News from the front of Kentucky Education Technology.

Welcome to the first KySTE Members Update! This mostly-monthly newsletter contains announcements and information from the KySTE Board meetings.

News From the KySTE Board Retreat

Planning Committee

This committee proudly thanks outgoing president Cary Petersen for his hard work, and welcomes incoming president (current VP) Diana McGhee and incoming VP (current Region 5 Rep) Erin Waggoner. Cary, along with treasurer Dr. Matthew Constant, will continue to serve as members. The committee is charged with designing the Fall Event and spring conference in coordination with Executive Director Gary Grant.

• KySTE 2013 Update: This year's conference was attended by nearly 1,500 registered attendees, with 111 exhibitors in 156 booths. Revenues from exhibitor fees, registration fees, and donations will make it possible for KySTE to expand its contribution to KySTE Outreach for the following year, continue to fund STLP participation in ISTE, as well as other services. (See below for more on KySTE Outreach.)
• KySTE 2014 Conference Planning is seriously underway, fed in part by the KySTE 2013 exit survey. Some things will most certainly remain the same, though the Planning Committee is considering skipping the keynote speaker, eliminating the Friday exhibit hall hours, strengthening the technical sessions, and other changes. New this year: KySTE will be partnering with Infinite Campus to provide workshops and sessions in support of this important technology.
• Fall Event: Under the leadership of incoming VP Erin Waggoner, this fall workshop may reflect huge changes in foci and alliances, as it attempts to better align itself to KySTE's mission and constituency. Watch for announcements soon!

Marketing Committee

Chaired by Communications Office Jeffrey L. Jones, the Marketing Committee is charged with managing membership, and establishing communications channels for members and other of KySTE's constituency. The committee includes Region 1 Rep Karen Wallace, incoming Region 5 Rep Brett Higgins, and Region 7 Rep Andrew Conyers. Marketing was responsible for several changes:

• KySTE Connections Is Here! Andrew Conyers, with help from Brett Higgns and KySTE executive director Gary Grant, announce a new discussion platform. Interact with your Board! Track technical issues! Promote your region! Ask questions about KySTE Outreach grants! Register at forum.kyste.net. This service is provided free of charge from KySTE, and does not require membership. (A partial list of topics is at right.)
• Membership Management is now handled exclusively by Total Meeting Concepts, LCC. Through full board action, TMC was contracted to handle all membership billing and tracking, as well as electronic newsletters and other member communciations services.
• Conference Apps: Alternatives to a printed conference book were explored and presented. Watch for a whole new way to consume conference information and resources at KySTE 2014!

Governance Committee

Chaired by Parliamentarian Susan Jenkins, members include Region 2 Rep Robby Forsythe, and Secretary Greta Casto. Most of this committee's responsibilities revolve around making sure the KySTE Bylaws and Policy and Procedures are internally consistent, comply with applicable law, and reflect the KySTE Mission. The results of this work will be posted online in the summer. Governance sponsored one major change this spring:

• KySTE Outreach is now defined as its own committee, and its chair, the KySTE Outreach Coordinator (previously KDE Liaison), is responsible for grants and member services under the Outreach umbrella, as well as coordination with KDE/KIDS and other interested parties.

Other Committees

The Awards Committee met briefly, though the bulk of its work takes place in the fall. Awards is chaired by incoming ISTE Liaison Mary Ann Rankin, with Region 8 Rep Brent Hoover, and Region 6 Rep Carla Perkins. All eight of the Regional Reps help in scoring awards nominations. The Elections Committee does not become active until mid-fall, when a call for nominations goes out. Consider running for KySTE office! The board is always looking for fresh blood!

Here's hoping you have a restful and exciting summer!

Jeff

Jeffrey L Jones
Director of Communications,Ky Society for Technology in Education (KySTE.org)
jeffrey.jones@kyste.org
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A special thanks to KySTE Vendor Partners Enterasys and HP, for supporting the KySTE Outreach Program.

[Would you like your business/company/organization to be a KySTE Vendor Partner? Contact KySTE Executive Director Gary Grant at gary.grant@kyste.org for information.]