COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL FUNDING 

AND EDUCATION REFORM DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNOR AND EDUCATION POLICY ADVISOR

(LtoR) John Stanford, Executive Assistant for Policy Education; Richard Murray, CORAS President; 

Governor Ted Strickland; and Dick Fisher CORAS Executive Director

(Left to Right) Dennis Meade, Superintendent, Minford Local; Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, Morgan Local; Jim Drexler, Superintendent, Harrison Hills City; Dick Murray, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley ESC and CORAS President; and Dick Fisher CORAS Executive Director.

(Front) Dick Fisher. In the background, Jack Payton, Superintendent, Gallipolis City School District; and Dick Murray.

(Left  to Right) John Simmons and Larry Burgess

(Left  to Right) Larry Miller and Jim Drexler

(Left to Right) Dennis Meade and Dick Murray

(Left to Right) Charles Bizarri; Dale Edwards, Superintendent, Jefferson County JVS; and Tom Wolfe

Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools

Board of Directors Meeting

Ohio University Inn, Athens

April 29, 2008

CORAS President Dick Murray called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM. The following members of the CORAS Board of Directors were present: JoAnn Dugan, Jim Drexler, Dennis Meade, Patricia Ciraso, Greg Foley, John Simmons, Aimee Howley, Renee Middleton, Dale Edwards, David Branch, William Brelford, Lori Snyder-Lowe, Dale Dickson, Chuck Bizzari and Dick Murray. CORAS Executive Director Dick Fisher was also in attendance.

1. Fisher announced the election results for Region 2 and 7 directors for the three-year term July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011. Those elected were:

Region 2 - Dennis Meade, Minford Local (Scioto)

Region 7 - Mark Miller, Buckeye Local (Jefferson)

2. Bizzari moved and Edwards seconded to appoint the following to the Board of Directors for a 3-year term beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2011.

      Region 2 - Patricia Ciraso, Washington-Nile Local (Scioto)                                               

                  Region 7 - Jim Drexler, Harrison Hills City (Harrison)                                PASSED

3. The Dean of the Ohio University College of Education Appointed the following to the Board of Directors for 2008-09.

 Jo Ann Dugan

Greg Foley

Renee Middleton

     4.  Ciraso moved and Drexler seconded to elected William Brelsford, CORAS President-elect and

          confirm David Branch as CORAS President effective July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009. 

                                                                                                                                             PASSED      

5.  Snyder-Lowe moved and Brelsford seconded to approve the CORAS/College of

     Education 2008-09 Partnership Agreement.                                                           PASSED

6.  Middleton moved and Branch seconded to accept the recommendation submitted by the

     Executive Director for conducting joint research with Ohio University College of

     Education for 2008-09; exploring potential funding for value-added research projects with

     Battelle for Kids; and appoint an ad hoc CORAS Research Review Committee to include

     Dale Dickson, Phil Satterfield, Greg Foley, David Branch, and Dick Murray (chair), with

     duties defined in the recommendation. The Dean of the College of  Education and CORAS

     Executive Director are ex-officio members of the committee.                                PASSED

7.  Dickson moved and Bizzari second to adjourn the meeting (1:20 PM).

CORAS Board of Directors Meeting Review

March 4, 2008

Ramada Inn, Zanesville 

CORAS President-elect David Branch called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m. Board members present included: Tom Wolfe, Phil Satterfield, David Branch, Aimee Howley, Greg Foley, Jim Drexler, Dennis Meade, Barbara Hansen, Dale Edwards and Lori Snyder Lowe. Others present included: Executive Director Dick Fisher.

CORAS President-elect David Branch called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m.  .

Executive Director Fisher presented the proposed CORAS/COE Research Guidelines for discussion and consideration. 

During the discussion the word “and” was added to the last sentence of item number three between the words “Directors” and “Executive.” Clarification was give to item number two that this guideline did not prohibit the CORAS/COE Leadership & Research Committee from meeting more often. Additional clarification was provided that the written report in item number four could be the same as the report to the CORAS Board of Directors in item number five, with the report in the latter having the option of being given orally.

