HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

May 21, 2007

The May 21, 2007 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Media Center was called to order at 3:38 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 the April 30, 2007 Trial Balance were distributed to members. A motion to accept the Treasurer's report as presented was made by Vida Story and approved.

Corresponding Secretary. Eileen Hooper read a thank you card received from Ann Saccaro, one of the retirees honored at the HEA Honors Dinner. It was announced that the dates of the Board of Education and local school meetings would be announced at the June Faculty Council meeting.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

BCEA Representative. Elaine Williamson reported that the BCEA is endorsing Kevin O'Toole (State Senate), and David C. Russo and Scott Rumana for State Assembly.

An increase in pension loan interest rates is due to take effect in six months. There is still time to lock in the present 4% rate, which will be increased to 7%.

John Klein from Norwood has been honored as Teacher of the Year.

Members are encouraged to write to their lawmakers regarding "No Child Left Behind" legislation.

A pension convention will be held on October 20. It is beneficial to attend, especially if one is planning on retiring during the next two years.

Please submit articles for The Reporter within the next two weeks as well as suggestions for workshops.

Elaine thanked everyone for supporting her reelection to the BCEA Executive Committee. It was noted that Betty Meeks Manning has also be elected.

Elaine also expressed thanks for all the cards she received when her Mother passed away.

Vice President. Amy Fink was not present.

President. Fran Borg announced that Amy Fink's mother had passed away suddenly over the weekend. As of this meeting, no definite arrangements have been made for the Memorial Service.

Fran also thanked the members for the cards and concerns that she received after her Father's recent death.

A motion was made by Vida Story to cast one vote for the two candidates for the Professional Development Committee, John Spadafino and Lorraine LaPietra. The motion passed unanimously.

It was suggested that an NJEA representative hold a professional development mini session for members.

Building leaders who wish to resign must write a letter of resignation.

Fran requested that the informal minutes taken during the HEA individual school meetings (to be held one week after each general Faculty Council meeting) be sent to Amy Fink.

Thanks went out to Maria Matera for all her efforts in planning another successful HEA Honors Dinner. There were many positive comments about the wonderful event. On the other hand, it was noted that many people, including friends and family members of retirees, were disappointed and upset about the lack of attendance by administrators. It was especially noted that not one administrator from the High School was present. Many commented that it showed a lack of respect and common courtesy.

A motion was made that a letter be written and submitted to the Superintendent of Schools from the Association regarding the matter.

SCHOOL REPORTS

Individual school reports were presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. There was no report.

Election. There was no report.

Social. There was no report, but thanks were expressed to Maria Catena and Barbara Church for their gift-wrapping contributions for the HEA Honors Dinner.

Negotiations. There was no report.

Legislative. Vida Story reported the importance of being vigilant over new proposals regarding "No Child Left Behind" legislation and of writing to Senators Lautenberg and Menendez. Members were also reminded about the importance of contributing to PAC, which may be done automatically by adjustments to payroll forms.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. There was no report.

Teacher Education. There was no report.

T.A.L.C. It was noted that a T.A.L.C. meeting was held recently at Hillers School.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS. There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS. There was no new business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Elaine Williamson, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary