The monthly meeting of the HEA Faculty Council was held on May 21, 2001, at the Hackensack Middle School. The meeting was called to order by President Robert Kern Curtis at 3:30 p.m.

The minutes of the April 23, 2001, meeting were approved. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Vida Story. The motion passed.

Officers' Report

Treasurer's Report. The treasurer, Mark Porto, was absent. The treasurer's report for the month of April will be sent to building leaders for distribution to members.

Corresponding Secretary's Report. No report.

Recording Secretary's Report. No report.

BCEA Report. The BCEA representative, Alma Cook-Dash, was absent. The report will be presented at the June meeting.

Vice President's Report. The Vice President reported that she has received one T.A.L.C. report. All T.A.L.C. reports should be submitted to Vice President Brown as soon as possible.

President's Report. The President reported that at this time of the year, there are concerns with reduction in force of teachers, teacher scheduling assignments, and professional rights and responsibilities. Members are reminded that when one returns from a leave, comparable employment is guaranteed but not necessarily the previous assignment. The remainder of the President's report will be included in the various committee reports.

School Reports

Fairmount. Air quality continues to be a concern. The President reported that he has received copies of the air quality report for Fairmount and Parker. Dr. Amatuzzi has advised the President that there would be new carpeting at Parker. At Fairmount, there is a concern about the moldy carpet in the teachers' room.

Hillers. Air quality is a concern. No testing has been done, as of this date. Evan Goldman encourages members to report to the nurse illnesses related to air quality. Submit Workman's Compensation claims for any time missed from work. There are concerns about not having time to pack and move classroom materials before school closes.

Jackson Avenue. There are concerns about moving to new classrooms and no time allowed to pack the classroom materials.

Parker. There is a need for two additional building representatives.

Middle School. The faculty is concerned about the impact of changes being made with regard to the Middle School and the new school. There are concerns about parking, loss of science rooms for other purposes, and limited use of the lunch room facilities.

High School. There was a discussion concerning PIP's and the issuance of certificates of participation for teachers who have attended workshops.

Committee Reports

Membership Committee Report. Chairperson Susan Young presented the report. Chairperson Young would like all members who have moved or changed names to sent her the updated information as soon as possible. NJEA is requesting the information.

Election Committee Report. The President presented the report. There is a need for two building representatives at Parker school. Shannon Cox and Carolyn Huelster were nominated and elected building representatives for Fairmount Professional Development Committee (100 Hours Committee). Ingrid Davis has resigned her position as teacher representative on the committee. Robert Bollerman and Betty Meeks-Manning were nominated to serve on the committee. Since there were only two candidates nominated, they were declared elected.

Social Committee Report. Chairperson Maria Matera presented the report. Chairperson Matera reported that the Honors' Dinner is in its final stages of planning. Building leaders should announce daily that this is the final week for members to make reservations. Twenty-one members have been invited to the Honors' Dinner. As of today, seventeen honorees have accepted the invitation. There are four members who have not responded.

Negotiations Committee Report. No report. Legislative Committee Report. Chairperson Vida Story presented the report on the Pension Enhancement Initiative. Information packets were distributed to the building representatives for distribution to the membership. Members are encouraged to send hand written letters to their State and Assembly representatives, immediately, urging support of the pension initiative. One component of the Pension Enhancement Initiative is the increase in the pension formula for members of TPAF from the current N/60 to N/55. N equals the number of years of service. Active members of this pension fund would receive N/55 credit for all of their prior service. The Chair urged members to organize letter writing and phone call campaigns in order to get strong legislative support.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee Report. President Curtis presented the report. A volunteer is needed for Chairperson of the Grievance Committee.

Teacher Education Committee Report. Chairperson June Porto is retiring in June. A volunteer is needed to serve as Chairperson of the Teacher Education Committee. For information concerning the auditing of courses as it relates to the 100 hours, members are urged to contact Mr. Capone or Evan Goldman for details. There was a discussion concerning the number of hours a teacher should receive for mentoring college students completing their Practicum.

T.A.L.C. Report. Vice President Brown reminded members that there should be one T.A.L.C. meeting in the spring. Reports should be sent to her as soon as possible. Old Business. No old business. New Business. The Professional Development Committee (100 Hours Committee) will send each member a survey in order to determine the areas of interest in staff development.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,




Betty Meeks-Manning Recording Secretary