HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

March 19, 2007

The March 19, 2007 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Media Center was called to order at 3:40 p.m. by President Fran Borg.

A motion to accept the minutes from the previous month's Faculty Council Meeting was made by Vida Story and approved.

OFFICER’S REPORTS

Treasurer. Copies of a revised Trial Balance (as of January 31, 2007) and a February 28, 2007 Trial Balance were distributed to members. A motion to accept the Treasurer's reports was made by Vida Story and approved.

Corresponding Secretary. Eileen Hooper distributed a Health Benefits notice to each building representative.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

BCEA Representative. President Fran Borg encouraged all members to vote. Carol Otis, Betty Meeks Manning, and Elaine Williamson are among those running for office. Flyers will be posted on the HEA boards at each school.

Vice President. Amy Fink had no report.

President. Fran Borg announced that registered domestic partnerships must be recognized by the Board of Education and that an information sheet will be distributed to each school.

On May 6 Christine Romano will be on television on Classroom Close Up.

School budget elections will be held on April 17. Absentee ballots are available at the Board of Elections at any time.

Free retirement workshops will be held on March 29 and April 26. Flyers will be posted listing additional dates.

Three delegates will be sent to the NEA Convention in Philadelphia. Fran Muller nominated Vida Story. Fran Borg noted that Elaine Williamson and Betty Meeks Manning (alternate)

expressed an interest in attending as well. The nominations were not contested. The vote was unanimous to use HEA funds for the Minority Workshop that will be attended by Betty Meeks Manning.

Officer Moses Canal is the resource officer in attendance at the Middle School.

Packets will be distributed to each building for distribution to non-tenured teachers regarding notice of termination of employment. It was noted that a delayed school opening refers to students and not teachers. Teachers are expected to be in school as close as possible to regular opening time on those days.

Tickets are available for the March 28 Legislative Dinner at the Venetian. Fran Borg noted that the HEA originally intended to place an ad in the Dinner booklet, but the deadline for placing the ad had passed. It was suggested to donate the money for BCEA programs. Vida Story made a motion to do so, and the motion passed by unanimous vote.

Discussion continued about looking into another disability insurance carrier. Board approval is needed.

Next month's agenda will address the upcoming expiration of the two terms of the Professional Development Committee members. Lorraine La Pietra wishes to continue on the committee while John Spadafino has declined the nomination. The election will be run school-by-school. Building leaders will send the ballots to Lisa Bernardo, the Election Committee Chairperson, who will tabulate them.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. There was no report.

Election. There was no report.

Social. Maria Matera reported that everything is being planned for the May 17 Honors Dinner to be held at Seasons. Further information will be available at the end of the month.

Negotiations. There was no report.

Legislative. Vida Story attended a meeting on March 6, 2007. Governor Corzine continues to assure the NJEA that he will not sign any legislation except that which he promised the NJEA he'd support. Vida reminded members that school elections are coming up and that an election call list will be out shortly. It is important for volunteers to make the phone calls to each person twice—once the evening before and another on Election Day itself.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. Chris Ryan reported there have been six 9th graders who are scheduled to have a full-expulsion hearing.

Teacher Education. Amy Fink had a report from Lisa Bernardo that there are presently five courses running. Three have full enrollment. Two have openings: Writer's Workshop (K-5) and Classroom Management (K-4). If interested in signing up, contact Lisa Bernardo.

T.A.L.C. Amy Fink has received reports from 5ive/6ix, Fairmount, and the High School. Hillers is in the process of their report. The Middle School and Jackson Avenue School have not yet submitted their reports to Amy.

School Reports. Individual school reports were discussed.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS. There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS. Vida Story made a motion stating that the HEA supports the passing of the school budget. The motion passed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Vida Story, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary