2019 Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) 
Nominations and Elections

2019 Executive Board Openings

To be considered for an open position on the STAT Executive Board, individuals must be a current member in good standing and demonstrate a breadth and depth of experience and commitment to the science education community in Texas. This is accomplished through a comprehensive application process. Candidates may be considered for more than one open position as indicated on the application.

Per the STAT Bylaws:

• Any regular member in good standing shall be eligible for nomination, election and service on the Executive Board, with the exception of the President-Elect position. Any individual Regular Member in good standing who has served a minimum of one year on the Executive Board shall be eligible for nomination and election as President-Elect and service in the three-year Presidential term.
• No Executive Board member may serve concurrently as an Affiliate Representative on the Advisory Board.
• No two offices on the Executive Board may be held by the same person, except in the event of appointment due to office vacancy.
• No full term may be repeated consecutively by the same person.

4 Positions are open in 2019:

• President-Elect
• Treasurer
• Members-at-Large (2 positions)

 For a complete description of each Executive Board position, please click here.

STAT Executive Board Nomination/Election Process

The STAT Bylaws and Policy & Procedures Manual outline a slate-based nomination/election process. The purpose is to ensure that highly qualified, dedicated STAT members serve on the Executive Board.

1. An appointed Nominating Committee works to promote the nomination and election process and ensure a slate of officers with a minimum of one candidate per position. The Nominating Committee is chaired by the Immediate Past President and consist of a minimum of five (5) members, including an additional Past President. No member of the Nominating Committee can be nominated for election to the Executive Board.

2. The Call for Nominations opens, and STAT members may nominate individuals or themselves by completing the online application.
   
   
3. Nominated individuals will receive the Application for STAT Executive Board Service form. Nominee must complete the application as well as provide required supplementary information (administrator support form and position statement) by the published deadline to be considered.
   
   
4. The Nominating Committee will meet to review all eligible candidate applications and select a slate of officers with a minimum of one candidate per position.
   
   
5. The Executive Board shall approve a slate of eligible candidates to be voted on by the membership. This slate will be announced no fewer than 60 days prior to the end of the STAT fiscal year (May 31).
   
   
6. Following announcement of the slate, 15 days shall be allowed for candidates to self-declare with the written support of 1% of the current Association membership.
   
   
7. At the end of the 15-day period, the Nominating Committee will either announce a slate elected by acclamation or conduct an online election for contested positions. The candidate who receives the plurality of votes in the online election shall be declared elected.

2019 Executive Board Elections Timeline

Nominations Information

Nominate Yourself for the STAT Executive Board
The deadline to nominate yourself for the STAT Executive Board and submit supporting materials was February 28, 2019.

Nominate a Colleague for the STAT Executive Board
The colleague nomination period closed February 21, 2019.

FAQs – STAT Executive Board Service

What is the purpose of the STAT Executive Board?

The Executive Board is the Association’s governing body. As such, the Board sets policy and makes decisions on behalf of the membership by providing general oversight regarding the affairs of the Association, its committees, advisory councils, affiliates and publications; determining its policies or changes therein; actively pursuing Association goals and objectives; and monitoring financial affairs. The Board adopts rules and regulations for the conduct of the Association. The Officers and At-Large Board Members are voting members of the Board.

The Executive Board and Affiliate Representatives constitute the STAT Advisory Board, which ensures ongoing communication and representation of specialized interest groups.

Who is the ideal STAT Executive Board candidate?

The STAT Executive Board should include individuals that reflect the diversity of its membership. This includes consideration of geographic areas, experience and background, and areas of expertise. The Executive Board and board reflect various stakeholder groups in science education, including classroom teachers, administrators, university-level educators and informal educators. For more information, click here.

What is the role of the volunteer STAT Executive Board member?

Executive Board members are the link between the organization and the membership. They are responsible for strategic thinking, planning and evaluating on behalf of the association. While association staff and committee volunteers typically execute STAT programs, STAT Executive Board members are responsible for setting vision, establishing broad policies and organizational goals, and providing long-term strategic direction for the association.

Is there a membership requirement for serving on the STAT Executive Board?

Executive Board members must hold and maintain an active membership in the association for the length of service.

How often does the STAT Executive Board meet/what is the time commitment required?

Executive Board meetings are called as necessary to conduct the business of the organization and may take place via conference call, face-to-face meeting or various electronic means. At least two face-to-face board meetings are held each year, and the president may call special meetings as needed. Meetings are typically one-or two-day commitments and usually held on a Friday and/or Saturday.

What is the personal financial commitment?

STAT will reimburse expenses incurred for the official conduct of STAT business related to scheduled and called meetings of the STAT Board and selected/approved committee volunteer work. As an alternative to reimbursement, volunteer leaders may choose to log their expenses and use as a charitable tax deduction on their personal income tax filing as STAT is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. If volunteer leadership service is supported by a school district or company, STAT appreciates expenses being deferred back to the employer, when applicable.

What do Executive Board members get in return for their service?

Previous STAT Executive Board members have attested to the tremendous value of service, reporting significant professional and personal benefits, including the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from industry leaders; the chance to share their own knowledge, expertise and training with others; professional recognition that elevates their stature within the education community at large; valuable work experience that opens the door to new career opportunities; and relationships with new friends and life-long mentors.