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AACCAS Meeting Minutes ASSOCIATION OF COLOMBIAN AND CARIBBEAN AMERICAN SCHOOLS (ACCAS)
EVENT: Semi-annual Meeting, SACS CASI Chief Administrators Conference PLACE: Woodruff Room, Westin Buckhead Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia DATE: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008 TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
MEMBER SCHOOLS IN ATTENDANCE:ColombiaColegio Albania, Ruth Allen, Director Colegio Bolívar, Joseph Nagy, Director Colegio Granadino, Robert Sims, Director Colegio Karl C. Parrish, Laura Horbal, Director Colegio Nueva Granada, Barry McCombs, Director Colegio Panamericano, Steve Desroches, Director Gimnasio Ingles, Jaime Urazan, Director The Columbus School, Alex Bennett Liceo Ingles, Diane Zauscher, Director
Dominican RepublicThe Ashton School, Helen Farber The Carol Morgan School, Jack Delman, Director International School of Sosua, Craig Selig, Director MC School, Yazmin Estrella, Director St. Joseph School, Janet Reyes St. Michael's School, Ines Gygax EcuadorColegio Menor San Francisco de Quito, Andrew Sherman, Director American School of Quito, Susan Barba, Director HaitiUnion School, Marie F. Jean-Baptiste, Director GUESTS:Mary Virginia Sanchez, Tri-Association President AGENDA:
1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. by President Jack Delman. Members were asked to introduce themselves. 2. Comments, Mary Virginia Sanchez Mary Virginia informed the group that the Tri Association board had called for suggestions that would make future versions of the Chief Administrators’ Conference more responsive to the needs and interests of the members. There is also a need to make the Conference more cost effective. Some comments were: · Clarify the descriptions of the small-group sessions that are offered; currently some of the titles and descriptions do not match what is actually covered. · Consider opening the conference to other school personnel, not just the directors; schedule sessions of interest to these personnel. · Create a training strand for QAR team members. · Review the schedule to avoid offering too many presentations at the same time, and consider allowing more time for the conference. Currently the topics offered are covered in a superficial manner due to time limitations. · Include lunch meetings, and leave evenings free. · Check hotel costs to see if alternatives can be substituted, i.e., less expensive venues, receptions featuring snacks rather than full dinners, cafeteria-style luncheons that attendees would pay for, etc. 3. Minutes The Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The President encouraged members to read the meeting minutes and update the information about their schools posted on the ACCAS website (www.accas.org.). 4. Financial Report Treasurer Joe Nagy presented the report and noted the difficulties in keeping the accounts accurate when schools delay payment, overpay, or underpay. Colombia has a pending disbursement of $9,000 left from the previous 2 years; Dominican/Haiti “Island Schools” have a pending disbursement of $10,000. The financial report will be edited and sent out again to show this. Joe expressed concern that the dues haven’t been raised since the EBSCO affiliation, while the Tri Association dues have increased during the past 2 years. This has taken some of the ACCAS reserves. President Jack Delman asked whether or not the fees should be raised to $3,000 keeping the disbursement at $10,000 for each of the 2 regions. After some discussion the motion passed. 5. Application for ACCAS membership Altamira International School is requesting membership in ACCAS pending accreditation. Michael Adams is the consultant, but was unable to attend and offer a recommendation. Ruth Allen and Michael Adams will be asked to visit the school and submit a written opinion to the ACCAS President, which will be shared with the members for a decision. The group was reminded that our by-laws permit the acceptance of non-accredited schools if they have been accepted as candidates for accreditation. If accreditation is denied, membership in ACCAS will cease. 6. TurnItIn.com The issue of consortium pricing was raised, but was not pursued due to cost considerations and lack of interest. 7. Staff Development Jack Delman reminded the group that at the last meeting, a committee was established to consider the development of a long-range plan. Craig reported that a survey was conducted, and Jack read the results sent by Susan Jaramillo, and will place results on website. Barry McCombs commented that some of the Colombian schools have used consultants at the start of the school year, making the work more inclusive by involving teachers and students. Jack Delman mentioned that the Island Schools agree that Differentiation is a main topic of interest, and that Bill Powell has agreed to come to both regions. Rob Sims remarked that Sept. 16th -17th is the date of the common curriculum activity to be held at Colegio Granadino in Manizales, and Jack agreed to communicate with Bill regarding dates that would allow ACCAS schools in both regions to benefit. Susan Barba suggested Susan Baum as a possible alternative on this topic. Barry commented that a good use of the ACCAS money is to pay for extra days for consultants. Barry mentioned that Bogota will host the ASSAA conference in March 2009 and that most Colombian schools are planning to send teachers to this event. President Jack Delman asked the committee to continue their work, use the available technology, and get back to the group before the next meeting. Susan Barba asked to have all the membership involved so all schools can provide input. Jack Delman suggested asking the next President of ACCAS to restructure the committee and include more member schools. 8. Future ACCAS Meetings This was placed on agenda when there was a doubt about the continuance of these annual meetings. However, at this time, the SACS CASI leadership has given assurances that the meetings will continue at least for the next three years. Therefore, discussion of this item is off the table. 9. Election of Officers President Jack Delman said that he has been the president of ACCAS for “too long”, and is stepping down. At the time of his election, it was felt that in order to ensure a well-functioning organization, there should be a president from one region and a vice president from the other. Therefore, Mr. Delman suggests that the presidency should go to the Colombian side. The by-laws define that the exiting President should remain as Vice President for one year to provide continuity. Jack Delman suggested Mike Adams as President, but Rob Sims said that Mike has made known that he does not want to assume the Presidency. After some discussion, motions were made and carried for the following officers:
The group was unanimous in agreeing that Jack Delman should remain on the Executive Board of AAIE. 10. Other Business
10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.
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