Journalism Education Association Board Meeting

March 23, 2026 • 5 p.m. CDT

Online Zoom meeting

I. Call to order — Val Kibler, MJE

The meeting was called to order at  5 p.m. CDT

II. Roll call and determination of quorum — Cindy Horchem, CJE

ATTENDEES

Board of Directors: Valerie Kibler, MJE, president; Justin Daigle, MJE, vice president; Andrea Negri, MJE, Scholastic Press Rights director; Rachel Steil, MJE, Educational Initiatives director; Sandra Coyer, MJE, director-at-large; Shari Chumley, MJE, director-at-large and interim Mentoring Program chair; Timm Pilcher, MJE, director-at-large; and Veronica Purvis, DBA, CAE, executive director (ex-officio, nonvoting). 

Committee chairs/editor (nonvoting members): Laura Negri, MJE, Career and Technical Education chair; Rod Satterthwaite, MJE, certification chair (joined after his school day ended); Nancy Y. Smith, MJE, contests chair; Aaron Manfull, MJE, digital media chair; PJ Cabrera, MJE, Scholastic Journalism Week coordinator; and Bradley Wilson, MJE, C:JET editor. Bradley Wilson and Nancy Smith left after lunch due to other convention responsibilities.

Guests: Lori Keekley, NSPA associate director for Quill and Scroll; Davonté Longmire, membership engagement strategist; Sarah Kirksey, director-at-large elect.

Recording Secretary: Cindy Horchem, CJE, JEA staff/business and projects coordinator

Note: CJE and MJE designations are in the roll call and agenda item titles, but will not be repeated each time a name is in the minutes.

III. Reading of notice of meeting — Cindy Horchem, CJE

The following was posted on JEA.org Feb. 27, 2026: The Journalism Education Association board of directors will meet virtually March 23-24, 2026.

IV. Approval of minutes — Val Kibler, MJE

Rachel Steil moved and Timm Pilcher seconded to accept the minutes of the fall 2025 board meeting. (Passed 6-0)

V. Approval of agenda — Val Kibler, MJE

Val Kibler asked for any additions or changes to the agenda. Hearing none, Kibler suspended approval of the agenda.

VI. Affirmation of electronic votes — Val Kibler, MJE

There were no electronic votes to affirm.

VII. Commendations — Val Kibler, MJE

1. Candace Perkins Bowen, MJE, commended by Louisa Avery for organizing the judging and writing the press release for this year’s Candace and John Bowen Adviser First Amendment Leadership Award winner.

2. Sara-Beth Badalamente, CJE; A.J. Chambers, MJE; Mary Kay Downes, MJE; and Cody Harrell, CJE, commended by Louisa Averyi for volunteering to be panelists in a new session about how people can prepare to apply for Rising Star, Broadcast Adviser of the Year, and H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year.

3. Jason Block commended by Aaron Manfull for being a great long-time contributor for the JEA Digital Media library. Recently, he shared his MJE project, which helped net another seven great posts for the site. His efforts through the years have helped make JEA’s Digital Media Library a great one and helped schools throughout the country.

4. Sarah Nichols, MJE, commended by Andrea Negri for helping promote FAPFA to new schools. While it’s not certain her efforts are the reason, we had the second-highest number of round 1 applications this year and a significant number of new schools.

5. Jan Ewell commended by Andrea Negri for creating a bank of old Press Law exam questions, which helps me and future SPRC chairs find items that haven’t been tested recently and draw inspiration for new exam questions.

6. Jim Streisel, MJE, commended by Justin Daigle for volunteering to help with our Partner Project in Ohio. He provided great instruction and ideas to the students and advisers in attendance.

7. Jessica Hedaria commended by Justin Daigle for, with her first year under her belt as state director, putting in place a JOY competition and continuing to provide great messaging to her state members.

8. Timm Pilcher commended by Rod Satterthwaite for stepping up on short notice to represent the Certification Committee at the Jostens business meeting in New Orleans in January. At the event, Timm supervised in-person testing for eight yearbook representatives, and Jostens officials complimented his adaptability, professionalism and dedication to the certification process. 

VIII. Reports

Detailed reports from all board members, committee chairs and state directors are included in the spring 2026 semiannual report.

