APPLECORE, January, 2004Terms of the Contract Please be advised that the District expects you to understand the terms of the Contract. The District does not have a legal obligation to inform you of its terms and does not make it a practice to do so. Please read the Contract and review pertinent articles such as personal days, family illness days, sick days, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, vacation, salary provisions, procedures for qualifying for higher salaries, flexible spending account, etc. to assure that you are in compliance and are receiving the benefits you are entitled. If you believe the District has violated the Contract and you were harmed, please contact the LMEA. Gifts At the December 8 Executive Council meeting the question was asked, "What should I do if a student offers me a gift when Board policy says we may not accept gifts?" After some discussion, it was decided that the LMEA recommend to members that they not disobey Board policy (totally inappropriate), interpret the intent of the policy, or set guidelines. Board policy states, “It is the policy of the Board that employees not accept gifts.” Rather, in the best interest of the members and the students the LMEA recommended that faculty and staff accept gifts from students so as to not hurt their feelings and give the gifts to the principal. The principal would decide what to do with the gifts. Evidently, there are administrative guidelines that differentiate types of gifts including those that students may feel obliged to give and are not considered influential. It was further recommended that staff not accept gifts directly from parents. The LMEA policy on gifts states “ The LMEA neither recommends nor encourages gift giving by students.” (see policies and practices at www.lmeaonline.com). Past LMSD and LMEA practices gave the professional some discretion regarding gifs. This new Board policy does not. It was not the intent of the LMEA to create havoc but rather to maintain Board policy, not insult students, and protect faculty and staff. On December 19, 2003 in an email to Academic Council Members (administrators), Dr. Tobin said "Staff members who receive gifts during this holiday season will NOT be in violation of the policy if they accept the gift and acknowledge the giver." He also said that the email may be shared with staff and that the policy would be publicized later in the year. The LMEA will encourage the Board to change the policy to authorize staff to make common sense decisions regarding gifts. Since Dr. Tobin's memo only applied to this holiday season, the LMEA urges you to comply with Board policy after the holiday season. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Please see attached letter to Dr. Yoder requesting that the District approve all TSA carriers for the 457 Deferred Compensation plans instead of three. The District’s response to the request was that 457 plans require more record keeping. Whereas with 403 (b) the money is sent directly to the carrier, the District has the responsibility of holding the money in trust for a 457. The District chose the carriers who are used by those who use the 403 to the max and selected the top 3. Many school districts provide one option, LMSD went with 3. The District believes they have tried to meet the needs of the staff. For those who have the ability to shelter an additional $14K this is a nice service the District has undertaken. The District is not interested in adding additional carriers to the program at this time. The District will note our request and take it under advisement for future considerations. Emergency School Closings Students at Harriton and Gladwyne will not make up the time missed due to the emergency closings on September 23 and November 14. The PDE approved the District’s request for a waiver. Therefore, the days will not be made up and officially all schools have missed one day due to inclement weather to date. Civil Immunity for School Employees Often, the LMEA is asked about liability when reacting in emergency situation. At the December 8 Executive Council meeting, Terry Quinlan explained Act 93 (attached). Also, Terry discussed the implementation of an AED program in the LMSD (information attached). High School Capital Improvement Plan The District has hired the Michael Baker Corporation to facilitate the high school capital improvement plan. Details of the process are attached. LMEA WILL/Estate Planning On Wednesday, January 21 from 3:30PM to 7:30PM at the LMEA office, the law firm of Herring and Herring will provide Will/Estate Planning services for members of the LMEA. Included in the Will Estate Planning package is a Living Will. The fee for Wills for married persons is $175.00, and $125.OO for single individuals. LMEA Unit / Officers Meetings Throughout the year, unit meetings will be held prior to officer’s meetings at all buildings. February’s meeting will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 3:00 at Bala Cynwyd. Meetings for other buildings will be announced monthly in the AppleCore and posted in your building. Unit meetings give you the chance to make suggestions and voice concerns with your LMEA officers. Upcoming LMEA Events January 24-27- NEA Region Leadership Conference |