Attendees
- Commissioner Dee Dee Simon, Chair
- Commissioner Dana Humphrey
- Commissioner Dorian Stuber
- Commissioner Leah Strid, Dept. of Higher Education Designee
- Commissioner Sam Devinki
- Commissioner Lolle Boettcher
- Commissioner Brad Prager, University of Missouri System Designee
- Commissioner Jason Pounds, Secretary
Absent
- Commissioner Devy Goldenberg
- Commissioner Tyler Janke, DESE Designee
- Commissioner Yosef Landa
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chair Dee Dee Simon
Mission Moment
a. Commissioner Brad Prager provided the Mission Moment, describing a presentation he gave about films on the Holocaust and noting that some widely assumed “common knowledge” films are not as well known as expected.
b. Commissioner Leah Strid is scheduled to provide the July Mission Moment.
Approval of March Minutes
a. Amendment for corrections to the March minutes. Motioned by Commissioner Dana Humphry and seconded by Commissioner Lolle Boettcher.
Old Business
a. Commission Technology
Chair Dee Dee Simon reported that Phase One of the IT project is complete and will be put into practice during the next professional development session. Phase Two is scheduled to be completed by June 22, 2026.
b. Lest We Forget School Initiative
Chair Dee Dee Simon and Commissioners Dana Humphrey and Jason Pounds provided an update on the Houston and Sedalia exhibits held in April, 2026. Both were successful; Houston High School doing an outstanding job with peer-to-peer teaching around the portraits.
c. Website Calendar of Events
The Commission’s digital calendar is now active on the website. Events are being updated regularly by Commissioner Dana Humphrey. Any new event updates should be sent directly to Dana.
d. Graduate Credit Hours
Commissioner Jason Pounds reported that teachers attending Level 1 Commission workshops will be eligible to apply for one graduate credit from Lindenwood University for $80. Teachers will be responsible for paying the fee.
e. 2026 Events Committee Update
The committee confirmed an agreement with the State Archives in Jefferson City to display the USHMM’s Some Were Neighbors exhibit from May 18, 2026, to mid August 2026. The exhibit is then scheduled to be displayed in Houston, Missouri.
f. Budget Justification Report
Chair Dee Dee Simon provided an update on the Commission’s FY2025/26 budget and expressed concern about a possible allocation cut for FY 2026/27 by the Governor. Commissioner Leah Strid reported that the request was passed by the House and the Senate. The allocation request is for $122,354.
New Business
a. FY 2025/26 Funding
Chair Dee Dee Simon led a discussion on spending the remaining funds for FY 2025/26. The Commission unanimously decided to collaborate with the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and provide $20,000 to support research, design, production, and installation of the “Nazis Next Door” exhibition at the museum on view from June 12, 202, to January 31, 2027.
b. In-Person Meeting
The Commission discussed an in-person meeting for originally considered for September 3. Because Commissioner Dorian Stuber will be unable to due to starting a new job, the meeting was rescheduled to November 5. This will be an all-day meeting in Columbia or Jefferson City.
Comments/Announcements
a. Commissioner Sam Devinki announced he is taking 19 teachers to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on July 8th.
b. July Meeting date was changed to July 17th due to the 4th of July holiday.
Adjournment
a. The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
Upcoming Meetings 2026
July 3, 2026
September 4, 2026
November 6, 2026