NCDTSEA Board of Directors Minutes

December 4, 2008 

The NCDTSEA Board of Directors met in Raleigh on December 4, 2008 .  The following were present: Kathy Powell, Phil McGirt, LeeRoy Ledford, Henry Geddie, Chuck Lehning, Ronnie Fisher, Charles Lee, Gene Causby, Mitch Myers, Gary King, Gary Davis, Reggie Flythe, Crawford Jobe, Ed Tysinger, Joe Shrader, Conrad Kurtz, Sam Deyton, Dale Fox, David Norman, Jim Logan, Lorraine Jordan and Connie Sessoms Jr.  

Gary Davis called the meeting to order with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance and welcoming everyone. Kathy Powell read the minutes of the last meeting.  Joe Shrader made a motion to approve with Connie Sessoms seconding.  The motion carried. Phil presented the financial report with explanations given for several line items. Ronnie Fisher made a motion to approve the report.  LeeRoy Ledford seconded the motion and the motion carried. Phil informed the group that there were no significant changes in the association’s membership. There was no DPI report as Johanna Chase was not in attendance.

Gene Causby gave the legislative update report. He thought the election was very eventful and that financially money looks short. 1.5 million dollars have been reverted from public schools, but driver education is not affected since the funding comes from highway funding. His priorities this year will be an increase in funding for the extra students and he will try to get an increase due to gas prices. Gene apologized that he still needs to set up a meeting with Howard Lee. Gene’s advice to the group was to make sure that your representatives know about your program as when they know the least about the program, they can become your worst enemy. 

Joe Shrader told the group that he is still doing reaccredidation through ECU and completes about 12 students per year. From the unintentional death subcommittee, Joe reported that they had had 2 meetings so far with and a third scheduled for January. Their recommendations are that we have central oversight of the program, an updated 2009 Proficiency Exam, revise the current curriculum, increase BTW by 2 hours, increase parental involvement which could include an option of 50 hours with their parent under GDL, use of simulation in addition to the required 6 hours BTW and perhaps some online instruction. Joe asked everyone to email questions for the Proficiency Exam and he will bring a copy to the next meeting.  He also asks that you review the curriculum and send any revisions to him by 2/1. Connie Sessoms made a motion that we express to NCDPI that we oppose on-line instruction because it is not adequate.  LeeRoy seconded the motion and the motion carried. Lorraine discussed the Parent Training Manual, DVD and video that they have developed for parents in Wake and Mecklenburg . 

Under old business, Ronnie Fisher reported that the conference program was done except for confirming two speakers.  He did away with breakout session so all participants would be in the same sessions at the same time. He discussed the Early Bird session and dinner on Thursday and the other breaks and meals.  For the Coordinator’s Luncheon, Reggie Flythe will be the chairman with Connie, Kathy, Joe and Gene will be helping him. 

Connie Sessoms has contacted last year’s exhibitors and will send out official letters to them.  Phil passed around a sample newsletter that contains the conference information asking for any revisions. 

The awards committee has selected an in-field recipient and will work with Gene to select an out of field recipient.

Charles Lee distributed a newsletter on the SERA /ADTSEA conference to be held February 20-21, 2009 .  This will be the last year that it will be held at the Sea Mist.  Joe Shrader and Mark Horowitz are two of the featured speakers this year. 

Chuck announced that the 2009 ADTSEA conference will be held at the University Hilton in Charlotte on July 26-29, 2009.  The host outing will take place at the Speedway club at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday and there will be a golf tournament scheduled for Saturday. 

Phil McGirt told the group that he has purchased some additional software for the website and will email Bill DiPetrio some corrections and updates for the site. 

Chuck Lehning reported the criteria for NC Teacher of the Year has been set up to match AAA Teacher of Excellence.

LeeRoy Ledford made a motion that we give Gene a Christmas bonus of $1500 with $1000 coming from the association, $250 from Jordan Driving School and $250 from Mt. Professionals . Ronnie Fisher seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

The next board meeting will be on March 5th, 11:00 am at Jordan Driving School in Charlotte .

Ronnie Fisher made a motion to adjourn, LeeRoy seconded.  The motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Kathy L. Powell

Recording Secretary