Lori Snyder-Lowe moved and Tom Wolfe seconded to approve the CORAS/COE Research Guidelines. PASSED   (See Leadership & Research Committee)

CORAS President-elect Branch adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

CORAS Board of Directors Meeting Review

February 20, 2008

McCracken Hall, Ohio University

CORAS President Dick Murray called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. Board members present included: Dick Murray, Renee Middleton, Tom Wolfe, Phil Satterfield, Joann Dugan, Dale Dickson, David Branch, Aimee Howley and Greg Foley. Members of the CORAS/COE Leadership & Research Committee present were: Paul Mock, Max Evans and Jerry Vinci. Murray, Dickson, Satterfield, Howley and Middleton also serve on the Leadership & Research Committee. Others present included: Executive Director Dick Fisher.

The meeting opened with remarks by CORAS President Dick Murray concerning the Governor’s initiatives, pre-K-12 education in the future and school funding.

Executive Director Fisher presented a brief review of the two CORAS/COE research projects conducted between 2000 and 2008. Dr. Howley provided additional information about the research, pointing out that both research projects have received national attention through publications and presentations.

Fisher presented the proposed CORAS/COE Research Guidelines for discussion and consideration. The consensus was for the CORAS Board of Directors to consider the research guidelines at its March 4, 2008 meeting in Zanesville. (A copy is attached)

Dr. Foley asked about the possibility of using the CORAS/COE Leadership & Research Committee as a sounding board by College of Education researchers. It was agreed that this could be done.

“What research questions should be considered during the “Third Decade?” and “Who should do the research?” were the main items of discussion by the Board and Research Committee.

Three proposals discussed were: (1) Battelle for Kids presented a written proposal focusing on classroom outcomes using value-added data. (2) Dr. Evans proposed a study of Education Equity focusing on rural Appalachian schools and school children. (A copy is attached) (3) Dr. Middleton proposed a 3-way effort including the Ohio University College of Education, the Voinovich Center and the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools that could possibly encompass the two previous proposals and other ideas discussed by those present.

The consensus of the Board of Directors was to have Dr. Middleton develop a written proposal, as soon as possible, for distribution to the members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will then consider the three proposals (the Ohio University proposal, Dr. Evans proposal and the Battelle for Kids proposal) at its April 29, 2008 meeting at the Ohio University Inn, Athens.

The Board of Directors agreed to have further discussion concerning the broadening of CORAS partnerships to other institutions of higher learning in the Ohio Appalachian region at the March 4, 2008 meeting in Zanesville.

CORAS President Murray adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.

CORAS Board of Directors Meeting Review

January 29, 2008

Olde Dutch Restaurant

Logan, Ohio

CORAS President Dick Murray called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board members present included: Dick Murray, Tom Wolfe, Barbara Hansen, John Simmons, Dale Edwards, Dennis Meade, Lori Snyder-Lowe, James Drexler, Patricia Ciraso, Phil Satterfield, JoAnn Dugan, Jack Payton, Dale Dickson, David Branch, Aimee Howley and Chuck Bizzari. Others present included: Executive Director Dick Fisher. Board members Bill Brelsford, Greg Foley, Renee Middleton and Jim Frazier were unable to attend

BUSINESS & INFORMATION AGENDA

1. Fisher reviewed the July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 financial report.

               Receipts………….$39,721.33

               Expenditures……..$23,298.81

 Dickson moved and Bizzari seconded to approve the financial report.  PASSED

1.   The 2008 Board members up for election or appointment were announced. They are: Region 2 - Dennis Meade (elected) and Patricia Ciraso (appointed) Region 7 - Dale Edwards (elected) and Jim Drexler (appointed). 

2.   Membership Report: CORAS has 131 active members as of January 29, 2008.

3.   The Executive Director requested nominations for the annual CORAS Leadership and Service Recognitions. Dale Edwards, BASA President-elect, was submitted.

