ELEA National Board meets in Austin, Texas

By Kris Finley, Board President

     ELEA National Board Members representing networks around the country met in Austin, Texas October 8-12, 2003.  Through a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the board received training from Sandy Cajigas, ELEA’s representative from Harcourt Educational Measurement on the standardized testing programs that ELEA administers for our elementary schools and the early childhood centers.  It was important for us to gain a broader understanding of the scope and trends of standardized testing in this country.  Ms. Cajigas also reviewed the early childhood testing materials, FirstSTEps, now available for the first time to ELEA members.

     In addition, the board heard from Andy Tiebert, a representative from the ELCA Foundation for a better understanding of their work and to share ideas for financial development for our schools and organization. 

     In the board-meeting portion of our days together, we spent time with Rev. Rich Zawistoski, Assistant Executive Director of the ELCA’s Division for Higher Education and Schools to discuss the Restructuring Proposal for the future structure of the ELCA Churchwide organization put forth from Bishop Hanson’s office on September 15, 2003.  The board crafted a formal response opposing the Restructuring Proposal as it related to ELCA Schools and Early Childhood ministries.  The letter was then signed by all ELEA board members and sent to Bishop Hanson’s office.
 

     ELEA’s membership year is changing from a July 1-June 30 to a 12-month membership regardless of when dues are paid.  Schools and Early Childhood Centers wanting to join ELEA after January 1, 2004 will pay $165 at any point in the year and their membership will be good for 1 year from that date.  We believe this will be more convenient for our members.  

     Planning by ELEA in collaboration with the ELCA’s Schools and Early Childhood Ministry Team has begun to shape the National Conference for Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary School Administrators scheduled for October 7-9, 2004 in Anaheim, California.  “Dreaming the Dream” is the conference theme and registration materials will be mailed in January.

     The National Board of ELEA is an excellent group of committed Principals and Directors of ELCA Schools and Centers that volunteer their time for your benefit. Included in this issue on Page 2 is a list of all board members.  Please take time to extend your gratitude for their service and dedication to ELEA.

Kris Finley, ELEA National Board President, may be reached at KLynnFin@aol.com.
 

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