HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

October 26, 2005

The monthly meeting of the HEA Faculty Council was held on

October 26, 2005 in the Hackensack High School Library. The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m. by President Frances Borg.

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

Officer’s Reports

President’s Report.

Building Representatives. President Borg distributed a handout that explained the responsibilities of the building representatatives and the law as it relates to the Weingartner Rights. The President stressed the importance of reaching out to the younger members, of being capable of handling building issues as they arise, and of being knowledgeable about issues involving the HEA contract.

100 Hours. President Borg discussed the professional development hours. She stated that the State is in the process of reviewing the documentation of the 100 hours, that the hours will count only if they are part of your PIP, and that hours, which were allowed in the past, will no longer be permitted as part of the 100 hours. There was a discussion concerning the outcome of staff members who have not completed the 100 hours. School administrators from various districts are conferring to decide what should happen when the 100 hours are not completed.

The professional development year begins July 1, 2005. An extension was made for this past year to include courses taken during the month of August 2005. The Guidelines for the 100 hours are very narrow.

The five years start when teachers have received their permanent certificate. Districts must keep track of the 100 hours of all staff. Teachers must also keep records of their professional development hours.

Volunteers. President Borg is asking for volunteers for the Action Committee. Also, she stated that a chairperson is needed for the PRIDE Committee.

President’s Report Cont.

School meetings. Meetings at the individual schools need to be scheduled. The President is asking building reps to inform her of the availability of dates.

Shirts. The price of shirts has increased $3.00 by the manufacturer. There will be no reordering of shirts. The President states that we will sell what we have.

Change in Election Process. President Borg presented a third reading regarding term limits for the election of building representatives and officers.

Treasurer’s Report. Lorelei Kamisky distributed copies of the Profit and Loss Report of 9/04 - 8/05 and the Trial Balance for the month of September. A motion to accept the report was made by Vida Story. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.

Corresponding Secretary’s Report. Betty Meeks Manning discussed the prospect of sending notices via email. The Website has a list of all meeting dates.

Recording Secretary’s Report. The recording secretary was absent.

BCEA Representative’s Report. The BCEA representative was absent.

Vice President’s Report. The Vice President was absent.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. Membership Chairperson was absent.

President Borg reported that emails were sent to each building representative to inform them of members, in their respective buildings, who have not submitted the membership applications.

Election. The Election Chairperson was absent.

Negotiations. Lou Ferrante noted that the negotiations were on going and that there is hope for a contract settlement by the Christmas break.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONT.)

Legislative. Vida Story asked for volunteers to man phone banks at the BCEA office. She stated that it was important to get involved in assisting Dennis Testa to get elected as NJ Assemblyman so that teachers can have a voice concerning pensions and health benefits.

Teacher Education. President Borg stated that there are six courses being offered to members. Four of the six have been filled.

Social. Maria Matera and Lorelei Kaminski reported on the Opening Day Luncheon. After polling the membership, an executive decision was made to change the location of the luncheon. The Opening Day Luncheon will be held in the lower ballroom of the Hilton in Hackensack. The menu will be a replicate of The Restaurant. The time of the luncheon is 12:30 – 2:30p.m.

There is ample parking space.

T.A.L.C. There was no T.A.L.C. report.

COMMITTEEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There were no recommendations.

OLD BUSINESS. There was a discussion of the lack of substitutes in the elementary schools.

NEW BUSINESS. There was no new business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT. With no further business, on motion by Vida Story, the meeting was adjourned at 4: 30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Betty Meeks Manning

Corresponding Secretary