The October 25, 1999 HEA meeting was called to order by President Robert Curtis at 3:32 p.m.

The September 27, 1999 minutes were corrected. A motion to accept the corrections was made by Vida Story and seconded. A motion to accept the corrected minutes was made by Vida Story and seconded.

The Treasurer reported that the books balanced without error. The Association had a profit of approximately $1,400 last year. This year’s budget will be out of balance because of changes of venue for this year’s social events. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Vida Story and seconded by Fran Muller.

The Corresponding Secretary received a letter and raffle tickets for the Paul Dimitriadis Member Rights Fund. The raffles are $5 each and the drawing will be held on November 12 at Convention Hall, Atlantic City.

The BCEA representative was not present. The President reported that he received a letter stating that a workshop would be held if needed for the local representatives selected for the 100 hours committee.

The Vice President had no report.

The President combined his report with the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee Report. Three problems occurred; two were solved. There is a teacher in the Middle School who had a schedule change. His new schedule gives him a 10:30 a.m. lunch and four teaching periods in a row. In the past, teachers have taught four periods in a row in the Middle School and High School on a purely voluntary basis.. President Curtis spoke with Mr. Burke and Dr. Montesano. Dr. Montesano said he will work on the problem and has waived the time limit for filing a grievance.

The Membership Committee reported that one or two more teachers have sent in their applications.

The Social Committee reported that arrangements have been finalized for the Teacher’s Convention in Atlantic City on November 11-12. BCEA will sponsor a bus to

HEA Minutes October 25, 1999 Page 2

the convention; information will be sent to the schools. BCEA will sponsor a Hospitality suite at the Sheraton Hotel on November 11 and 12 from noon - 2 p.m.

The Negotiations Committee Chair sent a letter to Dr. Montesano on October 8 asking to set up a first meeting. The committee will meet again after today’s meeting.

The Legislative Committee requests support for the endorsed candidates for the November 2 elections.

The Elections Committee reported that June Porto will become the building leader at Parker School. Margarita Monserrat nominated Dana Nastasi as a representative from Parker School to replace Michael Catena who was transferred to the Middle School. A vote to elect Dana to this position was held. The vote was unanimous.

Public Relations still needs a chairperson and a committee.

The Teacher Education Committee reports that three courses will be offered. They are: Inclusion, Conversational Spanish for Educators, and Using Cooperative Learning in Science Classes. Some issues have arisen regarding the after-school courses. The issues are: teachers arriving late and leaving early and missing sessions; making course payments; paying by check is the preferred method since these courses are tax deductible; an acknowledgment that you have been accepted into the course; and a reminder that it is acceptable for two instructors to present the same course if there are sufficient students. One member said that at the Fall Focus Meeting there was discussion about courses conducted after school hours counting toward the 100 hours requirement.

There were no TALC Reports from any schools.

Old Business. There is still a problem with substitutes which was particularly acute today! The acceptable class size for a bilingual math class was questioned. There is a teacher at the High School with 28 students in one class. A member said that the standards state that if there are over 25 students, you are entitled to a full-time aide. NJEA calendars were distributed at the September meeting.

New Business. There was no new business.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Valerie Gancarz, Recording Secretary