The monthly meeting of the HEA Faculty Council was held on Monday, October 22, 2001 at the Hackensack Middle School. The meeting was called to order by President Robert Kern Curtis at 3:32 p.m.

The minutes from the September 17, 2001 meeting were approved. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Vida Story. The motion passed.

Officers' Report.

Treasurer's Report. Mark Porto
The treasurer reported that HEA is in need of more capital. The Opening Day Luncheon and the Honors' Dinner are very costly. According to the Association's accountant, HEA will have exhausted all of its reserves within the next three years, if the current spending pattern continues. An increase in dues was proposed.
A motion to accept the budget report was made by Vida Story. The motion passed.
The treasurer moved to amend Article X of the Association By-Laws as follows:
"The annual dues of the Association shall be fifty-five dollars for active members and eight dollars and fifty cents for associate members for the year 2002-2003. Thereafter, dues shall increase by five dollars for active members and fifty cents for associate members for three consecutive years."

Year		      Active Members		     Associate Members

2002 - 2003               $55                             $8.50
2003 - 2004               $60                             $9.00
2004 - 2005               $65                             $9.50
2005 - 2006               $70                            $10.00

Dues are payable to NJEA, NEA, BCEA, and HEA as follows:
            Professional                    Support Staff
       Full Time         Part Time   Full Time           Part Time
NJEA     $462.00          $231.00     $219.00              $109.50
NEA      $123.00           $61.50      $66.50               $33.25 
BCEA      $66.00           $33.00      $36.00               $18.00   
HEA       $45.00           $45.00       $7.00                $7.00

The treasurer presented a report comparing the costs of dues in districts similar to that of Hackensack. The dues in those districts were at least twice that of the HEA. In addition, he reported that the Association's dues had not been raised for more than fifteen years, prior to the last increase.

The amendment to the By-Laws will be presented a second time at the next Faculty Council meeting. Corresponding Secretary's Report. Beverly Nelson
The secretary received a letter from BCEA requesting the names of family members of the Association who have died, are seriously injured, or are missing in the September 11, 2001 disaster. The names and pertinent information should be forwarded to the secretary soon as possible.

At the September 2001 BCEA meeting, there was a clarification of the Pension Enhancement Bill.

BCEA sent an invitation to the Hospitality Reception at the 2001 NJEA Convention in Atlantic City. The Reception will be held at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, Boulevard's Café, on Thursday, November 8, 2001 and at the Steel Pier Room on Friday, November 9, 2001. Both receptions will be held from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Recording Secretary's Report. Betty Meeks-Manning. No report.

BCEA Report. No report.

Vice President's Report. Georgiana Brown
The vice president reported that one T.A.L.C. report has been received. Each T.A.L.C. committee should meet with the principal and submit a report to the vice president as soon as possible.

President's Report. Dr. Robert Kern Curtis
Member Rights. President Curtis reminded members of their right to representation at meetings held with principals or department chairpersons. He stated that it is a member's right to inquire about the nature of the meeting in advance and to have a representative present: Dr. Curtis, a building representative, or the building leader.

Evan Goldman proposed that a dinner meeting/workshop be held for building representatives to discuss such topics as how to deal with administrators and the rights of teachers.

Grievance Report. President Curtis reported that the Association has filed a Grievance on behalf of a teacher at the high school. The grievance is now at the second level.

Professional Development Committee.
There was a discussion concerning the Spring election of two members to the District's Professional Development Committee. President Curtis reminded the Council that a request for nominations was made at the April 2001, Faculty Council meeting and that a letter was sent on May 9, 2001, to the membership requesting nominations. Two nominations were received: Betty Meeks-Manning and Robert Bollerman. These teachers were declared elected to the Committee at the May 21, 2001, Faculty Council meeting.

Extra Compensation. The Middle School contractual issue was discussed. There was a mistake made in the approval of extra compensation jobs. The mistake will be corrected.

The President encouraged members from the 5ive6ix School to petition the principal concerning extra compensation pay for the position of Student Council advisor. This type of position can be negotiated outside of the regular time for negotiating the contract.

WEBB.
WEBB page handouts were distributed to the building leaders.

School Reports.

Fairmount. There is great concern about the parking problem. The problem appears to be out of control. Many teachers are frustrated and angry. It was suggested that the issue be discussed with the local PTSA to see if a viable solution can be found. It was also suggested that a committee of teachers be formed to meet with the Board and/or the city officials concerning the parking problem.

Jackson Avenue. No report. There were no building representatives present.

Parker. There was a discussion concerning the public posting and display of the list of absent teachers. The list details the name, dates of absences, and the reasons for the absence. The placement of the list makes it available for public viewing.

Hillers. Members are concerned about the principal's lack of cooperation regarding the use of the school's elevator. President Curtis sent a letter to Mr. Charles Jones on October 17, 2001 requesting that the entire staff be issued elevator keys. Mr. Jones responded as follows:
"I am in receipt of your letter dated October 17, 2001, requesting that our entire staff be given elevator keys. After careful consideration, I have decided that my present policy will remain in place. Please be assured that if teachers need to use the elevator because they are burdened with heavy boxes/packages and, provided we get advanced notice, we will try to accommodate them."
The parking problem continues to be of great concern.
There was a discussion concerning the lack of completion of the building. Boxes are stacked in the hallway.

Middle School. The 90-minutes block instructional period was discussed. The consensus among the teachers is that students are having a difficult time with such a long period of classroom instructional time. The lack of communication about progress reports is a concern.

5ive6ix School. There is a wonderful assistant principal, Mr. Benjamin Fox. There was a discussion concerning the lack of communication between staff and administrators in the Middle School and the 5ive6ix School. It was suggested that a committee be developed to study the problem. It was suggested that there be a joint teacher-administrator committee between the two schools.

High School. There was a discussion concerning the School Emergency Plan.

Committee Reports.

Membership Committee. Susan Young. No report.

Elections Committee. President Curtis presented the report. The Middle School needs one building representative. The 5ive6ix School needs one teacher assistant and one building representative.

Social Committee. Maria Matera. No report.

Negotiations Committee. Lynn Berhalter. No report.

Legislative Committee. Vida Story.
The Chair distributed flyers concerning the November elections. NJEA supports Jim McGreevey.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. Dr. Robert Kern Curtis
This report was included in the President's report.

Teacher Education Committee. Nikki VanEss
Nikki VanEss was appointed chairperson of the committee.
There was a discussion concerning Board policy regarding credit for On-Line Courses. Chris Ryan made a motion that the Association submit a petition to the Board requesting that credit be allowed for more than two On-line courses. The resolution was passed unanimously by the Faculty Council.

T.A.L.C. Georgiana Brown
This report was included in the Vice President's report.

Old Business. No old business.

New Business. No new business.

With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Meeks-Manning
Recording Secretary