4.   CORAS programs for March 4, 2008, April 29, 2008 and June 10, 2008 were announced.

5.   The Board of Directors summer/fall planning meeting will be held on Thursday, 

September 4, 2008 at EagleStick Golf Club and Inn, Zanesville.

6.   Satterfield moved and Bizzari seconded to approve the following Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools policy for releasing lists of names and addresses. PASSED

                   POLICY FOR RELEASING LISTS OF NAMES AND ADDRESSES

                 THE COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS IS

                 COMPOSED OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER

                 LEARNING AND OTHER EDUCATION AGENCIES: Therefore, the Coalition

                 of Rural and Appalachian Schools will, upon request, release only a list of

                 names and addresses of member school districts, institutions of higher

                 learning and other members.

                 The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools will not release a list of

                 names and addresses of Superintendents, Deans, and/or other heads of

                 member agencies to external organizations or individuals. 

BRIEF REPORTS AND UPDATES

                  1.    CORAS President Murray reported on the COE Dean/CORAS Superintendent 

                         Communications and Connections, “Realigning our professional learning system

                          with the needs of schools/student in Ohio and beyond.”    

                .

2.      Murray reported on the status of the “Getting It Right” Constitutional Amendment.

3.      Fisher and Murray discussed the “The Third Decade” (2008-09 will mark

                          the beginning of the third decade for the Coalition of Rural and

                          Appalachian Schools/Ohio University College of Education partnership.)  

                        First, the discussion focused on exploring the possibility of expanding

                        the CORAS partnership, in a yet to be determined way, shape and form, to

                        other Ohio Appalachian institutions of higher learning. Institutions

                        mentioned as possibilities were Muskingum College; Marietta College;

                        Shawnee State University; and the University of Rio Grande.

                        Second, the discussion focused on exploring the potential for a research

                        project that addresses questions relating to Ohio’s new value-added

                        program and how it might impact rural Appalachian school districts.

                        Battelle of Kids (a state and national leader in value-added) and/or Ohio

                        University (current CORAS research provider) were mentioned as

                        possibilities for leading the research .  

                        The CORAS Board of Directors will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday,

                        February 20, 2008 for further discussion on these issues. The Leadership

                        and Research Committee will be invited to participate in the discussion

                        concerning the research project.

      Payton moved and Dickson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 2:38 p.m. PASSED

CORAS Governing Board Meeting Minutes

September 6, 2007  

EagleSticks Golf Club and Inn

Zanesville, Ohio  

1. CORAS President Dick Murray called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and opened the meeting with introductions.  Board members present included: Dick Murray, Tom Wolfe, Barb Hansen, John Simmons, Dale Edwards, Dennis Meade, Lori Snyder-Lowe, James Drexler, Bill Brelsford, Pat Ciraso, Phil Satterfield, JoAnn Dugan, Greg Foley, Jack Payton, Dale Dickson, David Branch and Chuck Bizzari. Others present included: Executive Director Dick Fisher, Larry Burgess, Lori Spencer, Max Evans and Larry Miller. Board members Aimee Howley, Renee Middleton and Jim Frazier were unable to attend.

2. Fisher reviewed the 2006-07 financial report and submitted the FY 2008 budget.  Bizzari moved and Satterfield seconded to approve the budget.  PASSED

3. Dickson moved and Edwards seconded to approve a $2500 supplemental payment to Secretary/Financial Officer Lori Spencer for the 2007-08 school year. PASSED

4. Brelsford mover and Snyder-Lowe seconded to approve employment for Larry Burgess as Research Consultant at a rate of $1,500 per quarter or $6,000, plus benefits, for the 2007-08 school year. PASSED

5. Payton moved and Dickson seconded to employ Richard Fisher as Executive Director for the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 at a rate of $40,000 (50% paid by the Ohio University College of Education and 50% paid by the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools), plus a one-time supplemental payment of $5000 by Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools.  PASSED

