KSSEF Board of Directors

February 20, 2009 Meeting Minutes 

Those in attendance:  Sarah Evans, Nora Strasser, Kim Ring, Pam Collinge, Doug Perkins, Steve Yuza, Nicci Wiltse, Betty Paulsell, Angela Bolte, David Barnes, Jamie from Spirit, and Brian Black. 

Regional fair directors in attendance were reminded of the necessity of naming and advertising their fairs as science and engineering fairs if they accepted the grant funding from KSSEF.  This is a non-negotiable item.  It was also pointed out that each regional fair should have a link for participants on their websites that gives access to entry forms and information.

Steve shared the scoring sheets that have been developed for the state fair to be used with the scantron machine that was purchased.  The development of a score sheet is still forthcoming for projects that are in inventions and engineering categories, but will be completed by the date of KSSEF.

Judges training is coming up next week.  Anyone knowing individuals who would be interested in judging should encourage them to fill out the judging application on the KSSEF web page.

Mentoring programs were discussed.  It was decided that they need to occur at the regional level.  We need volunteers to establish a program that can be distributed to the regional science fairs.

Brian and Jamie indicated that Spirit would handle the media connections for the fair as well as any of our printing needs.  Brian is also working on bringing Fetch the Science and Math Dog to our fair.

We are searching for an individual to accompany the Division I winners to ISEF in Reno, May 10-16th.  That person would be the adult in charge of our group which would consist of the winning students, their science teacher, and volunteer.  If anyone is interested they should contact Kim Ring.

Brian offered to send a box of Spirit “goodies” to each regional fair to pass out to their participants.  We need a count of registered entrants at each fair.

Angela asked if KAMS could set up a booth at KSSEF.  It was decided that since KAMS is a state sanctioned program and they will not be selling anything, that the booth will be allowed.

How to get someone “important” to attend our fair this year, to attract more media attention was discussed.  David said that he will put a request in to the governor’s office.  It was also suggested that we should contact local TV personalities.  (We were wishing WE had an astronaut.)

Betty provided us with insight into how to make the ISEF paper work for the winners move rapidly as effectively as possible.  We also reviewed room arrangements, ISEF schedules, and other items related to the logistics of getting our party there.

Brian disclosed that there is a funders meeting in March that Pam and Kim need to attend with a presentation about KSSEF. 

Nicci gathered t-shirt sizes for the board of directors.  She discussed t-shirts for the students and t-shirts for sale.  Steve is in charge of the scantron and the judging forms.  Doug is working on securing and training the judges.  Doug’s company will also provide volunteers to help with registration.  Nora and Sarah reviewed the logistics of setting up the fair and the auditorium for Saturday.  Nicci is working to secure food for the judges Friday evening, and snacks for the participants and families.  David was checking into nametags for participants and board of directors.  Doug will get sticky nametags for the judges.  Entry forms from participants will be submitted electronically to Steve and Nicci.  Entry fees will be sent to Kim.  Nicci will make hotel reservations for any BoD member that needs lodging for Friday night.  Other items that come up with will be dealt with as they occur.  Nicci will have job assignments for Friday for the Board of Directors.  It is imperative that the BoD are present at KSSEF.

One of the conditions for receiving the Regional Fair grant was that every regional fair director now serves on the KSSEF Board of Directors and the Regional fairs are required to send a follow up report after they hold their fair.  That report is on the KSSEF website under the grant application.

Our next BoD Meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2009.  Put in on your calendar now.

Submitted respectfully,
Kim Ring