Executive Committee Minutes

APRIL 1st , 2008

The meeting was called to order by Vice President John Heslin at 3:50pm. The following members were in attendance: Mario Capitelli, John Heslin, Maureen Hines, Jean Klausz, Cathy Rienth, John Troise, Jennifer Vetter, Valerie Cafarelli, Jen Conti, Sue Hance, Ray Pickersgill, Mark Wojciechowski, Alex Young, Joseph Zarzycki, Tom Cestaro, Nick Antonucci, Frank D’Abramo, John Finta, George Jacobsen, Glen Monsen, Colleen Prunty, Rob Regan, Robin Dallanegra, Gene Higgins, Marnin Lack, Mary Jane Maione, Cindy O’Connell, James Virga, Gina Capodieci-DeFlumeri, Kathie Stanford, Melanie Purcell, Arthur Bamel, Dan Sussman, Peggy Erickson, Beverly Grosshandler, Linda Klare, Michelle Anastasio, Allison Poffenbarger, Larry Sciarrone, Brian Rogers, Denise Enlund, Alison Jackson, Debbie Degenhardt, Christi Skillman, Cathy Mannone, Nicole Villani, Carol Wilkinson, Maryann Robinson-Delguidice, Lauren Roddin, Nancy Bloom, Jeanette Pedersen, Jeanne Lutz, Eric Berman, Darlene Haas, Tom Lipani, Lisa Ficken, Tina Diaz-Foster, Patrick Hill, Maryellen Scarola, Sabine Alfano, Fern Fier, Doris Marshall, Tracy Mancuso, Jean Carruthers.

It was moved by Colleen Prunty and seconded by Arthur Bamel to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.

It was moved by Dan Sussman and seconded by Joe Zarzycki to approve the minutes. Motion carried.

Special Projects
A flyer will be going out with the date and time of sale for Ducks tickets for a game on Saturday, June 7 at a cost of $8.50 per ticket and Friday, May 23 at a cost of $11 per ticket.

Treasurer’s Report
It was moved by Jen Conti and seconded by Lisa Ficken to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

Treasurer reported on the first reading of the proposed budget for the 2008-2009 year.

President’s Report
The Constitution Committee distributed their report on the recommended changes to the Constitution and By Laws for approval of the Executive Committee.

It was moved by John Finta and seconded by Mark Wojciechowski that By Law IX Section 2 be amended to read: Each representative will receive a stipend of 100 units based on the unit value rate for Extra Curricular Activities in accordance with Article XI ”Pay for Additional Duties” Section 9A of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Sachem Central Teachers Association and the Sachem Central School District. One half of said stipend will represent the amount paid for being a representative (the Representative portion). The balance of said stipend shall be divided into 10 equal monthly installments for attendance at the monthly Executive Committee Meetings (the attendance portion). Motion carried.

It was moved by Arthur Bamel and seconded by Gene Higgins to accept the proposed changes to the Constitution and By Laws as amended and move them forward to a vote by the General Membership. Motion carried.

There were no new personnel matters but be aware that April 15 is the deadline for D.O. to inform non-tenured personnel that they are not being asked back. Also be aware that the President will attend all exit interviews. There will be a meeting with D.O. for all 2008 Retirees on April 14 to discuss Health Insurance Benefits etc. at the Union Office. Two meetings were held with OSS and Special Ed Staff to discuss possible improprieties within the department. Bob has appointed Alan Fox, Jean Castellano, and Carol Brodsky as co-chair people with Tony Santo, Lori Tremmel, Meg Holland, Jane Boccafola, Cathy Rafferty, Maureen Hines, Jean Klausz and John Troise to a committee to research Special Ed. concerns.

It was moved by Colleen Prunty and seconded by Arthur Bamel to approve the committee nominations. Motion carried.

Vice Presidents’ Reports
John Troise
EAP surveys were examined on Thursday March 27. They analyzed by written responses and percentages based on the 1st 18 questions. The subcommittee discussed how and to whom the findings should be presented. The subcommittee will meet again on April 17 and the full committee will meet on May 12. They are committed to creating an action plan based on survey results before the year is over. Please be aware of any health and safety issues as a result of seasonal changes (Flooding etc.).

Mario Capitelli
Two hundred and fifteen members will be attending the Annual SCTA Dinner on April 5. Twenty five applications were forwarded to the Long Island Teachers Benevolent Fund for Scholarship consideration. The SCTA will be accepting applications for the “Educators of Tomorrow Scholarship”. Applications are due to the SCTA Office by April 29. The Union will award a maximum of 10, $1000 scholarships.

John Heslin
The following grievance dates are scheduled: New Teacher, April 2; Summer School, April 16; Middle School Bus Duty, April 30; Step 25, June16.

Maureen Hines
Defensive Driving is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 & 9 and Wednesday, May 7&14 from 5-8pm. Cost to members is $25 and $40 for non members. The Reps. were given forms for Agency Fee Payors to complete, to become members. If they are not official members they have no voting rights. BLT Stakeholder elections must be held and positions filled by June1, 2008. Teacher members of the BLT must be elected by the Teachers of that building. The election committee will be meeting on April 7 at 3:30 at the Union Office to prepare for the Constitution and By Law Revision Vote on April 16 & 17. They will also be meeting on April 15 to prepare mailings for the Officers and NYSUT/AFT Delegate vote to be held May 28 & 29. A General Membership meeting will be held at the Union Office on May 6 to accept nominations for the Officers and NYSUT/AFT Delegate positions. There are four officer positions open: President, and Three Vice Presidents. There are also 9 NYSUT/AFT Delegate positions open; 7 two year seats and 2 one year seats. All unit representatives must be elected by June 1, 2008. They are one year seats

Jean Klausz
Seven of Twelve Buildings have responded with representation for the Elementary Concerns Committee which will hold its first meeting on April 14, 3:45 at the SCTA Office. The elementary half day calendar will stand as is for this year. It has come to the Union’s attention that informal scoring of State Assessment Tests is illegal and should not be conducted as Teachers jeopardize their certification. If the District insists that it be conducted the directive must be put in writing from administration. The Stars Committee will not be going forward due to the lack of participation by the Executive Committee members who signed up for the committee.

Cathy Rienth
Twelve Paraprofessionals will be attending the LICOP breakfast on April 5 at the Holiday Inn. The NYSUT Regional Office will be conducting an SRP Leadership Training at Danfords in Port Jefferson on May 3, 2008. SCTA Ties and Scarves have arrived. If you need more order forms check with the Union Office.