The
February 14, 2005 HEA Faculty Council Meeting in the High School Library was
called to order 3:35 p.m. by President Nikki Van Ess.
A motion to accept the minutes of the January 10, 2005 Faculty Council Meeting was presented by Vida Story and carried by unanimous vote.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky presented the Treasurer’s Report. A motion to accept the report as presented was made by Vida Story and was carried by unanimous vote.
Corresponding Secretary. Betty Meeks Manning reported that the members received the Board minutes. Betty distributed forms for the two Spring Session in-service courses that are being offered by the HEA/Board of Education. New teachers in particular are encouraged to take these courses. President Nikki Van Ess reminded members that it is necessary to complete an Approval of Professional Study form and send it to the Assistant Superintendent’s Office before the course begins.
Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary had no report.
BCEA Representative. Elaine Williamson distributed a petition titled CAPS HURT KIDS and requested as many people as possible to sign it. It was noted that one doesn’t need to be an educator to sign the petition. The calendar is out for next school year, and it was noted that the NJEA Convention would be held on November 10 and 11. READ ACROSS AMERICA has been endorsed by the BCEA, and members are encouraged to have a program in their classes. Elaine stressed the need for a large crowd to attend the Legislative Conference and Dinner on Wednesday, April 6 to be held at The Venetian in Garfield. The BCEA Human Relations-Minority Involvement Committee is presenting “Closing Student Achievement Gaps—Enhancing Human
Relations in a Multi-Cultural Environment” to be held on Wednesday, March 9 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel. Two professional development credits are offered for this event.
Vice President. Fran Borg reminded members about the importance of filling out a name change form in the event of a marriage. Vida Story presented Fran with a T.A.L.C. report. Fran again stressed the need to report any problems or grievances quickly.
President. Nikki Van Ess stated that the Summer Professional Development Institute is being organized early, and if anyone wants to teach a course, please get in touch with her. The next school year’s calendar is being put forth for approval. Most school members voted for a day off on January 2, 2006 with the final school day to be June 27, 2006. Nikki again thanked members for the efforts regarding the letter-writing campaign. Nikki noted that Thursday, February 24 is NJEA Lobby Day at the NJEA Headquarters in Trenton. Hopefully, there will be a large turnout at this meeting. The payment for teaching an in-service course is now $600. Nikki met with Toni DeLuca to discuss the qualifications for paraprofessionals.
School Reports. Individual school reports were discussed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership. There was no Membership Committee report.
Election. There was no Election Committee report.
Social. Maria Matera reported that there are 20 retirees this year and 25 teachers with 25 years service.
Negotiations. Louis Ferrante stated that members would soon be receiving surveys to fill out. Substitute salaries was discussed. President Nikki Van Ess and Lou will meet with the Superintendent and a representative of the Board of Education. It was noted that the Board and teachers are on the same side. The Board doesn’t want to cut programs or teachers though they may be forced to do so because of the cap issues.
Legislative. Vida Story noted that some members have received
replies from the letter-writing campaign and that a postcard
campaign is now in the works.
Professional Rights and Responsibilities. There was no Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee report.
Teacher Education. There was no Teacher Education Committee report.
T.A.L.C. There was no T.A.L.C. Committee report.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There were no recommendations.
OLD BUSINESS. The following members were nominated as representatives for next November’s NJEA Convention: Vida Story, Elaine Williamson, and Betty Meeks Manning.
NEW BUSINESS. Elaine Williamson is running at the county level as Delegate Assembly and is seeking our support.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.
ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Vida Story, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Stagg
Recording Secretary