HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

October 16, 2006

The October 16, 2006 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Media Center was called to order at 3:38 p.m. by President Fran Borg.

Vida Story made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous Faculty Council meeting. The motion was carried.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky presented the HEA Trial Balance as of September 30, 2006, and noted that the annual report has been filed with the accountant. This report goes to the NJEA, which reimburses some of the expenses incurred by the HEA. Lorelei added that we received a reimbursement of $2,800 last year. Vida Story made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. The motion was carried.

Corresponding Secretary. There was no report.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

BCEA Representative. Sandy Noel reported that volunteers were needed at the BCEA Headquarters to get the vote out. More information will follow.

Vice President. Amy Fink reminded the representatives to begin collecting T.A.L.C. reports and to send them to her when completed.

President. Fran Borg announced the NJEA's Winter Leadership Conference dates and locations:

January 26-7—Sheraton, Atlantic City

February 9-10—Hilton, East Brunswick

March 9-10—Sheraton, Parsippany

More information regarding the registration deadlines and seminar topics is available at the NJEA web site. Fran also stressed the importance of checking the web site regularly in order to remain informed. There is a letter/postcard-writing campaign to Senator Stephen Sweeney and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty to stop the passage of bills presently before the State that would seriously affect our benefits. President Borg stressed the importance of participating in the campaign.

Fran reminded the representatives that, according to our contract, only three professional days are permitted. One requested by a supervisor is not considered to be one of the three.

An HEA meeting with Hillers School is scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2006, to be held at The Steak House (located on Passaic Street in the strip mall adjacent to West Coast Video) at 3:30-5:00 p.m.

The possibility of an Opening Day Breakfast as an alternative to a luncheon (which is becoming increasingly expensive) was discussed.

The NJ State Health Benefits Program Open Enrollment is being held this month through October 31, 2006. This is an annual opportunity to review your medical, prescription drug, and dental plans to make any changes. Coverage changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2007. Any questions regarding disability coverage can be found at the Prudential web site.

Alan Recarte , the new PRIDE Chairperson, was introduced. He attended a seminar over the summer and reported that money is being provided for eight HEA banners. Ideas for a LOGO or slogan for the banners may be sent to President Fran Borg or Vice President Amy Fink. Alan requested submission of class activity/events write ups to be sent to him, as he would like to begin a scrapbook of positive school experiences to share with the community. He will be meeting with the Uniserv representative on Thursday, October 19, 2006.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. Denise Corso reminded members to notify her of any information changes.

Elections. There was no report.

Social. Maria Matera is currently reviewing breakfast and luncheon menus from the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel to plan for next year's Opening Day.

Negotiations. Lou Ferrante is continuing with negotiation details.

Legislative. Vida Story again stressed the importance of getting out the vote and of the postcard/letter-writing campaign. The NJEA has endorsed the election of Bob Menendez.

Teacher Education. Various classes for teachers have begun.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. Chris Ryan would like to revive the committees and is seeking volunteers from each school to be on the Grievance Committee.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There was none.

OLD BUSINESS. There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS. President Fran Borg stated that she had a conversation with Joe Cicchelli, the Principal from Fairmount School, about a memo in his opening day folder. The memo told teachers to report for their students at 8:25 a.m. to escort them up to the classrooms. This is against the contract stipulation that teachers do not have to report for their respective classes until 8:30 a.m. Anyone who wishes to do so earlier to avoid the congestion that occurs on the stairs, can do so. It cannot be mandated.

SCHOOL REPORTS. Individual school reports were presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were none.

ADJOURNMENT. Vida Story made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:35 p.m. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary