Problems with the Current Structure
With input from current and recent leaders and from the membership
at large, the committee identified many of the problems that
limit the efficient functioning of our Association. These have
been summarized as follows:
-
There seems to be too many governing bodies (Administrative
Committee, Board of Directors, House of Delegates, House
of Regions, House of Representatives) in the current structure
to allow the Association to operate effectively and efficiently.
-
| District/Region |
STATUS |
| Bay |
|
| Region 15 |
VACANT |
| Region 16 |
|
| Region 17 |
|
| Region 18 |
VACANT |
| Region 19 |
VACANT |
| |
|
| North Central |
|
| Region 25 |
VACANT |
| Region 26 |
|
| Region 27 |
VACANT |
| Region 28 |
|
| |
|
| Northern |
VACANT |
| Region 35 |
VACANT |
| Region 36 |
VACANT |
| Region 38 |
VACANT |
| |
|
| Southern |
|
| Region 45 |
|
| Region 46 |
|
| Region 47 |
|
| Region 48 |
|
| |
|
| South Central |
VACANT |
| Region 55 |
VACANT |
| Region 56 |
VACANT |
Very little is reported happening at the “grass roots” level. Few
if any Units, Regions, or Districts have reported holding
regular meetings or communicating with their constituency
on a regular basis. Some Districts are not holding
conferences or workshops or getting involved in the awards
process (e.g. Teacher of the Year, etc.) Due to the frequent
absence of a quorum in business meetings of the House of
Regions and House of Delegates, there has repeatedly been
a need to “suspend the rules
(bylaws)” so that these governing bodies could carry
out their responsibilities to govern. A look at the number
of vacancies for Regional Representatives and District Coordinators
clearly shows the problem. SEE STATUS CHART
AT RIGHT
-
In the current structure, the House of Delegates has veto
power over actions taken by the Board of Directors. But,
with the “Houses” meeting only half as often
as the Board of Directors, there has never been a realistic
or workable mechanism in place for a veto to occur.
-
Dates of actions
set forth in the Bylaws of the Association could not be realistically
met given the infrequency of the meetings of the three Houses.
-
Flexibility
within the structure of the Association is needed to facilitate
change in a timely manner.
-
Problems with operating codes: Most
are outdated…never
revised, or they are non-existent.
-
It was unrealistic to expect
the general membership to be the driving force of the Association. Less
than 10% typically have voted in recent elections, and member
participation to nominate qualified candidates for office
has been inconsistent at best.
-
There is a lack of direct local representation
on the House of Delegates.
-
Securing adequate leadership for
both elected and appointed positions within the Association
has been a significant problem.
