September 10, 2012

TENNESSEE ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS

BOARD MINUTES

 

September 10, 2012

TOSS Board Meeting

Park Vista Hotel

Gardenview E

11:30 AM

 

 

The following TOSS Board Members were present: 

Jimmy Long

Dr. Jackie Parton

Dr. Mary Reel

Dr.Phillip Wallace

Dr. James McIntyre

Dr. Dale Lynch

Sandra Harper

Mark Willoughby

Joey Hassell

Sandra Harper

Dr. Mike Looney

Dr.Dan Lawson

Dr. Wanda Shelton

Cathy Harvey

 

The following TOSS Board Members were absent:

 

Johnny McDaniel

Denise Brown

 

 

The following TOSS staff was present:

 Dr. Keith Brewer

Susie Benefield

Chuck Cagle

 

 

Guest:

 Mrs. Janice Shelby

 

 I.  TOSS President, Mary Reel – Meeting called to order – First item of business was an amendment to the agenda.  Item II. Will be approval of agenda and Item VIII. Will be President’s Report.

 MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Lawson

SECOND BY:  Wallace

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS OR CORRECTIONS.

 

 II.  Called for motion to approve Minutes of August 22, 2012 minutes.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Parton

SECOND BY:  Lawson

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS.

 

 

 III.  Called for motion to approve Executive Director to research investment of TOSS funds into a Sweep account and report findings at the November meeting.

 MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Willoughby

SECOND BY:  Looney

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS OR CORRECTIONS.

 

 IV.  Called for motion to approve election committee slate of officers:  Dr. Wanda Shelton-President-elect; Mr.Jimmy Long-Treasurer; and Dr.Phillip Wallace-Secretary.

 MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Looney

SECOND BY:  Harvey

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS OR CORRECTIONS.

V. Called for motion to approve the TOSS Strategic Plan to include suggestions submitted by Dr. James McIntyre. 

MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Looney

SECOND BY:  Wallace

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS OR CORRECTIONS.

 

 VI.   Executive Director’s report  - Dr. Brewer stated that at this time that 126

members had paid their dues and will be following up with those who have not paid but feel we will have 100% membership this year. 

 Dr. Brewer stated he complied the TOSS strategic plan after the summary had gone out to board members with noted suggestions from Dr. James McIntyre.  Dr. Brewer recommended to the board to accept strategic plan with Dr. McIntyre’s suggestions.

 

VII.   President’s Report – Dr. Reel stated that Dr. Lynch was called back to his district due to a bus accident.  Since Dr. Lynch was unable to attend board meeting, Dr. Reel will give Executive Director’s Screening Committee report.  Dr. Reel said there had been four applicants for the executive director’s position.  Out of the four applicants three finalist were chosen:  Mr.Barry Olhausen; Mr. Wayne Miller, and Dr.Dan Lawson.  The three finalists will be announced at the general membership meeting today at 4:00 p.m. 

 The TOSS board will receive complete interview packets, which will include finalist’s applications and interview questions.  The board will meet on the September 26th to interview applicants in Nashville at the City Club beginning at 1:00 p.m.  The next day, September 27th, the TOSS board will meet for a Called Board meeting to choose the executive director.

 

 VIII.   Legal Counsel – Mr. Cagle reported on the TOSS tax status, which is a 501 c (6).   Being a 501 c (6) means that anyone contributing money cannot claim it as a tax deduction.  A 501 c (3) organization has limited activity and cannot make a political contribution to at particular race or any specific individual.  In regards to lobbying, can use up to 20% of funds with a declaration to the IRS for the purpose of lobbying.  A 501 c (6) organization has not limitations as to campaign contributions and can form a political action committee.

 

Mr. Cagle stated that if TOSS were going to get in the business of supporting a political candidate, TOSS would need to set-up a separate 501 c (6) organization with a separate name.  The cost to set-up an account is minimal compared to setting up a 501 c (3).  Would not use taxpayer’s money for a 501 c (6) PAC account.  The money would have to be individual contributions.  Mr. Cagle, again, stated that there would have to a distinction between TOSS and the PAC organization.  May want to apply TOSS for a 501 c (3) tax status. 

  IX.  Called for a motion to approve a committee with Mr.Chuck Cagleas chairman to study the options for TOSS regarding TOSS’s current tax status and bring a report within two months of present date.

 MOTION TO APPROVE BY:  Long

SECONDED BY: Wallace

MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTIONS

 

 The following items will be rolled to next TOSS board meeting:

 Mr. Cagle will chair a committee to examine and study the TOSS organizations tax status.

 

 

The following items were discussed with no action taken:

 

1.  Dr. Lynch stated that Niswonger will sponsor a breakfast during the AASA conference for Tennessee superintendents and would like for TN Superintendent of the Year speak.

2. Mrs. Shelby thanked the board for their support of the Leaderhship and Learning By Design coaching/mentoring program.

3.  Mrs. Shelby will send list of persons who have interest in participating partnering with Dr. Roberts in the Leadership and Learning by Design mentoring/coaching program to Dr. Brewer.

  4.  Dr. Lawson stated that a sweep account allows one to invest funds overnight.  However, with the present market does not increase a gain in the fund balance but with every dollar we have we could maximize through this type of account.

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN.