A motion to accept the minutes of February 12, 2001, meeting was made by Vida Story. The motion passed.

Officers' Report

Treasurer's Report. The Treasurer was absent. President Curtis distributed the February budget report. A motion to accept the report was made by Vida Story. The motion passed.

Correspondion Secretary's Report. No report.

Recording Secretary's Report. No Report.

Vice President's Report. No Report.

BCEA Report. Alma Cook-Dash presented the report. Members interested in changing voter affiliation should do so as soon as possible.
Bob Steinick, director of BCEA, has resigned.
BCEA Legislative Dinner is May 8, 2001, at the Venetian. Edith Fuller and Pat Collins will be in attendance.

President's Report. The President presented his report in conjunction with the various committee reports.

School Reports

Fairmount. There continues to be concern about air quality. President Curtis had a meeting with the superintendent concerning the problem. Dr. Montesano will try to resolve the issue.
There was a discussion concerning the inclusion of Curriculum standard numbers as part of the daily lesson plans.

Hillers. Air quality is a concern. No testing has been done in the school. The custodial staff thoroughly cleaned the entire school over the weekend, in order to alleviate some of the problems with the air quality.
There was a discussion of the nonfunctioning fire bell near the teachers' room.

Jackson Avenue. Jackson Avenue members held its first TALC meeting for the year.

Parker. There is a concern regarding the air quality and parking. Members apologized for not having a representative at the February meeting.

Niddle School. The Middle School held a TALC meeting. The construction of the new building is on schedule.

High School. Morale is low.* There was a discussion regarding grief counseling for students and teachers.
*Note: The April minutes contain a clarification here. This was a result of the shootings in Hackensack which had taken place shortly before this meeting and had a serious effect on the high school students.

Committee Reports

Membership Committee. No report. The Membership Chairperson was absent.

Elections Committee. NEA Convention Delegates: Vida Story and Betty Meeks-Manning were nominated and voted delegates to the NEA Convention, July 2-7, 2001.
HEA Nominations: The following nominations were accepted from the floor:
President: Dan King, Mark Porto
Treasurer: Sal Iacano
Jackson Avenue: Linda Piro as teacher assistant, not teacher High School: Nancy DiNtale, M. J. Sokolik, Tom Terzano, Madalena Zak. Assistant: Miriam Chacon.
A motion to close nominations was made by Vida Story. The motion passed. Elections must take place before the second week in April. The new school representatives will be elected once they are officially assigned to the school.
Building Leaders' Responsibilities: According to the HEA By-Laws, after election of officers, the building representatives in each school must elect a building leader. Each building leader will be a member of the grievance committee. It is recommended that building leaders attend the NJEA summer workshops.

Social Committee. The Honors Dinner is June 14, 2001.

Negotiations Committee. The Committee Chair, Lynn Berhalter, was absent. President Curtis presented the report. There has been a delay in the printing of contracts. The contract states that planning periods are duty free. On days when there are early dismissals, if a meeting does not extend beyond the regular dismissal time, it is not considered as one of the two meetings mentioned in the contract.

Legislative Committee. Vida Story presented the report.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. President Curtis presented the report. President Curtis stated that he has received many calls concerning the change in member workload once the new school opens. The superintendent will notify members of specific assignments at the appropriate time.
A volunteer is needed for the position of Grievance Chairperson.

Teacher Education Committee. The Chair was absent.

T. A. L. C. TALC reports are to be submitted to the Vice President as soon as possible.

Old Business. No old business.

New Business. There was a discussion concerning the Prescription Plan. Members were concerned that 80% of the perscription cost covered by the insurance company had been reduced to 50%. There has been a change in Chiropractic care. If there are any questions concerning the Prescription Plan, members should call Evan Goldman at NJEA.
There was a concern regarding class assignments for the new school. President Curtis will inform members when the superintendent will release the assignments.

With no further discussion the meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Meeks-Manning
Recording Secretary