SPOTLIGHT

Highlights

Convention to be held in Greensboro

The Board of Governors voted to hold an in-person convention this year, with a hybrid online version for those districts or members who wish not to attend. The event will be held at the Sheraton Koury Convention Center, as in years past. The event will take place Sept. 9-11, 2021.

More details will be released about the convention as it nears.

Treasurer’s report

General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas reported that SEANC’s finances were on target to meet budgeted goals. She also recommended that the mileage reimbursement rate be reduced to 56 cents per mile to adhere to IRS guidelines. The BOG voted to reduce the rate.

President’s report

President Jimmy Davis told the board that SEANC’s contract with Hyatt Place for lodging had expired. Director of Operations Brenda Johnson presented other options for nearby hotels, and the board chose to contract with the Hampton Inn Midtown.

President Davis then asked Second Vice President Kirk Montgomery for an update on SEANC’s Association Management Software implementation. Montgomery stated that the new Impexium system is nearing full implementation. The Financial Management System has already been implemented. The whole project is still well under budget.

The SEANC staff to return to the office full-time on June 1. President Davis asked that members not bombard the office with visits for the first month at least. There will be no telework options.

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director Ardis Watkins opened by thanking the board for allowing the staff to telework during the pandemic and added that several staff members have told her that they are excited to return to the office.

In the immediate future, membership will be a major focus. Member Relations Director Lynn Cote is working on rebuilding relationships with HR directors and has already seen positive results. She also thanked District 21 for hosting the first in-person event since March 2020!

We are making connections in public education as well, and expect Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt to send a letter to all school districts telling them to allow associations to have access equally and to allow payroll deduction as well. Our legislative team is playing defense on several issues. State employees and retirees are under attack on everything from the retiree formula to personnel records. Our lobbyists have done an extraordinary job so far holding them back. The state budget is expected to be the next big fight. There’s a ton of money rolling around – billions of dollars – and the Senate and House have yet to agree on a target for spending.

The State Employees’ Credit Union has opted not to sell theme park tickets in their branches this year, so all sales will be done online through the SEANC website.

Watkins discussed Senate Bill 355 in an interview with Lockwood Phillips on WTKF 107.1 FM on Sunday. You can listen to the whole interview on our Facebook page.

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The 4th Branch

The 4th Branch Chairman and District 58 Chairman Chuck Stone asked for SEANC’s support to move bills to extend the Bailey Settlement, which would make retirement checks exempt from state income tax. The board voted to support this issue.

Bylaws Committee

Chairwoman Kim Martin reminded the board that amendments must be approved at annual meetings and submitted to the office no later than July 15. They can be submitted electronically or by mail but must meet the deadline in order to be considered during the convention. They can be faxed to the office at 800-296-4999 or emailed to bylaws@seanc.org.

Scholarship Report

Scholarship Foundation Chairman Mike Bell reported that 35,000 raffle tickets have been distributed for the annual fundraiser. Districts are asked to maintain all records and tickets, sold and unsold. The tickets will be turned in at the annual convention.

Bell stated that judging would be held remotely this week, and the Foundation will award 44 scholarships totaling $40,000. Ten retiree grandchildren scholarships will also be awarded.

Three members are running for re-election on the board: Doris Greer, Deborah Dunston and Kim Martin. There are two other vacancies, and another that will be filled by the chairman for a recent vacancy in the South Central Region.

Key Motions

Motions from Board of Governors

PASSED: A motion to approve and accept the BOG minutes from February 20, 2021.

PASSED: A motion to change the mileage reimbursement rate effective immediately to 56 cents per mile.

PASSED: A motion to approve using the Hampton Inn (Raleigh Midtown) for lodging for SEANC.

PASSED: A motion to support HB 75, HB 52, and SB 4 legislation which would give all retirees (state, local, and federal) exemption from state taxes.

PASSED: A motion to hold the 2021 SEANC annual convention as a hybrid event.

Announcements:

• Martha Fowler announced that she plans to run for President.

• Kirk Montgomery announced that he plans to run for 1st Vice President.

• Chevella Thomas announced that she plans to run for 2nd Vice President.

• Wendell Powell announced that he plans to run for 2nd Vice President.

• Kemrey Lamarr announced that he plans to run for 2nd Vice President.

• Emily Jones announced that she plans to run for Treasurer.

The next BOG meeting is scheduled for July 23-24, 2021. It will be announced later whether it will be held in-person, by ZOOM, or as a hybrid event.