HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

January 22, 2007

The January 22, 2007 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Library was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by President Fran Borg.

Vida Story made a motion to accept the December 2006 minutes of the Faculty Council meeting. The motion was carried.

OFFICERS' REPORTS

Myrna Hewlin, representative from New York Life, spoke to the group regarding various alternatives and options. President Fran Borg stated that discussion would continue with the members.

Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky presented the HEA Trial Balance as of December 31, 2006. Vida Story made a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented. The motion was carried.

Corresponding Secretary. Eileen Hooper distributed information on an upcoming BCEA workshop, "Diversity: Multicultural Manners in an Educational Setting," to be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at the Glen Pointe Marriott Hotel in Teaneck. The cost, which includes the program (4:30-6:30 p.m.) with dinner following, is $15. Two professional development hours are offered.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

BCEA Representative. The BCEA representative was not present.

Vice President. Amy Fink recently received two T.A.L.C. reports and encouraged members to continue to submit reports.

President. Fran Borg announced that a packet regarding indoor air quality issues was received from the EPA. Amy curry and Maria Catena are members of the Committee for Environmental Issues. The committee is seeking additional members. The BCEA is holding the Annual Legislative Dinner at the Venetian (5:00-6:30 p.m. meeting, with dinner following) on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Vida Story made a motion to place a half-page HEA booster ad in the program. The motion carried. Vida also reminded members to continue to check the NJEA website for information on various discounts.

Fran again reminded members that whatever is written in an Internet site is not private. The President encouraged members to read their contracts, especially noting that people who have jobs for which extra compensation is being paid must make arrangements to stay for meetings until the prescribed time.

The detailed dress code proposal for teachers, devised by the Dress Code Committee, was going to be presented for a first reading before the Board.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. Denise Corso noted that the HEA received $2,000 back from the NJEA towards dinners.

Election. There was no report.

Social. There was no report.

Negotiations. There was no report.

Legislative. Vida Story reported the state CAP is not only on school budgets, but on municipalities, as well. Members can keep track of the latest developments on budget issues on the NJEA website, Membership Benefits webpage. Members are encouraged to email, write, etc. to state they don't want the CAPS, which will be voted upon shortly. Vida noted there is an NJEA Legislative meeting in Cherry Hill, NJ on the 24th of February.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. Chris Ryan stated that anyone interested in joining the Grievance Committee should contact him via email. Fran Borg stated that, technically, the Committee may have one representative per school.

Teacher Education. Lisa Bernardo had no report.

T.A.L.C. There was no report.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There were none.

OLD BUSINESS. Fran Borg reiterated the absence policy regarding court dates. It is not counted as an absence for jury duty or if it pertains to any school issue. However, if the court date is for personal reasons, one must take a personal day.

NEW BUSINESS. There was none.

SCHOOL REPORTS. Individual school reports were presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were none.

ADJOURNMENT. Vida Story made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary