PRESENT: Celeste Branham, Ed Barrett, Jenni Tilton-Flood, Maryalice Crofton
Discussion Items:
Commission appointments. Celeste reported that she had responses from everyone whose term is expiring in September. Luke Shorty, Peter Doak, and Ed Barrett would like to be reappointed but to seats that match their current work. Jamie Logan and Maria Staples replied that they are not seeking reappointment.
With those changes there are now 12 vacancies on the Commission. Outreach to recruit potential candidates has been somewhat successful. Members present divided up the follow-up outreach and will complete it within the next week. The goal is to submit a full set of applicants before the end of the month. With any luck, the people can be appointed during September and participate in the retreat.
Commission retreat. September 24+25 are the dates. Joanne D’Arcangelo has agreed to be the facilitator and the first meeting with her is July 16. Celeste will poll the commissioners to identify their priorities for the time. The retreat is unlikely to be in person, even in September. That said, the business meeting will be 9/24 in the morning and the retreat will follow.
Task forces. With David Burns’ resignation, the Financial Oversight Task Force needs a chair as does Research and Evaluation. Potential leaders were discussed and Celeste will contact each person with a request.
Research and Evaluation Task Force meetings this summer will be briefings on the findings of three projects: Dr. Zollitch’s assessment of grantees that closed early; Patrick Bloniaz’ research into use of AmeriCorps education awards at Maine higher ed institutions and how as well as where Maine AmeriCorps Alums have used their education awards; and, Tony Inhorn’s findings on potential funding priorities for Commission grants. The first meeting is July 24 at 1pm. All Commissioners will be invited to attend.
Grant Selection and Performance is taking a small break after the heavy work schedule of winter and spring. There are some policies to discuss for changes but no actions to take until September.
Communications task force will not meet in July nor will Financial Oversight.
There were no other discussion items so members dispersed.