Applecore March 2005

LMEA NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

The Combined Negotiations Committee (CNC) presented its proposal to representatives of the School Board on March 3 rd . On March 29 th the School Board is expected to formally respond to our proposal. All issues reviewed at the January Special General Membership meeting, and outlined in the LMEA proposal, are still under negotiation. CNC is committed to achieving a fair settlement that provides for our membership while maintaining educational excellence in Lower Merion schools. Members will be notified of the progress of negotiations through these regular updates, the CNC report to Executive Council , and the LMEA website: www.lmeaonline.org .

Chris SantaMaria
LMEA Spokesperson

Bridge Certificate Workshop  

Numerous special education teachers have contacted the LMEA about the NCLB highly qualified requirements. The LMEA has planned a workshop on March 31 at the LMEA office at 4:00PM to address the concerns of becoming highly qualified, signing a participation form, and job security. The workshop will be conducted by Mark Wescott, PSEA's Director of Student Standards and Assessment. Mark Wescott was part of the PSEA/PDE committee that designed the bridge certification program. Our Mideast region Uniserve rep, Don Atkiss, will also be present to answer your questions about job security concerns.

Retirement 2005

Congratulation to upcoming retiress! At the LMEA Spring Banquet, members who are retiring are recognized and honored. Please contact the LMEA if you are planning to retire this year even if you do not intend to attend the banquet.

Also, Article 47 of the contract provides retirees with a term life insurance policy.

General Membership Meeting

A General Membership meeting will be held March 16 at 4:00PM at the LMEA Office.

New Teacher Workshop

The Mideast Region of the PSEA will be hosting a New Teacher Workshop for teachers with 1-5 years of teaching on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 from 4:45-6:30PM . A light dinner will be served. Workshop topics will include: tenure, certification, ratings, negotiations, legal rights, PSEA member benefits and more. Call 1-800-492-2727 to register.

www.lmeaonline.org

Minutes, Apple Cores, archives, classified ads (new sub-section), and other information can be found at the LMEA's web-site www.lmeaonline.org . Please take a few minutes and visit our site.

LMEA Unit / Officers Meetings

Throughout the year, unit meetings will be held prior to officers meetings at all buildings. April's meeting will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 2:35 at Harriton and 3:35 at Gladwyne. 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 .

LMEA - Important Dates for 2004-2005

April 6- Officers' Meeting
April 11- Executive Council , PR&R
April 21- MER House at Wm Penn Inn
May 4- Officers' Meeting
May 9- Executive Council , 4:00PM
May 9- 25 Year Tribute, 6:00PM
May 11 - General Membership Meeting (Elections)
May 13-14- PSEA House in Pittsburg.
May 17 - LMEA Elections
June 2 - Banquet
June 8 - Officers' Meeting
June 13- Executive Council
July 2-5- NEA-RA, LA
July 24-29- Gettysburg

Executive Council meetings are held the second Monday of the month in the LMEA office at 4:00PM.
Officers Meetings are held the Wednesday before Executive Council meetings. Locations and times will be announced.

If you have any issues or concerns that you need addressed, please contact your building representative.