Lotto seconded, the following amendment:

The association will stand ready to work with coalitions at the state and local levels which work to

remove racist symbols from PROPERLY CONTEXTUALIZE STATUES AND BULDING NAMES

HONORING HISTORICAL FIGURES CURRENTLY LOCATED ON public property and places of honor

in Maryland. This will be understood to include, but not be limited to, working with groups wishing to

have the statue of Roger B. Taney removed from the State House grounds in Annapolis.

Josh Rubin provided the rationale and noted the statue is at the court of appeals building, not the state

house. Jane Stern did not accept the amendment as friendly.

Yvonne Baicich spoke in support.

Jane Stern spoke in opposition.

Karina Colon spoke in support.


Greg Beard moved to close debate on the amendment. Debate was closed. The motion failed. The body

returned to the main motion.

Lori Hornicek, moved the following amendment: TO A PLACE OF LEARNING, LIKE A MUSEUM

after the word Maryland. Jane Stern considered that a friendly amendment. There was no objection.

Tammy Payne spoke in opposition.

Adam Umak spoke in support.

Josh Rubin spoke in opposition.

Gary Brennan moved to close debate. Debate was closed. The body adopted NBI 15-12.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-13: Communication with New Delegates

MSEA will establish a communication vehicle for new delegates attending the NEA and MSEA

conventions.

Janice McRae moved, Barbara MCrea seconded NBI 15-13. Janice McRae provided the rationale.

Seeing no additional speakers, the chair put the question. The body adopted NBI 15-13.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-14: ESP of the Year

MSEA will create an Education Support Professional of the Year award to recognize a member who

demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and reflects the contributions of ESPs to public education.

Shirley Kirkland moved, Danielle Luckett seconded, adoption of NBI 15-14. Shirley Kirkland provided

the rationale.

Jacob Zebley spoke in support.

Veronica Henderson spoke in support.

Dionna Ricks, point of information, asked if the $1,000 cost is enough. Betty Weller replied the expenses

are not yet known. The $1,000 reflects the cost of sending an individual to the NEA ESP conference.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed. The body

adopted NBI 15-14.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-15: Paid Child Rearing and Family Sick Leave

The MSEA Representative Assembly calls on local leaders and members of the association to use

organizing, bargaining, and legislative strategies to advocate for paid child-rearing leave which includes

a new or adopted child, and paid family sick leave to care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law,

grandparent, grandchild, siblings, or spouse.

Ryan Burbey moved, Brian Donlon seconded, adoption of NBI 15-16. Ryan Burbey provided the

rationale.

Rachel McCusker moved a friendly amendment to add “stepparent” after the word parent. Ryan Burbey

accepted the amendment as friendly.

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Brian Donlon spoke in support.

Debra Haan, point of information, asked from where the money comes. Ryan Burbey replied most studies

state that the program pays for itself in increased productivity.

Theresa Dudley spoke in support.

Seeing no cards in opposition, having had three in favor, the chair put the question to close debate. Debate

was closed. The body adopted NBI 15-15.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-16: Special Education Task Force

MSEA will use an existing task force or committee to:

Identify, promote, and publicize the Workload Analysis Model for determining caseloads for

special educators that can be used by locals in negotiating and collective bargaining, and;

Explore the potential of establishing a partnership with one or more counties to develop a pilot

program for the use of a workload analysis approach to determining caseloads.

Robin Szymanski moved, Emily Cramer seconded, adoption of NBI 15-16. Robin Szymanski provided

the rationale.

Sheena Washington spoke in support.

Vicki Richardson spoke in support.

Having had three speakers in support and seeing none in opposition, the chair put the question to close

debate. Debate was closed. The body adopted NBI 15-16.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-17: Support Habitual Student Truancy Task Force

MSEA supports the Maryland Association of Pupil Personnel (MAPP) request to the Maryland State

legislature to establish a task force to combat habitual student truancy.

Stan Truman moved, Evelyn Joray seconded, a modification to change Maryland State legislature to

Maryland General Assembly. Hearing no objection, the modification was accepted. Stan Truman

provided the rationale.

Valerie Mainwaring spoke in opposition.

David Nicholson spoke in support.

Genesis Chavez spoke in opposition.

Pat Rayner spoke in support.

Chris Lloyd spoke in opposition.

Having had three speakers in support and three speakers in opposition, the chair put the question to close

debate. Debate was closed. The body adopted NBI 15-17.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-18: Funding of State Delegates to the NEA Convention Yvonne Baicich withdrew NBI 15-18. Seeing no objection NBI 15-18 was withdrawn.

NBI 15-19: Early Endorsement of U.S. President

Yvonne Baicich withdrew NBI 15-19. Seeing no objection, NBI 15-19 was withdrawn.

NBI 15-20 Revise Action Packet

MSEA shall print the Nominations and Elections Guidelines and the RA Rules in the MSEA Convention

Action packet each year.

Susie Jablinske moved, Russell Leone seconded, adoption of NBI 15-20. Susie Jablinske provided the

rationale.

Doug Prouty moved and was seconded, the following amendment: MSEA shall MAKE AVAILABLE

print COPIES OF the Nominations and Elections Guidelines and the RA Rules in the MSEA Convention

Action packet each year. It was not accepted as friendly. Doug Prouty provided rationale.

Susie Jablinske spoke in opposition.

Sheena Washington spoke in support.

Ryan Burbey spoke in support.

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Paul Lemle spoke in opposition.

Betty Coleman spoke in opposition.

After three speakers for and three against, the chair put the question to close debate. Debate was closed.

The body returned to the main motion, as amended.

Donna Christy moved to refer to committee. Theresa Dudley seconded. Donna Christy provided the

rationale.


Marcella Kehr spoke in opposition.

Seeing no further speakers, the chair put the question. The motion failed. The body returned to the main

motion, as amended.

Karin Colon, point of information, asked what is meant by make available; is it before convention, at

convention? Doug Prouty replied it could be either. The wording supports many options.

Jane Stern spoke in support.

Jessica Fitzwater moved to close debate. Abby Beytin seconded. Debate was closed. The body adopted

15-20, as amended.

ADOPTED

NBI 15-21: PAC Fund Donations

Debbie Schaefer withdrew NBI 15-21. Seeing no objection, NBI 15-21 was withdrawn.

NBI 15-22: Reclassifying School Library Media Specialists

Keishauna Banks, withdrew NBI 15-22. There was objection. The vote was in favor. NBI 15-22 was

withdrawn.

The representative assembly adjourned at 4:29 p.m.

Documents

148th Maryland State Education Association … · 148th Maryland State Education Association Representative Assembly ... Doug Prouty spoke in support. ... asked if it is possible