The
September 27, 2004 HEA Faculty Council Meeting was called to order in the High
School Library at 3:30 p.m. by President Nikki Van Ess.
The printing of the contracts has been completed, and President Nikki Van Ess and Vice President Fran Borg will be meeting at the different schools on various Mondays to discuss the specifics of the contracts. In the meantime, President Van Ess requested faculty council members be the “keepers of the contracts” in their respective schools, available to answer faculty members’ questions.
A motion to accept the corrected minutes of the May 17, 2004 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.
Corresponding Secretary. Betty Meeks Manning stated that the specific minutes of the Hackensack Board of Education would soon be distributed to the Middle and 5ive 6ix Schools. Betty requested the plastic envelopes be returned to her.
Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary had no report.
BCEA Representative. The BCEA Representative had no report.
Vice President. The Vice President had no report.
President. Nikki Van Ess discussed the Monday, September 20 Executive Board meeting, which was attended by Norm Danzig (our Uniserve representative/negotiator) and Wayne Dobovsky. They guided Nikki through the steps necessary to reinvigorate the Hackensack Education Association members and suggested ways for more active community involvement. Nikki stated we should take advantage of our diversity and go back to the community, creating an environment of positive teacher/community relationships. The available vehicles of communication were discussed, such as in-school Morning Reports, newsletters, letters to parents to go out with report cards, and out-of-school newspapers and local television.
Nikki stated the PRIDE program had been a huge part of the HEA in the past. The NJEA has PRIDE funds that can be obtained for various school programs that would focus on the good things that are going on with our students. This money cannot be used for teachers’ salaries but would cover all materials used in the programs.
In her presentation, Nikki outlined the following tasks:
▪ Create a PRIDE committee (two co-chairs and one person from
each school)
▪ Organize stories from each school on a monthly basis to be
submitted to various news organizations
▪ Brainstorm PRIDE projects
The President stated her view for the future to have positive connections with the community, to create a safe environment for new teachers, and to have fun again and develop a Social Calendar. Nikki Van Ess may be reached at the HEA office at 201-646-7948 or via email at n.vaness@hackensackschools.org
NEW BUSINESS
An information packet of the 100 hours of professional development requirement was on each table. Some members had questions about the necessary documentation. It was suggested they check with their principals if a documentation form was not provided. This is the final year of the five-year requirement. After the fifth year, the 100-hour requirement begins anew. New teachers need to be informed that they are on a different schedule. Also, professional development hours don’t count until a teacher has a valid teaching certificate. Copies of “Start checking your PD records now” will be available for all.
At the September 7, 2004 Opening Day Meeting Dr. Montesano mentioned a “cap” that was going to directly affect next year’s negotiations. Vida Story attended the LAT (legislative) Meeting at the BCEA office and discussed the Cap Law changes. Health benefits will be at stake because of the cap. A pension is considered a property right but a health benefit is not. There are two bills pending in the legislature that will make health benefits a property right, No. 1125 in the Senate, and A-836 in the Assembly. The importance of members getting involved at the state level was discussed and writing letters to the state representatives was encouraged.
The NJEA and NEA have chosen to support John Kerry in the upcoming presidential election. Vida Story provided voter registration forms and absentee ballots. Vida encouraged members to make copies and distribute them. It was noted that the election after the presidential one is the school election.
Vida also distributed volunteer forms for anyone interested in manning the BCEA phone banks for an hour or even half an hour. Be sure to mention you are from Hackensack if you choose to volunteer.
Nikki Van Ess noted that there is a rally in Paramus regarding the cap issue. The rally is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at Paramus High School on Century Road. It is important to have a good attendance in order for the legislature to take the members seriously.
A re-organizational meeting for the Negotiations Team is underway. If anyone is interested in chairing or being part of the Team, please notify Nikki Van Ess.
The NJEA is sponsoring a “How to Negotiate” seminar on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 to be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel. Notify Nikki Van Ess if you are interested in attending.
An in-service grant writing seminar is being offered by the
BCEA on Friday, October 22 (3:30-7:15 p.m.) and Saturday, October 23 (7:30
a.m.-1 p.m.) at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel. Attendees will earn six
hours of continuing education development hours.
HEA meeting dates are posted on the Internet and copies will be distributed to members.
Anyone interested in teaching an in-service course for credits or for pay should contact Lisa Bernardo.
HEA shirts will soon be available for purchase. They come in various colors and cost $20 (short sleeves) and $25 (long sleeves). The order forms will be posted in each school.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership. There was no report from the Membership Committee.
Election. There was no report from the Election Committee.
Social. There was no report from the Social Committee.
Negotiations. The Committee encouraged people to attend the reorganization meeting scheduled for October 19.
Legislative. There was no report from the Legislative Committee.
Professional Rights and Responsibilities. There was no report from the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee.
Teacher Education. Lisa Bernardo reported that there would be three professional development classes offered for the Fall/Winter: Power Point, Word Perfect, and one for new teachers, grades K-6. Another offering for new teachers, grades 7-12, is also in the works but not yet finalized.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR ACTION. There were no recommendations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.
ADJOURNMENT. On motion by Vida Story, with no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Stagg
Recording Secretary