A. National Student Media Contests — Nancy Smith, MJE

Contest Updates:

1. National Student Media Contests 
   1. Several changes/additions to the contest offerings were implemented in the fall with great success. Feedback from participants and judges was very positive. A few revisions were made for spring 2026 based on the feedback. 
   2. Nashville had 1,668 participants, making it the largest event since fall 2019. This spring for Minneapolis (as of 1 p.m. CT March 23) there are 365 students registered. 
   3. JEA will consider a cost increase for fall 2026. The last increase was fall 2013 when entries went from $10 to $20. 
   4. The committee is looking to align our opening date with NSPA registration.
      
2. Jr. High/Middle School Contest
   1. The 2025 contest had 243 participants and 177 entries received awards. 
   2. The 2026 contest is open for submissions March 30-April 20 for work in yearbook, news publication, online, broadcast, graphic design and photography.
      
3. National Journalism Quiz Bowl
   1. 50 teams competed in Nashville with DuPont Manual team winning a sixth title.
   2. As of 1 p.m. today, there are 14 teams registered for Minneapolis.
      
4. Adviser Photography Contest
   1. 15 advisers entered the fall 2025 event.
   2. The spring prompt will be released May 1 with entries due May 29.
   3. JEA will look at implementing a $10 entry fee beginning with fall 2026.

Team Focus/Notes:

1. Create additional contest opportunities outside of the convention
   1. “Pop-up” contests will be added that will be online submission opportunities
      1. Monthly prompts that rotate types of media
      2. $10 per entry
      3. Tasks: prompts, judges, set-up in NSMC system, PR for contests, determine award structure and entry requirements (how many per school/student?)
         
2. Develop and Implement Short Term/Long Term Goals For NSMC System
   1. Improve reliability and efficiency of the contest management system.
   2. Determine opportunities to expand its use across additional student contests.
   3. Establish guidelines for system use/training.
   4. Rename the system to reflect actual use.
   5. Create user materials and set guidelines for troubleshooting.
      
3. Look for ways to increase income
   1. Increase fees for the NSMC, Quiz Bowl and Adviser Photo Contest 
   2. Examine other potential cost-saving measures
   3. Add pop-up contests 

4. Create an informational brochure/handbook for local committee to give speakers

For The Board:

1. Volunteers: We rely almost completely on volunteers (NSMC judges, room supervision, off-site chaperones, Quiz Bowl supervision). We are hoping the JEA/NSPA leadership will consider potential additional  incentives for volunteers.
   
2. Local Committee Help: This continues to be a problem in some locations. The local contest chairs are vital to the national team, and we need to make sure those who sign on as local volunteers are fully aware of the commitment. One idea suggested was to possibly add people like Smith who have specific needs for assistance to the Zoom meetings with the local committee..

3. Communication: Is the lack of the Listserv hurting volunteer sign-up? Members seem to have not yet fully adjusted to using the Forum.

B. NSPA report — Lori Keekley joined the meeting at 5:17 p.m. and left at 5:27 p.m.

Lori Keekley reported that as of 5 p.m. March 23, there are 1,498 registrations for the Minneapolis convention. 

• NSPA and JEA leadership team members have been spending a lot of time working to reduce hotel attrition to avoid or minimize any losses. At this time, they need 30 more rooms booked at the Hilton Garden Inn.
• There are 33 sponsors and exhibitors to date for a total of $82,545.
• Throughout the registration process, there have been a lot of questions, calls, etc. related to the government’s Operation Metro Surge (ICE presence) in Minneapolis. Some districts would not allow staff or students to travel to the area due to the disruptions earlier in the year.
• Keekley reported that Laura Widmer, the NSPA executive director, is doing great after two surgeries and should be going home, possibly later this week.
• In an attempt to assist with the hotel minimums, a special promotion is being offered to schools within driving distance offering a reduced registration fee if they stay at a convention hotel. Keekley emailed all of the potential schools individually.

C. C:JET advertising update — Bradley Wilson, MJE, and Davonté Longmire

Davonté Longmire presented a Sales and Fundraising report. Highlights included:

• Donations to JEA increased from $596 in 2024 to $1,900 in 2025.
• Longimire has created a book of business for JEA that includes 200 new sales contacts added to the database. The book of business will help convey clear systems to improve transparency and accountability. Building it has been time consuming yet critical.
• A next step that is in process is creating a JEA ad landing page where people can inquire about advertising and complete an ad contract.
• The Google ad grant has not been as successful because of the lack of an advertising landing page. The landing page will help with using the Google grant in the future.

