Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/278956
SPRING 2014 | wyoea.org SPRING 2014 | WEAnews 8 WEA Budget Process by WEA Treasurer Jon VanOverbeke In the winter issue of the WEA News, I explained the process used to share the budget at the Region Retreats. I also asked for input from members who weren't at the retreats. That input was used to help the Program and Budget Committee revise and create a proposed 2014- 15 budget. The Committee had a lot of discussion about what the revised and proposed budgets should look like. Questions asked included: What are our priorities? What can we do to get some of our costs down? What can we do to increase membership? The list goes on. It was decided by the Committee, and later by the WEA Board, to keep the Membership Organizing staff position that has been tried on an interim basis. This person is a statewide staff member for the WEA who works with region leadership, UniServ Directors and, in some instances, local leadership. Organizing local leaders to be able to be more effective, as well as helping with membership, are key components of the job description of this staff person. As membership is the lifeblood of our Association, this member-focused position will be very beneficial. The next topic of discussion in the Committee was legal cases and expenses. Our Executive Director has been in negotiations with the legal firm as the contract was being renewed. We wanted to know what the real costs of legal are. Finally, with our obligations, either through the bylaws, our relationship with NEA and other partners, or staff negotiations, we were able to come up with a budget that will be presented to the delegates at Delegate Assembly. We are currently presenting the proposed budget at all of the Region Delegate Hearings and answering lots of questions. A presentation is shared as well about the financial reasoning behind keeping the Membership Organizer position. At the Delegate Assembly, I will present a Budget Hearing. The information will show what our auditors found when they did the annual audit. I will also include the information regarding the revised and proposed budgets. During the action on the Assembly floor, the delegates will vote on whether to adopt the proposed budget. If it receives an affirmative vote, the budget gets a new name. It is called the Adopted Budget. This is the budget that will guide our use during the next fiscal year, which starts in September. I would like to thank each member who was at the Region Retreats and provided us with valuable information about the budget. The members who contacted me personally to give me input and ask questions also deserve a thumbs- up for their involvement. The Program and Budget Committee worked long hours trying to create a budget that made sense, yet kept our priorities at the forefront. I am extremely grateful for their insight and patience. Finally, a huge thanks to the delegates, who will have the final say as to what the budget looks like and whether it should be passed. 3 rd Annual WYTECC Conference April 25 and 26 Green River High School, Green River, WY The conference will include over 40 break-out sessions from various presenters. Keynote speakers are Kathy Schrock, Ginger Lewman and Jared Covili Cost is $65 - PTSB and graduate credits available! For more information visit: http://wyteccconference.weebly.com Produced in cooperation with Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism, Sweetwater BOCES, and Lightspeed Systems. Spring 2014 working.indd 8 3/14/14 4:30 PM