September 18, 2007 Meeting

Minutes:

Report of Officers:  The minutes from the last General Meeting on September 11, 2006 were approved.  Pat Duncan, Treasurer, reported that we currently have $11,822 in our checking and money market accounts. He reported that our major expenditures incurred since our last meeting were for the Restore the Indian project ($1,247), publishing and mailing the Alumni Mentor ($814), Wall of Fame expenses ($711), and the spring dance ($495).  Donations received in 2007 that exceeded $100 were from the Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation, Donald R. Seaton, MHS Class of 1950, MHS Class of 1986, and the Bob Fritzen Memorial.  Pat stressed that we need everyone’s help in soliciting new members to ensure that our association continues to grow.

Report from School Administrator:  Superintendent Dr. Bob Shannon took the floor to discuss what is happening within the school district:

1. Re-opening of Bluemont Elementary School – has 230 students with two classes of each grade level. He felt the redistricting transition went pretty smoothly.  It took about 1.3 million to get the school back in shape since they basically had to start from scratch.
2. All Day Kindergarten – the district hired eight additional teachers for kindergarten.  Only three families chose to not send their child to all day kindergarten.
3. IQ Academy (KS) – online educating.  There are around 200 students enrolled (20 some from MHS).  Some of the courses are taught by our teachers and some by out-of-town teachers.  Their office is located at our East Campus.
4. Fiber-optic – faster.  They are replacing & updating the system the district has had since the late 80’s.
5. Early Childhood Education – this is a state issue that we will be hearing more about.
6. Facilities Study – this is a first look at detailed analysis of all our buildings capacity.  They are looking into what we can provide, safety/security and modernization.  This is a way of broadening participation on ideas and changes and what the district can afford.

Election of Officers & Directors:  This was led by Cam Feltner.  Charlie Hostetler thanked his election committee & officers. Cam (Vice-President) and Terri Olson (Secretary) are resigning.  The nominees are: Dave Fiser – President, Carita Otts – Vice-President, Sally Lansdowne – Secretary, Pat Duncan – Treasurer, Janet Duncan – Communications Director, Keith Eyestone – Events Officer.  These nominees were unanimously approved.

Committee Reports:

Public Relations – Deanna Hall not in attendance.  She has been doing a great job.

Events & Meetings – Carita Otts reported that we had a nice spring dance.  Dave already mentioned the details about the tailgate and parade.

Website & Information Systems – Janet Duncan reported we have a new system of printing the Alumni Mentor. It is bigger and less expensive to print & mail.  She wants ideas and submissions for the next Alumni Mentor.  Stuart Parsons has taken over as website coordinator.  He redesigned the system and is looking for new ideas.  He thanked Pat & Janet Duncan for being his consultants.  Please let him know if you notice any bad links or problems.

Membership – We are still looking for a chairman for this committee. Membership is about static. We currently have 488 members and a good portion of them (65%) are lifetime members.  This committee sends out annual dues and stays in contact with class representatives regarding reunions.

MHS Museum & Archives – Don Slater reported that the Alumni Center is open from 1-3 p.m. on Fridays but he is willing to open it whenever needed.  Room 110 at the East Campus is getting crowded so we are trying to get a bigger room in the west campus.

Reunions Liaison & Recruitment – Dean Taylor reported there were three classes that couldn’t get a reunion together this year (’77, ’92, ’02).  The Class of ’82 is having a reunion at the end of December.  The Class of ’42 is done with having reunions.  The Class of ’38 gets together every two years.  Cam and Dean are now working on contacting classes that end in ‘3’s and ‘8’s to help them get organized for their reunion next year.

Awards & Recognition/Wall of Fame – This committee has received 14 nominations for this year’s Wall of Fame.  They will forward four to the board.  They will put an article in The Alumni Mentor and The Mercury.  They are looking at doing the award ceremony on a home MHS basketball game night in January or February.  They are always open to new ideas from other members.

Comments & Suggestions – General Membership:

1. Jean Bigby (’64) – suggested advertisements in The Alumni Mentor to help defray cost. Good idea – but Janet would need someone to sell the ads.
2. Jim Morrison (’64) – The Foundation wants to support MHSAA because it will ultimately help the high school if we all work together.
3. If you want to be more involved – get on a committee.
4. Is The Alumni Mentor printed on the website? NO
5. Jean Bigby – to get different generations to join, MHSAA may need to offer a variety of activities.

Closing:

Dave asked that all members present turn in their completed surveys. We will consider everyone’s ideas and bring them to the board.

Respectively submitted,
Terri Olson
MHSAA Secretary