Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Education Focus Committee
Monday, December 15, 2008
Northfield Inn Conference Center – Springfield, IL

Members Present                                                                    Members Absent                                
Don Beisiegel
                                                                                                Jody Bell
Terry Bogner
Joe Bybee
Sue Davis
Josh Joseph
Valerie Keener
Marty McManus
Jim Nelson
Dwayne Proctor
Debbie Ruff
Rollie Spaniol
Jerry Snodgrass
Stacy Stremsterfer
James Todd
Dwight Snow

The December meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Chairman Jerry Snodgrass. Introductions were made and the roll call sheet was passed around.

Chairman Snodgrass called for a review of the agenda as presented.  Motion by Dwayne Proctor to approve December meeting agenda, seconded by Terry Bogner, MCVV.

Chairman Snodgrass called for any additions or corrections to the June minutes.  Motion by Dwayne Proctor to approve September minutes as presented, seconded by Terry Bogner, MCVV.
 
Reports

IDNR - no report

IDOA – Marty McManus reported that new director training will be held in March and they are working on the details.

NRCS – no report

Director Training Taskforce Update – IDOA is working on the program

Envirothon Taskforce – This is the 15th year for the Illinois Envirothon which will be held May 14th and 15th. Motion by Terry Bogner to send a letter to districts to request a donation for the Illinois Envirothon if financially possible, seconded by Dwayne Proctor MCVV. Recommendation made to put some of the grant funds to help coordinate the Illinois Envirothon such as writing tests, compiling study materials and correlating test questions to current study material. This could possibly a retired teacher or grad student who could work out of their home. Motion by Dwayne Proctor to use $4,000 to hire an outside contractor(s) for the purpose of developing 100 test questions per test category (total of four) for the Illinois Envirothon and seconded by Terry Bogner, MCVV.

Water Use Taskforce
Jim Nelson gave a report on the Winter Training Session. Al Wehrmann from the IL State Water Survey spoke at winter training on the status of Illinois’ water supply. Council 16 will hold a workshop that will be on responsible fertilizer application.

Teacher of the Year. Rollie Spaniol has found a sponsor for this award. Discussion was held and it was determined that there will only be ONE teacher recognized for this award and will not be separated into elementary and secondary as it has been in the past.

G. McKibben Memorial Scholarship will remain at $500. Motion by Jim Todd to approve the $500 for 2009 and seconded by Dwayne Proctor, MCVV.

Old Business - none

New Business
Discussion was held concerning information that should be included in the IL Roster Ad. Illinois agriculture provides you with the most abundant, affordable and safest food supply.

Summer Conference agenda was discussed and it was determined it should stay in the same format as last year. Afternoon sessions could focus on director responsibilities.

Motion by Jerry Snodgrass and seconded by Terry Bogner to adjourn the meeting and continue with Communications FAC.  Meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

Submitted by:  Debbie Ruff and Stacy Stremsterfer.