Goals for the future include:

• Scaling what is working, such as ad bundles.
• Increasing repeat advertising.
• Continuing to update and increase sales goals.
• Seeking long-term sponsorships.
• Improving workflow.
• Continuing to share reports with the board.

Longmire said that advertising and fundraising are moving from building a foundation to growth. It was noted that the prospect list is available in GrowthZone and also on a tab in the C:JET spreadsheet.

Discussion included:

• Sharing contact names and lists from convention sponsors/exhibitors. 
• There is a sponsor for the judges dinner this year.
• Ongoing concerns about sponsors planning events that conflict with judging, etc. At one time, the sponsorship/exhibitor contract stipulated that they would not plan programming at the time of activities/events that are part of the convention. Is that still a part of the contract?

D. Journalist of the Year — Jessica Hunziker, MJE

New chair Jessica Hunziker reported that 43 entries for the Journalist of the Year were received, which is close to the numbers for the past few years. They are in week two of the judging process. Ten judges are assisting with each judge evaluating one category for all 43 entries. In addition:

• Hunziker plans to work with the JOY committee in June and July to update the contest, particularly as it relates to artificial intelligence with the goal of having it ready by Aug. 1. 
• Hunziker is presenting a session at the convention on applying for JOY.
• Presently she is working with a few advisers whose students qualified, to add or renew their membership. To participate in the JOY competition, the adviser must be a current JEA member.
• Received four entries for the Aspiring Young Journalist award. Hunziker hopes to increase that number. It was noted that increasing the number of middle school advisers who are members should be a focus of the upcoming JEA membership drive. 

E. Semiannual report for the board — Justin Daigle, MJE

Justin Daigle reviewed a summary of items that state directors included in the “For the board” section of their semiannual reports. Daigle categorized the comments and shared the document, providing time for board and committee members to review it and sign up for follow up. Their responses can be recorded in the document as well.

F. Diversity — Sandra Coyer, MJE

Sandra Coyer presented this slideshow to the board with the JEA DEI Report. 

Coyer’s term on the board ends May 1, and she is unable to attend the spring convention. Adriana Chavira will present the DEI Report at the general meeting in Minneapolis. Chavira also will facilitate the DEI committee meeting at the convention.

G. Conventions and Headquarters — Veronica Purvis, DBA, CAE (possibly F/G)

Governance and Goals:

Veronica Purvis thanked Michelle Balmeo for her work coordinating the board elections and congratulated all of the nominees and Andrea Negri, who was elected to a second term, and Sarah Kirksey, who will join the board May 1 as director-at-large. She also thanked Sandra Coyer for her service on the board.

• Purvis noted some goals she envisioned that she had discussed with the staff in January includedOperational/financial/sustainability
  • staffing structure plans
  • audit budget/programs
  • diversify revenue streams (e.g. job board)
  • strengthening sales & fundraising program
• Strong membership community and growth
  • formalize membership recruitment/retention plan for all stakeholders
  • member newsletter improvements
  • GrowthZoneautomation for membership
  • increase use of Forum
  • member app & member website
• Robust education and events
  • current/accessible curriculum that can also be monetized
  • strive for exceptional event experiences across website, materials, onsite, marcom, etc.
• Content marketing/storytelling across the organization
  • marcom including a content marcom plan
  • website improvements
• Technology transformation
  • data and metrics organized
  • dashboard

Business and Finances:.

• FY 2025/26 (February 2026)
  • Revenue $752,610; expenses $775,980; net -$23,371
  • Liabilities $5,808 + equity $1,331,242 = assets $1,337,050
  • Investment account $1,391,509 (+ $36,823 endowment) = $1,428,332
• FY 2026/27
  • Budgeting has concluded and the board votes on 26/27 budget
• Audit/990 begins June
• JEA Giving Days
  • Scholastic Journalism Week Feb. 23-27
  • World Press Freedom Day May 3
  • Sept. 17-25 (Constitution Day to First Amendment Day)
  • Free Speech Week Oct. 19-25
• Skyline’s grant agreement ends June 2026. Work has commenced on renewal.