6. Brelsford moved and Hansen seconded that school districts placed in Fiscal Emergency by the State of Ohio may request a membership dues waiver by submitting a letter of request, signed by the superintendent and board president, to the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Executive Director. A school district may receive a one-year fee waiver for each consecutive 5-year period of paid membership. (Example: The school district has been a paid member for 15 consecutive years. The district may receive a membership fee waive for three years if under Fiscal Emergency.) The CORAS Board of Directors will consider requests on a case-by-case basis at their annual August or September meeting. PASSED

    7. Discussed 2007-08 membership programs, dates and locations. They are:

             September 11, 2007 Olde Dutch Restaurant, Logan, FY08-08 School

 Funding with Dick Maxwell

October 30, 2007 Olde Dutch Restaurant, Logan- The Governor’s education policy advisors will discuss “school funding and education reform.”

Board members were requested to provide nominations for Hicks

Executive-In-Residence honorees that will be selected over the 

next 3  years.

June 10, 2007 EagleSticks, Zanesville-  annual golf outing and summer

 meeting.  

Requested suggestions from the board for programs tentatively set for January 29, 2008, March 11, 2008 and April 22, 2008.

8. Larry Miller, E&A Coalition Steering Committee Chairperson, discussed the future of the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding.

9. The 2006-07 Annual Report: Board members were asked to refer to the Quarterly Reports.

10. A report on the 2007-08 CORAS membership drive show 96 members as of September 4, 2007. Members of the board of directors were requested to contact superintendents in their region who have not renewed their 2007-08 memberships.

11. The Executive Director requested suggestions for improving membership communication.

12. Max Evans updated the board of directors on Ohio Public School Dialogue activities.

          Brelsford made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Payton seconded the motion. 

          PASSED

COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2007

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Board of Directors met at the Ohio University Inn, Athens on April 24, 2007. President Charles Bizzari called the meeting to order at 1:15 PM. Board members in attendance included Phil Satterfield, Charles Bizzari, Lori Snyder-Lowe, Dale Edwards, Dennis Meade, Barbara Hansen, Dick Murray and David Branch, newly elected board member Bill Brelsford and Executive Director Dick Fisher. Board members unable to attend were John Simmons, Jack Payton, Patricia Ciraso, Jim Frazier, Bob Caldwell, Dale Dickson, Tom Wolfe, Joe Pielech, Aimee Howley, Renee Middleton, Glenn Doston, and Catherine Glascock.

1. Edwards moved and Satterfield seconded to approve the 2007-08 Partnership Agreement with Ohio University College of Education. PASSED

2. Executive Director Fisher announced that John Simmons, Superintendent, Vinton County Local was elected to the Board of Directors in Region 3 and Bill Brelsford, Superintendent, Caldwell Exempted Village was elected in Region 5.

3. Satterfield moved and Murray seconded to appoint the following to the Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2010.

                    Region 3 – Jack Payton, Superintendent, Gallipolis City

                    Region 5 -  Charles Bizzari, Superintendent, Belmont-Harrison JVS

                    Ex-Officio – Tom Wolfe, Superintendent, Bern Union Local

            To complete the term of retiring superintendent Joe Pielech , beginning July 1,

            2007 and ending June 30, 2008

                    Region 7 – Jim Drexler, Superintendent, Harrison Hills City  PASSED

4. Edwards moved and Meade seconded to confirm Richard Murray, Superintendent Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center as 2007-08 CORAS President and David Branch, Superintendent, Franklin Local, President-elect for 2007-08. PASSED

5. CORAS President Bizzari adjourned the meeting at 1:35 PM.

COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS

Board of Directors Meeting

March 13, 2007

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Board of Directors met at the Holiday Inn in Zanesville on March 13, 2007. President Charles Bizzari called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Board members in attendance included Dale Dickson, Bob Caldwell, Phil Satterfield, Tom Wolfe, Charles Bizzari, Lori Snyder-Lowe, Dale Edwards, Aimee Howley, Joe Pielech, Barbara Hansen, Dick Murray and David Branch Also in attendance were Executive Director Dick Fisher and Larry Burgess. Board members unable to attend were John Simmons, Jack Payton, Patricia Ciraso, Dennis Meade, Jim Frazier, Renee Middleton, Glenn Doston, and Catherine Glascock.

