SAC executive committee debates retaining secretary role in bylaws

The Connecticut SAC Executive Committee on April 16 discussed whether to retain a formal secretary role in the council bylaws and how the role should function alongside state administrative staff.

The committee reviewed the bylaws language that defines the executive committee as "the chair, vice chair, secretary, immediate past chair, and two additional members appointed by the chair," and that the secretary "shall perform duties as may be assigned by the chair and may be assisted by personnel of the CSDE when necessary" and "shall maintain a copy of minutes and agendas for the cumulative record of the council's work." Members questioned whether the role should remain specified in the bylaws if the duties are routinely performed by staff.

Susan Yankee said the council should consider advertising the role rather than removing it from the bylaws, noting the position could serve as a learning opportunity for members considering future leadership roles. Several members raised practical concerns that members are often time-stretched but agreed that if someone volunteers, the secretary position could help distribute workload and maintain governance records.

Next steps: the committee agreed to raise the matter in the full SAC meeting, include the secretary role in the membership and nominating discussion, and invite interested members to consider the position. Jen volunteered that she would be willing to take on the duties if needed. The nominating committee reported it had candidates for chair, vice chair, and secretary to present at the next full SAC meeting.

Provenance: discussion began under housekeeping and bylaws review and continued through membership and nominating committee updates.