Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Education Focus Committee
 Monday, June 11, 2007
Northfield Inn Conference Center – Springfield, IL

Members Present                                                                                Members Absent                    
Steve Stierwalt, Chair                                                      
Don Beisiegel
Terry Bogner
Paige Buck
Sue Davis
Dale Jahraus
Valerie Keener, IDNR
Marty McManus
Jim Nelson
Dwayne Proctor
Debbie Ruff
Rollie Spaniol
Stacy Stremsterfer
Jim Todd
Charla Coombe, Guest
Josh Joseph, Guest
Jim Bell
Joe Bybee

Chairman Steve Stierwalt called the meeting to order at 1:04 pm. Roll call sheet was passed around. Steve Stierwalt requested that a “mini” strategic plan” be added to the agenda. Motion was made by Dale Jahraus and seconded by Terry Bogner to approve the March meeting minutes. MCVV

Valerie Keener, IDNR, reported they are currently working on a on-line course with Northwestern for Spiders. IDNR held a pilot program called “Earth Day at the Park” which went over well. The first on-line Project Learning Tree started today. New posters that are available include “Habitats are Homes” and “Illinois threatened & Endangered Species”. Twenty-one ENTICE workshops are scheduled for FY ’08.

IDOA – Joe Bybee reported that the information collected from SWCDs this past year was being put into an Annual Report and is in the process of getting final approval before going to print.

NRCS – No report

McKibben Scholarship Update – Stacy Stremsterfer reported that two scholarships were received and judged. The winner is Jacob Mitchell from Colchester, IL. Ag Engineering is his current major.

Envirothon Taskforce Update – Terry Bogner gave the results of this year’s event. There was a teleconference on June 7th to discuss an issue that occurred during the competition. In the absence of Stacy Stremsterfer, Charla Coombe explained to the group what occurred with discussion and questions from committee members following. During the teleconference, letters from two team members, principal, superintendent and Envirothon sponsor were read. After discussion the Envirothon Taskforce made the decision to uphold the two year disqualification.  After much discussion a motion was made by Dwayne Proctor to approve the Envirothon Taskforce action, but to also look into reviewing the rules, policies and procedures. Seconded by Dale Jahraus, MCVV.

The Envirothon Taskforce is still in the process of updating the resources and objectives. Stacy Stremsterfer reported that the large plaque that lists all the state winners is still missing from 3 years ago. Discussion was held about different types. Stacy Stremsterfer will look into pricing and get back to the Envirothon Taskforce. Charla Coombe will be attending the Canon Envirothon since Stacy Stremsterfer will be on maternity leave.

Director Training – Stacy Stremsterfer reported that she is still working with Extension on the director training program and has met with Rich Nichols, Steve Chard and Mike Rahe to review a rough draft of potential training sessions. Steve Stierwalt requested the list of proposed sessions be sent to the Director Training Taskforce.

Education Luncheon – Nothing reported

New Business – Steve Stierwalt expressed his concern about the group coming up with ideas that the Education FAC needs to incorporate into the strategic plan. Rollie Spaniol suggested the ICCI program. Dwayne Proctor brought up the issue of the Emerald Ash Borer and firewood movement. Education on conservation compliance was added as a possibility. Discussion was held and it was proposed that the group meet in September during the Taskforce Time (10 – 11:30) to work on ideas to bring to the Education FAC in the afternoon.

No old business was brought forward.

Teacher of the Year – Stacy Stremsterfer reported that there were a total of 4 applications that were received. One of the applications had a teacher who could qualify for both elementary and secondary. After reviewing the application and seeing she had two classes in secondary the group moved it into the secondary category. All applications were reviewed by the Education FAC. A motion was made by Rollie Spaniol to select David Rigby as this year’s Teacher of the Year award recipient and seconded by Jim Todd. MCVV.

A motion to adjourn was made by Dwayne Proctor and seconded by Dale Jahraus. MCVV.

Minutes submitted by: Debbie Ruff