Delegates gather in Branson for business, learning, and fun

MNEA 2023 Spring Representative Assembly
Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake of the Ozarks
April 22-23, 2022

Printable Bulletin

RA delegates and local leaders:
Please share your feedback and suggestions for improving the RA experience here.

President’s Message

President Phil Murray welcomed delegates and leaders to the Fall RA and began his remarks by recognizing MNEA’s 50th anniversary, charter locals, and founding members. He praised the Back To School organizing events and recruitment successes around the state and celebrated the bargaining wins in multiple locals. He reminded delegates that MNEA would continue to create new ways to “engage, grow, and stay connected—we will keep working to build connections with locals and members all around Missouri.”

p murray

State of the Association

Executive Director DeeAnn Aull reported that MNEA is on strong financial footing with a balanced budget and clean audit reports. Membership is strong and growing in all categories. She highlighted MNEA communications with members and locals through a variety of print, electronic, and social media platforms. She related MNEA’s ongoing legal, political, and bargaining advocacy efforts and thanked MNEA staff for their work on behalf of members.

d aull

NEA Directors’ National Advocacy

NEA Directors Paul Guess and Andy Slaughter briefed delegates on their work at the national level during the NEA RA and NEA

Superweek in September. President Joe Biden addressed the NEA Board of Directors meeting and our directors lobbied Missouri’s congressional House and Senate representatives on Title I, School Nutrition programs, Student Loan Forgiveness for Educators, GPO/ WEP, and the Marriage Equality Act. Carmen Hill and Dennis Tabb were recognized as NEA ESP At-Large Board members.

Andy and Paul

Other RA Business by Delegates

Delegates adopted several amendments to the MNEA Resolutions related to School Safety, Curriculum Issues and CRT, Teacher Recruitment and Retention, and Accreditation, Accountability and Assessment.

Delegates adopted the MNEA 3-1 (g) plan to ensure opportunity and participation goals for Native People and People of Color members.

Delegates elected 11 members to the MNEA PAC Executive Council: Rebecca Portwood (DeSoto), Stephanie Blake (Springfield), Regina Newport (Carthage), Tyler Janke (Sedalia), Kevin Bland (Park Hill), Monica Miller (Columbia), Adam Vishy (Hazelwood), Jennifer Wofford (St. Louis), Lindsey Weatherby (Special District), Anyisa Evans (Fort Zumwalt), and William Mitchell (Parkway). Chuck Howard (Special District) was elected to the MNEA Program, Audit, and Budget Committee.

Delegates congratulated Leila Medley Quality Local Association Gold Award winners: Columbia MNEA, North Kansas City NEA, Ritenour NEA, and Special District NEA. California Casualty Music & Art grants were awarded to Katie Aubrey (North Kansas City) and Stephanie Engelmeyer (St. Louis). Jane McPartland (Hazelwood) received the Shirley Cromer Leadership Award. Delegates and locals contributed over $7,000 and more than 1,200 pairs of socks to the MNEA HOPE Fund. $5,155 was contributed to the MNEA Political Action Funds by delegates.