Executive Committee Minutes

DECEMBER 4th , 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Bob LaCorte at 3:45pm. The following members were in attendance: Bob LaCorte, Mario Capitelli, John Heslin, Maureen Hines, Jean Klausz, Cathy Rienth, John Troise, Jennifer Vetter, Valerie Cafarelli, Jen Conti, Sue Hance, Mark Wojciechowski, Tom Cestaro, Nick Antonucci, Frank D’Abramo, John Finta, George Jacobsen, Glen Monsen, Colleen Prunty,Rob Regan, Robin Dallanegra, Thomas McGrath, Johanna Napolitano, Gene Higgins, Marnin Lack, Mary Jane Maione, Chris Oakes, Cindy O’Connell, James Virga, Gina Capodieci-DeFlumeri, Kathie Stanford, Melanie Purcell, Dan Sussman, Tara Scully, Peggy Erickson, Linda Klare, Laura Seguna, Allison Poffenbarger, Larry Sciarrone, Mary Caffrey, Denise Enlund, Alison Jackson, Debbie Degenhardt, Christi Skillman, Cathy Manone, Nicole Villani, Carol Wilkinson, Maryann Robinson-Deludice, Lauren Roddin, Nancy Bloom, Jeanette Pedersen, Jeanne Lutz, Eric Berman, Darlene Haas, Tom Lipari, Lisa Ficken, Tina Diaz-Foster, Patrick Hill, Maryellen Scarola, Sabine Alfano, Fern Fier, Doris Marshall, Tracy Mancuso, Jean Caruthers, Betty Morris.

It was moved by Lisa Ficken and seconded by Colleen Prunty to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

It was moved by Lisa Ficken and seconded by John Finta to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Speak Out
The following schools will be highlighted during the month of January: Tecumseh, Hiawatha, Grundy, Tamarac and East. The deadline for articles is January 11, 2008.

Special Projects
Estee Lauder Passes are available for December 15. See your Building Rep. Information about Ducks Tickets will be available next month.

Treasurer’s Report
It was moved by Dan Sussman and seconded by Mary Ellen Scarolla to accept the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.

President’s Report
The copies for the new Teacher Contract were missing the Table of Contents and the pay schedule. This was a joint mistake between the District and the SCTA. Both parties will pay to have the copies reprinted. There were no new Personnel Matters. A meeting was held with Special Ed Psychologists, Social Workers, Bob and the LRS to discuss issues that may be deemed illegal and that may lead to an improper practice charge. All observations need to be returned to the individual member within 10 days of the observation. If not it must be redone. Department Chair people are being asked to be directly involved with the year end observations of their department colleagues. This is inappropriate and Dr Murphy has been informed. He will put something out to those involved. Dr. Murphy has advised the union that the Saxon Math Material will be taken care of before teachers arrive back to school in September. The NYSUT Retirement Seminar has been rescheduled for January 10, at 4:00pm at the union office. The cost of health insurance will be increasing due to the increase in the premium cost not the percentage increase.

Vice Presidents’ Reports
Mario Capitelli
A save the date flyer for the annual SCTA Dinner Party to be held at West Lake Inn on April 5, 2008 was distributed to all buildings for posting. The cost will be $65 for Teachers and $55 for Aides, Assistants and Non Tenured Teachers. The following Student essays were submitted to the LIPC Essay Contest: K-2, Nicole Kowalski, Hiawatha; 3-5 Kelly Murphy, Merrimac; Middle, Valerie Zeffiro, Sagamore and 9-12 Alexandra Saso, North.

John Heslin
Grievances are going forward. Please see the current issue of Speak Out for all the details.

Maureen Hines
33 people attended the FMLA Workshop. You can also access information on this subject at Sachem’s Website at “Human Resources”. The December Defensive Driving class was cancelled due to lack of enrollment. Additional classes are Saturday, January 12, 8:30-2:00; Wednesday and Thursday, February 6&7, 5-8pm; Wednesday, April 2&9, 5-8pm; Wednesday, May7&14, 5-8pm.

Jean Klausz
Our Members Day Out Breast Cancer Walk and Raffle raised $21,167 for Breast cancer Research with $2,975 just from the Raffle. All winners are listed in the current issue of Speak Out.

Cathy Rienth
The Teacher Aide Longevity award of $600 will be paid this Friday. Aides are eligible after 8 years of service. Teacher Aides are not required to attend monthly faculty meetings. The rare exception, such as Sexual Harassment, requires them to submit a pink slip for pay.

John Troise
The EAP Reps will meet tomorrow at the union office to discuss the Workplace Environment Survey. Remember that Techer Certification is the responsibility of the individual to follow through on all requirements, not the district.

Old Business
The Solidarity Shirts Concept appeared to be supported by the majority of the membership.

It was moved by Colleen Prunty and seconded by Jen Conti for the SCTA to purchase a Black Long Sleeved Tee Shirt with “UNITED” on the back and an Arrowhead with the SCTA Logo on the front, to be sold to members at 50% of the cost to wear on a designated day to show solidarity.

It was moved by Mark Wojciechowski and seconded by Tom Cestaro to call the question. Motion carried.

Original motion carried.

It was moved by Jeanette Pedersen and seconded by Sue Hance to adjourn the meeting at 5:15pm. Motion carried.

Approved
Valerie Cafarelli