HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

April 18, 2005

The April 18, 2005 HEA Faculty Council Meeting in the High School Library was called to order by President Nikki Van Ess at 3:30 p.m.

A motion to accept the minutes of the previous month’s 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 was made by Vida Story and was carried by unanimous vote.

President. Nikki Van Ess reminded members to return their Faculty Council election ballots by Thursday. She also requested recruitment of one representative from each building for counting the ballots, which will be done on Thursday, April 21 in the High School library. There is only one local BCEA/NJEA Pension Clinic offered this semester. Information regarding the clinic will be posted. The BCEA is also sponsoring a workshop on Identity Crisis to be held on Wednesday, May 11 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel. The School Masters Annual Camping trip is scheduled for Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5. Anyone interested in attending should contact Nikki. Each of the buildings received a packet of non-tenured teacher rights. There will be one more HEA shirt order before the end of the school year. All the shirts are men’s sizing. The next order will be for white (long- and short-sleeved), yellow (short-sleeved), and blue (long- and short-sleeved). If anyone is interested in the BCEA Summer Leadership Workshop, notify Nikki by May 18.

Vice President. Fran Borg reported on the ongoing grievances that are

being addressed.

BCEA Representative. Elaine Williamson reiterated that the BCEA has endorsed Joe Cheff for NJEA Secretary/Treasurer. The importance of passing the school budgets was emphasized. If there are any problems with completing the 100 professional development hours by June, please contact your Uniserve office. Elaine stated that retirees can substitute teach but should not mentor as it affects their pension.

There were only three people representing the Hackensack School system at the Legislative Dinner. Hopefully, the number will increase for next year’s Dinner. Elaine stressed the importance of keeping up the phone calls and letter-writing campaigns to the legislators.

Corresponding Secretary. Betty Meeks Manning reported that there was information about scholarships for the Summer Leadership Workshop included in the non-tenured teacher rights packet. There will be a CBC/ESP Coordinated Bargaining Council Buffet Dinner on May 3 from 4:30-6:30.

Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary had no report.

School Reports. Individual school reports were discussed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. Nikki Van Ess reminded members of the importance of notifying payroll of any changes in names through marriage. Maria Matera thanked Nikki Van Ess and Lorelei Kaminsky for all their assistance. Maria requested to be notified of any retirees who would like to receive a notification of the Honors Dinner each year.

Negotiations. Chris Ryan presented Lou Ferrante’s report of his surveys, stating out of 600 sent out, only 130 were returned.

Legislative. Vida Story stated that there are two bills that need to be opposed because they are pushing for a constitutional convention

A-5269 and ACR25.

Teacher Education. Amy Curry reported that, according to Lisa Bernardo, the teacher education seminars have been going well.

OLD BUSINESS. There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS. There was no new business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. Vice President Fran Borg reported on Club Colombiana, meeting at St. Francis School, which hopes to set up an ongoing program for activities for Middle School students. There is also an effort to get more parents involved in the Club.

ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Vida Story, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary