HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

September 17, 2007

The September 17, 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 June 18, 2007 Faculty Council Meeting was made by Vida Story and approved.

OFFICER’S REPORTS

Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky reported on the year-end Trial Balance statement of August 31, 2007 and answered questions. Vida Story made a motion to accept the August 31st Trial Balance as presented, and it was approved. Lorelei also presented the August 31 through September 1, 2007 Profit & Loss Budget. Vida Story made a motion to accept the Profit & Loss Budget, and it was approved. Copies of both the Trial Balance and Profit & Loss Budget were distributed to members.

Corresponding Secretary. Eileen Hooper reported that a thank you was received from Fran Mueller for the leather portfolio gift that was received from the HEA. Most of the feedback received about the Opening Day Breakfast was positive. Eileen also noted that a list of all BCEA conferences and locations would be made available to members shortly. This information may also be obtained on the BCEA Web site.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

BCEA Representative. Betty Meeks Manning will be attending a number of upcoming meetings and will report back to the Association.

Vice President. There was no report.

President. Fran Borg welcomed all back from the summer vacation. Feedback about the Opening Day Breakfast that Fran received was positive. The problem of too many people in attendance and traffic will result in looking into another venue, possibly the Glenpointe in Teaneck, for the next year.

There are Faculty Council vacancies. Nominations from the floor will take place next month. There is also an opening for a Grievance Chairperson.

The follow-up meetings at the individual schools should last only a half an hour. There will be no follow-up meeting this month, however, because of the general meeting that is scheduled for Monday, September 24, 2007 in the High School auditorium

at 3:30 p.m. Dates for the follow-up meetings are flexible. Fran reminded the members that the purpose of the follow-up meetings is to get more people involved and to disseminate information more quickly.

It was noted that state teachers' health benefits plan is being changed. The open enrollment period runs from October 1-31. Fran will attend a meeting on September 20 and will have more information. The NJEA was involved with Governor Corzine regarding the new plan.

Prudential Insurance has a 60-day open enrollment period for disability insurance. They are willing to send representatives to the schools for enrollment purposes. NY Life and AFLAC are also offering disability and long-term care insurance.

The folding desk calendars will be distributed in the next few days.

SCHOOL REPORTS

Individual school reports were presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. Denise Corso reminded members to keep membership up-to-date. There are 57 new staff members and applications have not been received from 13 of them. The importance of membership was noted and that teachers will receive health benefits after retirement because of our state organization.

Election. This is not a negotiations year but it is an election year. The Election Chairperson cannot be a Faculty Council member.

Social. Fran Borg thanked Maria Matera, who was not present, for all her work on the Opening Day Breakfast.

T.A.L.C. Any questions regarding T.A.L.C. concerns should be submitted to Fran Borg or Amy Fink.

Teacher Education. Diane Menditto will be teaching computer courses. Betty Meeks Manning reported that the NJEA also offers courses for Professional Development hours. Check the NJEA Web site for details. Fran Borg reminded the members that any courses that are taking for credit need prior approval.

Legislative. Vida Story reported about the Clean Political Action. Fran noted that anyone who lives in the 37th district in Hackensack may send a $10 donation with a form to a local political candidate. These donations must be earmarked for a specific candidate. Vida requested that the members volunteer for the phone bank.

Committee Recommendations for Action. There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS. Betty Meeks Manning requested that the PRIDE Committee become active this school year. Fran reported that Alan Recarte met with NJEA PRIDE, but he was not present to offer information.

NEW BUSINESS. Lorelei Kaminsky distributed information about an HEA Logo Contest. All members are encouraged to submit their ideas to Lorelei by October 1, 2007.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. Back-to-School Night for the 5ive6ix school is September 18 and for the Middle School on September 19.

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