1.  The Executive Director presented the mid-year financial report. Receipts for the period July1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 were $54,995.00. Expenditures for the same period were $27,648.76.

2. Spring elections for the board of directors will be held for Region 3. John Simmons is the current elected director and Jack Payton is the current appointed director. An election will also be held in Region 5 where Bob Caldwell is the current elected director and Charles Bizzari is the current appointed director.

3. The membership report listed 134 school districts, institutions of higher learning and other agencies as being active members of the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools. This years membership is the highest ever for CORAS.

4. The speakers and the Hicks honoree for the Hicks Executive-in-Residence program, to be held on April 24, 2007 at the Ohio University Inn in Athens, were announced.

5. Nominations for 2007 Leadership and Service Recognitions were discussed. Individuals from rural Appalachia Ohio, who have made a “significant effort” to improve the educational opportunities for all school children in the region, are eligible the recognition.

6. The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools Summer Planning Meeting was set for the Brass Ring Golf Club in Logan on Thursday, September 6, 2007 from 9:00 AM to noon.

7.  CORAS President-elect Dick Murray discussed the proposed constitutional amendment and the importance of getting organized. CORAS region directors will be requested to establish a “telephone tree” within each of the seven CORAS regions to assist with monitoring the petition signature gathering process.

8. CORAS Charles Bizzari declared the meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.

COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS

Board of Directors Meeting

September 7, 2006

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Board of Directors met at the Brass Ring Golf Club in Logan on September 7, 2006. CORAS President Charles Bizzari called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM. Board members in attendance included Bob Caldwell,  Phil Satterfield, Tom Wolfe, Charles Bizzari, Richard Murray, Aimee Howley, James Frazier, Catherine Glascock, Lori Snyder-Lowe, Jack Payton, Glenn Doston, Dennis Meade, Dale Edwards and Joe Pielech.  Also in attendance were Executive Director Dick Fisher, Secretary & Financial Officer Lori Spencer, Leadership and Research Committee Co- Chair Max Evans and guest speaker William L. Phillis, Executive Director, E&A Coalition. Board members unable to attend were David Branch, Renee Middleton, Dale Dickson, John Simmons, Barbara Hansen and Patricia Ciraso.

1.  President Bizzari opened the meeting with introductions.

2. College of Education Senior Associate Dean Glenn Doston discussed the benefits gained from CORAS and the College of Education working together. He also expressed his and the Dean’s desire to continue this long-standing good relationship with area schools and their administrators.

3. Fisher presented the 2005-06 financial report and the 2006-07 CORAS budget. Payton moved and Pielech seconded to approve the financial report and the 2006-07 budget. PASSED

4. The 2006-07 Relationship Agreement between CORAS and the College of Education, Ohio University was reviewed. Meade moved and Edwards seconded to approve the agreement.  PASSED

5. Pielech moved and Wolfe seconded to approve a one-time $2000 payment to Lori Spencer, Secretary/Financial Officer, to provide services to CORAS as needed, over and above her current duties.  PASSED

6. Satterfield moved and Edwards seconded to re-employ Larry Burgess for one-year as CORAS consultant and research associate at a salary of $1,500.00 per quarter or $6,000.00 annually, plus employer share of retirement, medicare and workers’ compensation. PASSED

7. Caldwell moved and Wolfe seconded to re-employ Dick Fisher as CORAS executive director for the 2006-07 school year. The salary to be the same a last year plus a one-time $5000 payment. PASSED.

8. Executive Director Fisher presented the “annual report” to the board of directors.  The average number of people attending CORAS meetings/programs in 2005-06 was 64.5.  In addition, Fisher reviewed the CORAS Quarterly Reports for July 2005 through June 2006. A report was provided to the board of directors that showed the CORAS web site, www.coras.org, received 31,046 visitors, 107,044 hits and 47,903 page views July 2005 through June 2006. Howley concluded the “annual report” by providing a progress report on the CORAS/COE research project.

9. A list of CORAS superintendent changes was distributed to members of the board of directors. The CORAS membership drive is underway. Membership renewals as of September 5, 2006 stood at 104, about 10 ahead of last year on this date. The membership goal for the 2006-07 school year is 135. Board members were asked to contact previous members in their region who have not yet renewed 2006-07 memberships.

10.   The 2006-07 CORAS program dates were announced.

• September 21, 2006 program is set for the Ohio University Inn, Athens.

      Educational Regional Service System…Craig Burford, Executive Director,

       Ohio Educational Service Center Association

      Rural Early Adolescents Learning Program that will Address Challenges Faced

      by Rural Schools. …Dr. Tom Farmer, Co-director, National Research Center on

      Rural Education Support and Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University.

• October 31, 2006 program is set for the Olde Dutch Restaurant, Logan.

           Understanding & Using Value-Added Analysis

           Battelle for Kids: Bringing clarity to school improvement

Dr. James W. Mahoney, Executive Director, and Staff

• November 2006 (tentative) “School Funding Constitutional Amendment Proposal”

• Other meetings are tentatively set for the months of January, March and April 2007. The date for the 2006 Hicks Executive-in-Residence program has not been set.

• June 12, 2007 is the date for the Summer Meeting and Golf Outing at EagleSticks Golf Club and Inn, Zanesville.

11. A survey was distributed to the board members seeking suggestions and ideas for programs and speakers for 2007 CORAS meetings.

 12.     William L. Phillis and Richard Murray discussed the school funding remedy

            proposal (constitutional amendment) for Ohio and organizing/funding a campaign

            to pass a constitutional amendment.

CORAS President Bizzari adjourned the meeting at 12:45 PM.

COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS

Board of Directors Meeting

April 25, 2006

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Board of Directors met at the Ohio University Inn, Athens on April 25, 2006. President Phil Satterfield called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM. Board members in attendance included Tom Davis, Dianne Gut, Phil Satterfield, Scott Davis, Dennis Meade, Patricia Ciraso, and David Branch. Also in attendance were Executive Director Dick Fisher and Consultant and Research Associate Larry Burgess. Board members unable to attend were Dale Dickson, Tom Wolfe, Mike Smith, Aimee Howley, Bob Caldwell, Joe Pielech, Charles Bizzari, Dale Edwards, Kyle Kanuckel, Jack Payton and John Simmons.

1. The CORAS/College of Education 2006-07 Partnership Agreement was discussed. The final document will be presented for approval at the September 7, 2006 Board of Directors meeting.

2. Arrangements were made for the May 4, 2006 meeting requested by Dr. Susan Zelman, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

3. Burgess reported on the CORAS/COE Leadership and Research project.

4. The results of 2006 region elections for the Board of Directors were announced. Those elected were: Region 1, James Frazier, Superintendent, Brown County Educational Service Center; Region 4, Dale Dickson, Superintendent, Perry-Hocking Education Service Center; and Region 6, Richard Murray, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center. The term of office begins July 1, 2006 and ends June 30, 2009.

5. Meade moved and T. Davis seconded the following superintendents be appointed to the Board of Directors for the term beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2009. Region 1, Phil Satterfield, Ross-Pike Educational Service Center; Region 4, Lori Snyder-Lowe, Morgan Local School District; and Region 6, David Branch, Franklin Local School District. PASSED

6. College of Education appointments to the Board of Directors will be announced by the College of Education Dean within the next two-weeks.

7. S. Davis moved and Ciraso seconded that Dr. Barbara Hansen, Department of Education, Muskingum College and Dr. Aimee Howley, College of Education, Ohio University, be appointed as ex-officio members of the Board of Directors for the term July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. PASSED

8. The Board of Directors confirmed President –elect Charles Bizzari, Superintendent, Belmont-Harrison Joint Vocational School, as 2006-07 CORAS President.

