HACKENSACK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Faculty Council Meeting

November 20, 2006

The November 20, 2006 HEA Faculty Council meeting in the High School Library was called to order at 3:40 p.m. by President Fran Borg.

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

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

Treasurer. Lorelei Kaminsky presented the HEA Trial Balance as of October 31, 2006. Vida Story made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. The motion was carried.

Recording Secretary. There was no report.

Corresponding Secretary. Eileen Hooper reported she received several thank you notes for the appreciation gifts from the support staff.

BCEA Representative. There was no report.

Vice President. Amy Fink reminded members to continue to submit the T.A.L.C. reports.

President. Fran Borg noted that there are Faculty Council vacancies at the High School and the 5ive6ix School. Delilah Duarte was nominated to fill the vacancy at Parker School, voted upon, and accepted. A committee is being formed to monitor working conditions, and it is hoped to have representation from each of the schools in the district. The importance of checking the Seniority Lists for errors was stressed. The BCEA continues to offer Prosecutor's Office Seminars on Internet safety issues. Fran stated that knowledge of anything of a predator nature being seen on the Internet must be reported to an administrator. Any suspicion of drugs or weapons also must be reported to Department Chairpersons. There are pre-labeled postcards available to send to Senator Gormley regarding dissatisfaction with the attempt to change the state benefits package. This is a vital issue that needs to be addressed in earnest. Questions arose about buying back years and it was noted that all information and forms that are necessary could be found on www.NJEA.org at the Division of Pensions and Benefits. The Board of Education has been concerned with the attire of teachers and a Dress Code Committee has been formed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership. There was no report.

Election. There was no report.

Social. Lorelei Kaminsky reported that a decision would be made shortly as to whether it would be more cost effective to have an Opening Day Breakfast or Luncheon at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel.

Negotiations. Fran Borg noted the possibility of starting a 403B plan.

Legislative. Vida Story reported from the NJEA cyber lobby news that she recently received, noting that Senator Gormley and Assemblyman O'Toole are the state representatives who are pushing to change the state benefits package. Some of their proposals are to require a 5% contribution to basic health care plans, a co-pay of $250 per hospital stay with an admission review for any hospital stay, a cap for diagnostic testing, and mandated mail-order prescriptions.

Vida stressed the importance of the postcard writing campaign to voice dissatisfaction with the proposals. To stay informed of this and other issues, visit the NJEA website at www.NJEA.org.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities. There was no report.

Teacher Education. There was no report.

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

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. There were none.

OLD BUSINESS. Fran Borg reiterated the absence policy regarding court dates. It is not counted as an absence for jury duty or if it pertains to any school issue. However, if the court date is for any personal reason, one must take a personal day.

NEW BUSINESS. There was none.

SCHOOL REPORTS. Individual school reports were presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. There were none.

ADJOURNMENT. Vida Story made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Melanie Stagg

Recording Secretary