April 26, 2006 ACE Board Meeting
9:00 A. M. @ Billings Sheraton Hotel

1. A group met with Liz Cunningham on the ACE Technology Consortium grant at 8:00. Liz proposed that any non-eligible school who wished to participate in the grant activities for 2006 – 2007 at a cost of $3,000 per person. This cost would entitle them to the summer workshops with room, board, and a stipend paid, all materials, 4 consortium meetings, with mileage, substitute, and meals paid, and a TEST contact person for further training and needs. Other details on the grant were discussed as well.


2. President Bob Barnes called the ACE board meeting to order at 9:30 A.M. Board members present were Les Cabot, Andy Begger, Bob Barnes, Al Sipes, Mark Brajcich, and Tim Dolphay. Guests present were Josh Middleton, Brenda Koch, Gail Richardson, and Martha Young. Jerry Scott was also present.


3. Al Sipes moved to approve the March 29, 2006 minutes as presented. Andy Begger seconded the motion which passed 6 – 0.


4. The finance report was presented and approved by the board.


5. Jerry went over the final report on National ASCD conference in Chicago. He reported that the trip cost $1,264.96 per person and that he billed schools a total of $2,951.56 for their share of the expenses as agreed. Those present who attended told about the conference and the hope that more will be able to attend in the future. The next national ASCD conference will be on March 17 – 19 in Anaheim, California.


6. The board reviewed the 2004 – 2005, 2005 – 2006 budgets and the proposed 2006 – 2007 budget and dues structure. Included in the budget proposal was a 5% increase in the director’ salary and an increase of $500 to the director’s medical flex fund. The rest of the proposed budget remained the same as the 2006 – 2007 budget. Dues were proposed to remain at $2,500 per member school plus $1.00 per ANB over 300. Mark Brajcich moved to adopt the 2006 – 2007 budget and dues structure as proposed. Les Cabot seconded the motion, which passed 6-0.


7. A short report on April 20 Steering Committee meeting was given. A copy of the proposed survey set up on line by Josh Middleton and Fritzie Walker was passed to those in attendance. Suggested changes and additions to the survey were noted. The survey will be e-mailed to all ACE member schools on Friday with the instructions to make sure to have the staff take the survey. The results will be reviewed during the next steering committee meeting, which will be held at 8:30 AM on May 10 in the boardroom of the Laurel Middle School.


8. Josh Middleton visited with the board about grade level expectations for technology. Those present felt this should be and could be done with an ACE review committee. Dates and further information will be presented to the board at the next meeting.


9. The next ACE board meeting was set for May 17 at 9:00 AM in the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Bob adjourned the meeting at 10:00 encouraging all present to attend the ACE Technology Grant Showcase in the Wood Room.