9. Ciraso moved and S. Davis seconded that Richard Murray be elected to the position of CORAS President-elect for 2006-07. PASSED

10. Members of the Board of Directors were reminded that the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools Summer Planning Meeting was set for the Brass Ring Golf Club in Logan on Thursday, September 7, 2006 from 9:00 AM to noon.

11.  The Annual Summer Meeting and Golf Outing will be Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at EagleSticks Golf Club and Inn, Zanesville. The program will include presentations on Advanced Placement and a proposed school-funding constitutional amendment.

COALITION OF RURAL AND APPALACHIAN SCHOOLS

Board of Directors Meeting

January 31, 2006

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Board of Directors met at the Olde Dutch Restaurant in Logan on January 31, 2006. President Phil Satterfield called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. Board members in attendance included Dale Dickson, Bob Caldwell, Tom Davis, Mike Smith, Dianne Gut, Phil Satterfield, Tom Wolfe, Charles Bizzari, Scott Davis, Dennis Meade, Dale Edwards, Patricia Ciraso, Aimee Howley, Jack Payton and Joe Pielech Also in attendance were Executive Director Dick Fisher, Consultant and Research Associate Larry Burgess, Leadership and Research Committee Co- Chair Max Evans and David Branch. Board members unable to attend were Kyle Kanuckel, Barbara Hansen and John Simmons.

1.  The Executive Director presented the mid-year financial report. Receipts for the period July1, 2005 through December 31, 2005 were $49,370.00. Expenditures for the same period were $25,281.00.

2. Wolfe moved and Bizzari seconded to appoint David Branch, Superintendent, Franklin Local school District, Muskingum County, to fill the unexpired term of Barbara Hansen. PASSED

         Hansen retired from East Muskingum Local School District to accept a position at

         Muskingum College.

3. Spring elections for the board of directors will be held for Region 1, Phil Satterfield, current elected and Michael Smith current appointed directors, Region 4, Dale Dickson, current elected and Scott Davis current appointed directors and Region 6, Kyle Kanuckel, current elected and David Branch, current appointed directors.

4. The membership report listed 128 school districts, institutions of higher learning and other agencies as being active members of the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools as of January 31, 2006.

5. Nominations for 2006 Leadership and Service Recognitions were discussed. Individuals from rural Appalachia Ohio, who have made a “significant effort” to improve the educational opportunities for all school children in the region, are eligible the recognition.

6. The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools Summer Planning Meeting was set for the Brass Ring Golf Club in Logan on Thursday, September 7, 2006 from 9:00 AM to noon.

7. Dean Tom Davis discussed a College of Education Advanced Placement initiative and the COE Dean/CORAS Superintendent Advisory Discussion Group.

8. Max Evans distributed materials for the Ohio Public School Dialogue.

9. Aimee Howley and Larry Burgess updated the board of directors on current COE/CORAS research projects.

10. The Executive Director provided information on CORAS participation on the Science and Mathematics Education Policy Advisory Council (SAMEPAC), the School Finance Redesign Project Advisory Committee and the Ohio Mayor’s Education Roundtable. It was also announced that a meeting would be held on February 14, 2006 with a federal mediator to search for “common ground” among the educational organizations regarding a remedy proposal for the school funding crisis.

11. Dickson requested participation for area American History teachers in the “Think Ohio” project sponsored joint by Perry-Hocking Education Service Center, Ohio University and the Ohio Historical Society.

12. Payton moved and Wolfe seconded to adjourn the meeting. CORAS President Satterfield declared the meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM.

  ______________________________________________________________________

AMENDMENT TO CORAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE IV, ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE, Section 1, IS APPROVED BY CORAS MEMBERSHIP

The following paragraph becomes part of ARTICLE IV, Section 1 of the Coalition of Rural an Appalachian Schools Constitution and By-Laws.

Paragraph three reads: