The February 28, 2000 HEA Faculty Council meeting was called to order by President Robert Curtis at 3:31 p.m.

The January 10, 2000 minutes were corrected. A motion to accept the correction was made by Vida Story and seconded. A motion to accept the corrected minutes was made by Vida Story and seconded.

The Treasurer was not present. The Treasurer’s Report for January 2000 was distributed. A motion to accept the report was made by Vida Story and seconded.

The Corresponding Secretary read a note from Joseph Sommers regarding ordering shirts for the HEA which would cost $29 each. There was little interest in this proposal.

The BCEA representative had no report; he will send information to the schools when he receives it. There is a weekend workshop and a March 29 multicultural dinner; additional information will be sent to the schools.

The Vice President reported that she has not received any TALC reports.

The President reported that Joseph Halpin, of Tax Shield Inc., sent brochures about tax shelters, including annuities and mutual funds. His company is authorized to conduct business in the district. Information packets were given to each building leader to be posted and distributed. A member reported to President Curtis that the health spa at The Restaurant offers group rates; that member will provide President Curtis with additional information. President Curtis had a dinner meeting with the presidents of the custodians’, secretaries’, and administrators’ associations to discuss contract negotiations. President Curtis reported some progress with grievances; the music teacher’s problem has been resolved, and other problems are being worked on. Calculated hours for part-time teachers remain an issue. Delegates to the NEA convention will be elected at our March meeting; the convention will be held in Chicago at the beginning of July.

The Membership Committee reported that all but one teacher and three teacher assistants are members.

The Election Committee distributed a schedule and related documents for this year’s elections.

HEA Minutes February 28, 2000 page 2

There was no Social Committee report.

The Negotiations Committee reported that the team met on February 9 to prioritize their list. The February 17 meeting with the Board was postponed; no new date has been given. The team will meet after today’s meeting. The building survey results were tabulated and typed.

The Legislative Committee reported that many bills are pending in the State legislature. Bill A3588 would put mental illness from physical causes on parity with other illness. This bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

The Professional Right and Responsibilities report was included in the President’s report.

The Teacher Education Committee reported that two of the three afterschool courses for the spring are closed. There are some openings in the "Using Cooperative Learning Techniques with your Science and Math Lessons" course. No more information has yet been received from Trenton regarding the 100 hours program. Peter Capone and Bernard Kaminsky are the final members of the 100-hour district committee.

Hillers will hold their TALC meeting on February 29. The Middle School held a TALC meeting, which will reconvene to complete its business.

Old Business. There was no old business.

New Business. There was no new business.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:07 p.m., on motion by Vida Story.

Respectfully submitted

Valerie Gancarz, Recording Secretary