The September 27, 1999 HEA meeting was called to order by President Robert Curtis at 3:32 p.m.

The June 14, 1999 minutes were approved. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Vida Story and seconded by Dan King.

The Treasurer’s Report from June through August, 1999 was presented. The Treasurer explained that although the figures were $300 under budget for June, the Opening Day luncheon on September 1 and change of location for the Honors Dinner in June 2000 will be overbudget. Additional funds will be allotted for next year’s budget for this item. At a future date, the Treasurer will ask for a vote to approve an increase in the annual HEA dues from $35 to $45. A motion to accept the report was made by Vida Story and seconded by Fran Muller.

The Corresponding Secretary read Honors Dinner thank you notes from Pat Philips, Nancy Cant, and Linda Kopec.

The BCEA representative, Dan King, distributed the BCEA calendars. The BCEA is sponsoring a dinner meeting on October 27 at the Sheraton Meadowlands. The cost is $10, which will be reimbursed; the topic deals with special education and changes in the federal government. Building leaders have additional information on this meeting.

The Vice President had no report.

The President reported there is a Fall Focus meeting on October 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah. Building leaders have additional information on this meeting. Building leaders were given a list of personnel for their schools and asked to update it. There were no real issues regarding the Hurricane Floyd flooding, except for the flooding of Hillers’ prekindergarten room in the church basement.

The Membership Committee reported that three out of nineteen new teachers have not returned their membership applications.

President Curtis reported on behalf of the Social Committee that rooms have been reserved at Bally’s for the Teacher’s Convention. Anyone interested should contact Maria Matera. Positive comments were heard about the Opening Day luncheon; The Restaurant offered us a discounted rate.

HEA Minutes September 27, 1999 Page 2

The Negotiations Committee met once during the summer to categorize the negotiable items. They will also meet after today’s meeting.

The Legislative Committee asked for support for the NJEA endorsed candidates in your district. Vida Story, Dorothy Wiltshire, and Dan King were the representatives at the NEA National Conference in Orlando in July. The NEA fought against the AFT merge and one state’s asking for forgiveness of loans. The merger was denied by 40 votes.

June Porto will temporarily become the building leader for Parker School because of the transfer of Michael Catena to the Middle School. Another faculty representative is now needed from Parker School.

Public Relations needs a chairperson and a committee.

Professional Rights and Responsibilities reports that there are issues at different buildings. Air quality is a problem; there was no relief from the excessive heat in June and September at the schools. Hillers’ prekindergarten room in the church basement was flooded and materials were destroyed under one foot of water; mold developed as a result of the rooms not being cleaned over the long weekend. Teacher supplies did not arrive in time for the start of school; teachers had to purchase their own materials at the grammar and middle schools. If IDA is not paying medical claims; contact Dr. Amatuzzi with individual problems.

Teacher Education Committee reports that many offers to teach courses have been received, but no course descriptions or dates have been offered. Please send this information to Barbara Thomas, who prepares the flyers. Information sent in now can be scheduled for January courses. Courses already scheduled for October are "Using Brain Compatible Methods in the Classroom" and "Communicating with Spanish-speaking Parents."

Old Business. The mandated 100 hours of instruction will begin in September 2000.

New Business. There was no new business.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Gancarz, Recording Secretary