Illinois
Section
American Association of Physics Teachers
Minutes of the Spring Council
Meeting
Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
March 31, 2007
In the absence of President Troy
Gobble, Past President Bill Hogan called the meeting to order at 7:20
a.m. Council members present: President-Elect Debby Lojkutz, Webmaster
Dave Renneke, Secretary/Treasurer Dave Sykes, Newsletter Editor and host
Brian Davies, Rob Mason, Cliff Parker, Ann Brandon, Tom Snyder, Ken
Mellendorf, Douglas Brandt, Kim Shaw, and Ray Bugayong.
Secretary-Treasurer Report:
Dave Sykes presented Carl Wenning’s report (minutes of the Rock Island
Council meeting and treasurer’s report). A motion was made to approve
Carl’s report. The motion was seconded and approved without addition or
correction.
Publicity Chair, Section Editor, and Webmaster
Report: Dave mentioned that the process of presenters submitting
titles first (and then descriptions later) was working fine. Still, many
presenters submit both title and description together.
Section Representative Report:
Kim submitted a report of the Winter National Meeting in Seattle.
She highlighted that there was discussion at the national meeting of
eliminating winter meetings of the AAPT. Ann Brandon added that most
members were against eliminating winter meetings while the AAPT’s
Executive Board continues to consider it because of financial reasons.
On another note, the section representatives at the winter meeting
failed to elect a new secretary (to replace Ann Brandon). Ann was not
sure whether she was expected to continue in that capacity.
Newsletter Report:
Brian reported that 140 copies of The Illinois Physics Teacher were
printed and that 134 were distributed. The cost for publication and
distribution was $135. Discussion arose concerning the sending of the
newsletter to retired members who no longer pay ISAAPT dues. It was
agreed that the financial impact to the ISAAPT is minimal and that the
tradition should continue. Brian indicated that he might not be able to
continue as the Newsletter Editor. Douglas Brandt volunteered to be
Newsletter Editor for the fall, 2007 if Brian does not continue.
Outstanding High School Physics Teacher Award:
Cliff Parker reported that of all the nominations for high school
physics teacher of the year, only about half submitted the necessary
materials to be considered for the award. Cliff added that the process
of selection went reasonably well with the Award going to Charlie
Adamovic of Lyons Township High School (LaGrange).
Committee for the Distinguished
Service Citation Report: It was noted that Kim Shaw belatedly
received her plaque at the Friday night banquet. Committee members are
now seeking nominations for the 2007 award. Also, it was suggested that
Dave Sykes ask Carl Wenning (former secretary/treasurer) if a list of
former nominees exists. Dave agreed to do so.
Current Meeting
Update: Brian Davies reported that, as of this morning, he had received $1166 in checks
and $339 in cash for a total of $1505 from meeting participants.
Although the cost for food at the banquet and lunch were a “wash” there
was a cost of $65 for the banquet room and $80 for the cash bar. Brian
also reported that expenditures included $250 to keynote speaker John Rigden, $300 total to plenary speakers Greenbowe and McCullough, $111
for motels, and an unknown amount for travel expenses for the invited
speakers. Overall, Brian indicated that he believed that the meeting
would break even financially.
Future Meetings: Dave Sykes
and Tom Snyder reported that LLCC would host the Fall ISAAPT meeting on
October 12-13. The tentative theme of the meeting is "Physics and the
Environment". A global warming expert is planned for the keynote. Other
meetings planned are:
Spring, 2008: University of Illinois at
Urbana/Champaign (date TBA)
Fall, 2008: Illinois State University, Normal,
October 10-11.
A discussion arose concerning the reduction or waiving of the meeting
registration fee for high school teachers and/or retired faculty
members. It was agreed that such registration fee adjustments be made at
the discretion of the meeting host(s).
New
Business:
Dr. Thomas
Rossing, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Northern Illinois University,
has generously donated $30,000 to the ISAAPT for the purpose of
attracting and affording highly distinguished speakers to our joint
meetings with other AAPT sections. As a result, Dave Sykes reported that
the ISAAPT will have to undergo some changes including:
1. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Dave Sykes
reported that that had already been done to open an ISAAPT checking
account.
2. Becoming a Non-Profit and
Tax-Exempt Organization. An Internal Revenue Code Form 501(c)3 needs to
be filed with the IRS.
A motion was made to allow Dave
Sykes to seek consultation to determine what needs to be done and the
cost to the ISAAPT. The motion was seconded and approved.
Adjournment:
The Council meeting was adjourned at 8:15 a.m.
Faithfully submitted,
Dave Sykes
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL 62794-9256
217-786-2404
dave.sykes@llcc.edu
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