Attendees
- Dee Dee Simon, Commission Chair
- Lolle Boettcher, Commissioner
- Sam Devinki, Commissioner
- Devy Goldenberg, Commissioner
- Sara Harrison, (designee) Commissioner of Higher Commissioner of Higher Education
- Dana Humphrey, Commissioner
- Rabbi Yosef Landa, Commissioner
- Brad Prager, (designee) President of the University of Missouri System
- Andrew Bergerson, UMKC
- Scott Manuel, Commission Intern
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Commission Chair, Dee Dee Simon, who welcomed everyone and asked for a moment of silence in memory of all who suffered during the Holocaust and those who continue to suffer from hate and antisemitism.
Dee Dee then introduced Scott Manuel to the Commission. Scott is the intern who will be working with the Commission during his spring semester at UMCK. Scott briefly introduced himself to the Commission and individual Commissioners gave their background to Scott respectfully.
Mission Moment was moved to the end of the meeting since Sara Harrison, who was scheduled to provide the Mission Moment was running late to the meeting.
Dee Dee informed the Commission that she is now posting our agenda on our website in addition to the DESE page which will allow anyone interested in the work of the Commission to join our meetings which are open to the public.
Minutes from the September 6, 2024, meeting were approved with Devy Goldenberg making the motion, seconded by Sam Devinki. Approval of the November 1, 2024, meeting minutes passed with Rabbi Landa making the motion, seconded by Sam Devinki.
Reports
Outreach – Dee Dee informed the Commission of a December 4, 2024, event at the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum where she was asked to represent the Commission and speak at an event in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She will also represent the Commission on January 27, 2025, by reading names for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Dee Dee has also been contacted by and editor who is working on a book about Holocaust commissions. He sent a list of questions to be answered and Dee explained she will answer all questions based on the statute and unless there were any objections. After none were expressed, she indicated she would move forward.
Legislation – Sam stated once the new Governor is in office, he will contact him and request our remaining three Commissioners be appointed. Dee Dee indicated that the DESE lobbyist is also working on getting the appointments.
Education Sub-Committee – Dana reported on two upcoming teacher trainings. A Level 1 training to be held in Columbia, Missouri, February 23-25 and a Level 2 training in St. Louis, March 10-11, 2025.
Old Business
Commission Retreat
Dee Dee has been in contact with Filament regarding a follow up to our retreat last year. The following dates have been provided by Filament for the retreat: February 13 and 27 and March 13, 20 and 27. Dee Dee will send a Doodle poll to all Commissioners in order to schedule.
New Business
EdPlus Contract
Dee Dee informed the Commission the contract with EdPlus has been signed and they will now handle our day to day expenses. She was able to negotiate a 5% fee of $4,593.75. Our current balance is $91,875.00. Three thousand dollars remains with DESE to cover any outstanding expenses which may be submitted to them. In the weeks close to the June 22 cut-off date, an addendum to the EdPlus contract will be made to transfer those funds to our EdPlus balance.
Now that EdPlus will be handling all reimbursements including individual teachers, school districts, and other businesses, Dee Dee expressed the need for a secure platform for all of these reimbursements which will include personal data, etc. She is currently in conversation with Studio 2108 and Anders CPA and Advisors on creating a secure platform for submitting electronic forms and network management. She indicated she will continue to explore avenues and gather information to bring back to the Commission.
This led to a discussion about creating a policy and procedures manual, along with the history of the Commission’s work. As the Commission evolves and we have new Commissioners and designees, there needs to be documentation as to what we have done and what is currently in the works. Because government employees cannot access Google platforms, we must find a secure platform that meets our needs and is accessible to all.
It was also mentioned that the Commission has not had the DESE designee in attendance at our regularly scheduled meetings since July 2024. Dee Dee reached out to the department and has been reassured the designee will be attending future meetings, with the exception of March 7, 2025, or will send a representative.
Holocaust Education Week
Since the Commission decided at the last meeting to focus an event on Holocaust Education Week in 2025, Dee Dee contacted the Capitol and has secured the third-floor rotunda the second week in April for a display. She has received a bid for creating retractable banners of the USHMM Some Were Neighbors posters that can be set up for a self-guided tour. After discussion and a suggestion of trying to host something specific for the legislators, it was decided to move forward with the banners. Dee Dee and Dana will work on the banners and look into promoting the exhibition and additional events/activities to accompany it.
Holocaust Education Mandate Breakdown
Dee Dee asked the Commission for approval of the Holocaust Education Mandate Breakdown document she sent out prior to the meeting. She stated this was to help clarify the legislation for schools as they move toward implementation of the mandate in the next school year All Commissioners approved and it will be posted on the Commission website.
Dee Dee also mentioned she has been in conversation with the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum as they wish to partner with us in promoting Holocaust education across the state. She will report back after she has an official meeting regarding the topic.
Mission Moment
As Sara joined the meeting during the discussion of Holocaust Education Week, we closed our meeting with her Mission Moment. She shared a portion of an article from My Jewish Learning entitled: Hanukkah: A Light Meditation, which she feels is also a reflection on our mission and our work as a Commission.
Meeting Adjourned.
Next Meeting
Friday, March 7, 2025
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.