Administration/Operations

• Kansas State University Updates
  • Completed performance management process/planning
  • Budget transformation initiative
  • Workforce structure and compensation study
• Staffing Updates
  • Cindy Horchem retiring
  • Business/Projects will move from a part time to a full time position

Membership Development

• Total membership was 2,695 the end of February
• After teachers, lifetime and associates are our biggest categories
• Technology transformation to modernize membership has been rolled out in phases
  • JEA Forum replaced listserv last November
  • JEA mobile app is next
  • GZ automation 
  • GZ reporting

Conventions

• Fall 2025 – Nashville = 5,341
• Spring 2025 – Seattle = 3,142
• Fall 2024 – Philadelphia = 3,700
• Spring 2024 – Kansas City = 2,531
• Fall 2023 – Boston = 4,477

• Spring 2023 – San Francisco  = 3,407

• Fall 2022 – St. Louis = 3,210
• Spring 2022 – Los Angeles  = 2,150
• Nashville

• Return to 50/50 revenue split
• JEA’s revenue share was $405,665
• JEA’s expense share was $198,005
• That’s $207,660 JEA profit.
• Orlando fall 2026 (November 19-22), Marriott Orlando World Center
  • Site visit was in December 2025.
  • Property has been renovated since a previous ED contracted the location so we’re renegotiating better space.

Thanks to board and committee chairs for donating time and resources and for their leadership.

H. Elections — Michelle Balmeo, MJE

1. 2026 Election update
   1. Participation
      1. Electronic voting via emailed ballot took place from Feb. 23 – March 4, 2026.
      2. 2,439 ballots were emailed to members (current as of Jan. 15, 2026)
      3. 180 members voted
   2. Outcome
      1. Two members ran for Director at Large. Sarah Kirksey, Ladue Horton Watkins (St. Louis) High School, was elected and will begin her two-year term May 1. 2026.
      2. Two members ran for Scholastic Press Rights Director. Andrea Negri, MJE, Cypress Wood (Cypress) High School, was elected and will begin her two-year term May 1, 2026.
2. 2027 Election
   1. Here is the proposed 2027 election timeline:

2027

Jan. 4
Candidate statements available at JEA.org

Jan. 15
Voter rolls are created based on active teacher/adviser members

Feb. 22 – March 1
Members vote via electronic ballot

March 8
Board members announced at JEA.org

May 1
Two-year term begins

3. Goals, concerns and questions for the board
   1. Recommendations for nominations committee
      1. Leslie Dennis, adviser at Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, South Carolina, has agreed to serve on the nominations committee.
      2. I’m interested in your recommendations of other folks who are well-connected in other regions.
   2. Why run? How best to motivate members to run for elected positions
      1. The biggest inhibitor for most people I spoke with was time. There is the perception that this is a large time commitment.
      2. The second inhibitor is, I suspect, the vulnerability required in running for an elected position.
      3. I’m interested in your ideas for outreach for the upcoming election.
   3. Why vote? Increasing the number of members who vote
      1. We made the decision not to create videos of the candidates this year because of low engagement last time.
      2. I’m interested in ideas for how we might increase the number of eligible members voting.
   4. Voter eligibility
      1. Voter rolls are created Jan. 15 based on current membership. The election is not until late February. I suspect this is the way it is because ballots used to be mailed. However, given that the election is now digital, is there a need for such separation? Changing would require a change to bylaws.
   5. Electronic ballot confusion
      1. The system used for the electronic ballot confused some people because it was a drag and drop ranking interface.
      2. There were also concerns because the ballot could be opened from different browsers and re-accessed. My understanding is that this is not creating a second ballot since each ballot is individual. However, it gives the perception that an individual could vote twice.
      3. Is there a better solution that might be less confusing?

IX. New business

A. Certification pathway being open to nonmembers and the legal and financial implications thereof

The executive director was asked to share with the chairs the legal concerns of the certification program she previously explained to the board. Purvis reported the risks associated with tying membership to a national certification program and how she advised the board to untie them by creating a pathway for nonmembers. Rod Satterthwaite was asked to work with the certification committee and bring a proposal to the board at the fall 2026 board meeting.

B. Approval of 2026-2027 JEA Budget

Discussion included the points that sometimes JEA operates like a rich charity instead of a nonprofit faced with hard choices every budget cycle as well as a concern that JEA find ways to serve members who can’t come to conventions.

Timm Pilcher moved and Sandra Coyer seconded to approve the 2026-2027 budget.

(Passed 7-0)

X. Adjournment

Shari Chumley moved and Andrea Negri seconded to adjourn.

(Passed 7-0)

Since all business was completed, there is no need to meet March 24. Val Kibler adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. CDT

======================

A convention follow-up board meeting will be at 2 p.m. April 18, 2026, in Room 101 FG, Level 1, immediately following the Adviser Luncheon.

The next formal meeting of the board will be at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 at the fall convention in Orlando.