The
September 19, 2005 HEA Faculty Council Meeting in the High School Library was
called to order 3:37 p.m. by President Fran Borg.
A motion to accept the minutes of the previous Faculty Council Meeting was presented by Vida Story and carried.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
President. Fran Borg stated that in addition to the monthly Faculty Council meetings, individual school meetings are being planned. The President stressed the importance of reaching out to the younger faculty members, encouraging them to become informed about the union. New teachers’ meetings cannot take place on Mondays because that day is set aside for HEA meetings. Fran clarified the purpose of the T.A.L.C. reports. They are for dealing with major issues such as contractual problems within a school. It is not the forum for personal issues. The faculty representatives in each school building appoint T.A.L.C. Committee members. The Committee contract states that there is to be one representative per 35 teachers and no less than 2 representatives. Ron Durso added one must be an HEA member though not necessarily a faculty representative in order to serve on the Committee.
Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky distributed copies of the Fiscal Year-End Report of August 31, 2005. A motion to accept the report was made by Vida Story and was carried by unanimous vote.
Corresponding Secretary. Betty Meeks Manning noted BCEA is offering a six-hour Professional Development Workshop on September 30-October 1. BCEA is looking for volunteers for Thursday, October 27 to make phone calls for a period of one to two hours. Flyers were to be delivered by Tuesday, September 20, regarding the September 26 new teachers’ meeting scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium.
Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary had no report.
BCEA Representative. Elaine Williamson, Delegate Assembly RA, discussed the first meeting. The BCEA has endorsed Senator Jon Corzine for Governor. Joyce Powell is the new President of the NJEA. Lucille E. Davy is Acting Commissioner of Education until the new Governor takes over. Elaine noted that PAC funding projects would be worked on throughout the year.
Vice President. The Vice President had no report.
School Reports. Individual school reports were not discussed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership. Denise Corso stated many forms that were sent out over the summer were not yet returned. Please contact the building representatives regarding name changes in order to update the membership list.
Election. President Fran Borg noted that an Election Chairperson is needed to replace Madalena Zak. The Chairperson cannot be a faculty representative. Several Faculty Council vacancies were filled: Donna Fuscaldo (Jackson Avenue School), Elaine Williamson (5ive/6ix School), Melanie Alston (Middle School). A replacement is still needed for the High School but will be discussed at the next month’s meeting.
Social. Maria Matera discussed the Opening Day Luncheon poll. More than half of the people polled were looking for a change of venue. Maria will be negotiating prices at various places.
Negotiations. Lou Ferrante noted Dan Kirsch is the chief negotiator representing the Board of Education. The goal is to reach a contract settlement before the December holidays.
Legislative. Vida Story was requesting continued support for the current issues.
Teacher Education. Amy Fink stated that course proposal flyers were sent out and that 2 credits or $500-600 could be earned by teaching a course.
T.A.L.C. There was no T.A.L.C. Committee report.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There were no recommendations.
OLD BUSINESS. President Fran Borg presented a second reading regarding changing the Faculty Council elections from every year to once every other year. Voting on the issue will take place at next month’s meeting. A separate issue of term limits for Executive Officers was also discussed.
NEW BUSINESS. There was no new business.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. Vice President Amy Fink distributed candy bars for each school to show the Association’s appreciation for the faculty. Calendars were also made available.
ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Vida Story, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Stagg
Recording Secretary