HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

March 20, 2006

The March 20, 2006 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Library was called to order at 3:32 p.m. by President Fran Borg.

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

OFFICER’S REPORTS

Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky presented the HEA Trial Balance as of February 28, 2006. Vida Story made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. The motion was carried.

Corresponding Secretary. Betty Meeks Manning reported that she recently sent out a Negotiations Update, a letter from the President, and information for non-tenured personnel.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

Vice President. Amy Fink reminded the members to continue to submit T.A.L.C. reports. If there are any from the Jackson Avenue and 5ive6ix Schools, please send them to Fran Borg. Every school should have two T.A.L.C. committee meetings per year. Fran meets with the Superintendent of Schools to discuss the information from these reports.

President. Fran Borg noted that she is scheduled to attend a meeting with Charlie Jones to discuss certification, seniority, and tenure issues. She reminded members that the years of service to the district as a replacement for a leave (such as maternity) do not count toward tenure or seniority. Alternate Route employees do not go on seniority or tenure track until all the paperwork is filed with the state. Retirement papers must be filed with Trenton, not just with the local Board, in order to be official because the pension goes through the State. Fran stressed the importance of checking the individual records for errors. Employees who have been notified that they will not be asked back for the following school year can choose to resign by stating so in a letter 60-days prior to the end of the school year. If one is fired, unemployment benefits can be collected, but not if one resigns. The President of the Custodian’s Union is considering coming back to the HEA. It was noted by Fran that most Associations are all inclusive with the Secretaries, Teachers, Para educators, and Custodians all together. The Attorney General’s Office has declared that all insurance carriers must include domestic partners for coverage. The Board must do so by resolution or negotiation.

BCEA Representative. Elaine Williamson encouraged the members to attend the Legislative Dinner Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at The Venetian in Garfield. The deadline for tickets for the event is March 22, 2006. President Fran Borg stated that the Association would buy ten tickets to reserve a table for the dinner. Elaine noted they are looking for a new Commissioner of Education and also stressed the importance of getting the school budgets passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Election Committee Report. Lisa Bernardo presented the ballot slates for the upcoming election of

officers and building representatives. The ballot slates for the High School and 5ive6ix School are complete. Other school slates were incomplete and nominees were put forth as follows: Fairmount School, (Joanne Grieco), Jackson Avenue School (Fabiola Madrid), Hillers School (Bob Bollerman), Middle School (Melanie Alston, Corinna Koepke, Karen Olobardi, and Brian Gaccione, Parker School (Teresa Ochman). Please email or call Lisa Bernardo with information regarding the election ballots. The ballots will go out on March 29 and are due back to Lisa Bernardo by April ll.

Legislative. Vida Story announced plans for another letter-writing campaign and will send a sample letter to each building leader. There are lowered prices for the Wellness Weekend Conference to be held on April 12 and 13. Please see Fran Borg if interested. This is on a first come, first served basis.

Negotiations. Lou Ferrante reported that some progress was made on some issues during the meeting with the Mediator. The Board of Education is unable to finalize their budget until Governor Corzine’s budget is set. The second meeting with the Mediator is scheduled for May 3, 2006. Elaine Williamson added that the East Rutherford school district, still without a contract, requested representation from us the next time they have a rally.

Membership. Denise Corso requested a staff list of members in order to cross check her records. President Fran Borg agreed to provide the list.

Social. Betty Meeks Manning has received a flyer from Maria Matera listing the retirees and 25-year honoree. Betty will send them out to the members.

School Reports. The individual school reports were given.

Committee Recommendations for Action. There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS. Fran Borg noted that the HEA banner has been found and that a second one will be made. There are some T-shirts available for $20 (short-sleeved) and $25 (long-sleeved). Any new orders will be at higher prices.

NEW BUSINESS. The amendment for extending to two years the terms for the Executive Board and Faculty Council will be added to the HEA Agreement Booklets after negotiations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT. Vida Story made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg, Recording Secretary