February 2006

Identity Theft and Fraud

Most people don’t learn about identity theft until it’s too late. Fear of identity theft has been brought up as building concerns throughout the year at Executive Council.

Attached are notes from a Power Point Presentation given at the NEA Leadership Conference held in Philadelphia this January. The information provided about strategies to avoid and overcome identity theft and fraud is useful. There is other contact information to learn more about this matter in the presentation.

NEA/PSEA/LMEA Web-Sites

Be sure to visit www.psea.org regularly to learn about legislative actions, issues in education, and member benefits. To learn about the same matters on the national level, visit the NEA’s web-site at www.nea.org. Of course, minutes, Apple Cores, archives, classified ads (new sub-section), and other information about the LMEA can be found at www.lmeaonline.org.

PSERS Statements

Be aware that the retirement statements sent out by PSERS this year had numerous errors. They have experienced a number of difficulties with the new computer system they are implementing.

If you are contemplating retirement, the PSEA advises you to fill out a request for estimate.

TABOR and Act 72 (Referendum)

It is very important that you continue to write, phone, and email your elected representatives. Tell them that you oppose TABOR and Act 72. Your state representatives are on the back of your PSEA membership card. Sample letters and automatic emails can be found at www.psea.org. The District web-site, www.lmsd.org, also has information. Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same!

General Membership Meeting

There will be a General Membership Meeting of the Lower Merion Education Association on March 15 at 4:00PM in the LMEA office.

 Tuition Reimbursement

Applications for tuition reimbursement can be made following the contractual procedures after January 1 for funds that become available July 1 for the fiscal year.

New Teacher Workshop

The Mideast Region of the PSEA is holding a New Teacher Workshop at its office in Montgomeryville from 4:45-6:30PM for teachers with 0-5 years of experience. Workshop topics will include: tenure, certification, ratings, negotiations, legal rights, PSEA member benefits and more. A light dinner will be served. To register, call 1-800-492-2727.

LMEA Spring Banquet

This year, the LMEA Spring Banquet will be held at Clothier Hall in Lower Merion on Wednesday, May 31. Please avoid scheduling events that will conflict with this date and mark your calendar to attend. This is always a spectacular event. Come and celebrate. This year we have combined the Banquet with the Annual LMEA Retiree luncheon. The evening will be an opportunity to reminisce with retired colleagues and co-workers as well. The cost is $35.00. Tickets will be sold as we get closer to event by your building rep.

Student Art Exhibit

We are excited to announce that Abington Art Center will be the setting for the 19 th Annual Student Art Exhibit, sponsored by the Mideastern Region PSEA. This beautiful center is located at 515 Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown. Show dates – open to the public – February 7 through 25.

Upcoming LMEA Events

January 17 CAPS

March 3 Officers Meeting

March 13 Executive Council, PR&R

March 15 General Membership Meeting (RA elections)

March 23-26 ESP Leadership Conference in Philadelphia

April 4 CAPS

April 5 Officers Meeting

April 17 Executive Council, PR&R

April 20 MER House of Delegates

May 3 Officers Meeting

May 8 Executive Council, PR&R

May 10 General Membership Meeting

May 16 LMEA Elections

May 19-21 PSEA House of Delegates in Pittsburgh

May 31 LMEA Spring Banquet

June 7 Officers meeting

June 12 Executive Council, PR&R

June 30-5 NEA Representative Assembly in Orlando

July 23-28 PSEA Leadership Conference in Gettsyburg

Executive Council meetings are held the second Monday of the month in the LMEA office at 4:00PM except April when it will be held on April 17, 2006.

Officers Meetings are held the Wednesday before Executive Council meetings at the LMEA office.

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