EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, December 3rd, 2003

President D. Pendino called the meeting to order at 4: 07 pm.

A. Flicker made motion to accept the November minutes. Second by J. Cook – approved.

T. Quinlan discussed information on Act 93 which establishes provisions to provide full civil immunity to school employees in instances of emergency care. CPR and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be administered by staff with training in these areas. Training is/will be available in buildings. Contact T. Quinlan to have a group training session. Hepatitis B shots are available – contact T. Quinlan to set up a time. Her number is 610-645-1829 or by email quinlat@lmsd.org.

Officer’s Reports:

President’s Report: D. Pendino gave the following report:

1. LMEA Friend of Education Award will be presented at the Spring Banquet. Deadline for nominating someone is March 3, 2004. See building reps for forms.
2. Lee Megow at Harriton HS submitted a report on his involvement in the Strategic Planning – Oversight Committee of PSEA.
3. PSEA Innovative Teaching Grants – deadline for application is February 2, 2004. See building reps for forms.
4. Will Day/Estate Planning on January 21, 2004 at the LMEA Office from 3:30 to 7:30pm. For information or registration call Meg Shragher at 1-800-431-6650.
5. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan – 457 plans do not have a 10% tax penalty for withdrawal prior to age 59 _ for those separated from service. However, you cannot borrow from a 457 plan, but you can borrow from a 403(b). LMEA is asking the district to add other carriers of this service.
6. D. Pendino reminded of the existence of Weingarten Rights and their purpose. Weingarten Rights permit you to have the presence of a building rep at disciplinary meetings.
7. D. Pendino urged all members to contact their State Legislators regarding the opposition of school referenda as soon as possible. If this bill becomes law in Pennsylvania, taxpayers will be able to approve school budgets. Your state legislators are listed on the back of your new PSEA membership cards.
8. Applecore items were discussed.

VP Support: V. Fedeli gave the following report:

1. V. Fedeli attended the Mideast Region Toys for Tots holiday dinner meeting on December 2. It was reported the LMEA has the largest ESP group in the Division for the 3rd consecutive year. Over 100,000 toys have been collected in the area and the program is still going.
2. If you are a permanent employee and apply for a temporary or LTS assignment, you return to your permanent position. If the LTS position is posted as a permanent position, you must still apply – there are no guarantees you will be awarded the position.
3. On December 6 the PSEA House of Delegates voted to change the name of Educational Support Personnel to Educational Support Professionals.

VP Professional: A. Flicker gave the following report:

1. Reports from those who attended the Avalon conference in November should be submitted to her at Cynwyd or by email at flickea@lmsd.org.
2. A. Flicker also reported on some of the critical issues sessions presented at the recent PSEA House of Delegates in Pittsburgh. Updates on legal responsibilities/liabilities for staff as well as methods of testing were some of the worthwhile topics discussed.

1st Vice President: NR

Secretary Support: NR

Secretary Professional: NR

Treasurer: Motion to approve treasurer’s report for November. Approved.

Committee Reports:

Constitution: P. Dawson said they will scheduled their next meeting on January 8 at 4PM. Contact P. Dawson at LMHS if interested in attending.

Elections: NR

IPD: NR

CNC: B. Young reported that he’s had a good response from those willing to help on the committee for tuition reimbursement. Contact B. Young at Harriton. CNC is still planning for negotiations.

FAC: NR

Health & Safety: A. Flicker reported they have a meeting the week of Dec. 15. She reminded to keep food in containers to minimize infestation. Also, anyone who experiences an allergic reaction to substances in school should go to the nurse immediately and T. Quinlan will be contacted.

Legislation: NR

PACE: C. SantaMaria reported on PACE contributions. About $6800 has been collected so far. Members who wish to contribute should contact C. SantaMaria at Harriton. Contributions will be taken until April.

PR&R: P. Dawson briefly summarized their written report on current grievances. He reminded that he or V. Fedeli at LMHS should be contacted regarding any unsatisfactory evaluations.

Public Relations: NR

Social: NR

Special Services: NR

Sunshine: Let D. Williams know if anyone is ill/has had a death in family/etc.

Membership: D. Grumbine asked reps to verify building lists. Contact him with any corrections/changes. Over 1200 members for first time. 96% of employees are in LMEA membership.

Minority Affairs: NP

Blue Ribbon: NR

Job Descriptions: NR

Career Paths: NR

Special Ed Task Force: D. Pendino reported they will meet Thursday December 18.

Building Reports:

Belmont Hills: NR

Cynwyd: NR

Gladwyne: NR

Merion: Concern about conferences being late in the calendar– could we negotiate their date? – Make recommendation to ICC.

Penn Valley: Question about our gift giving/receiving policy – the LMEA neither recommends nor encourages gift giving/receiving by students to staff members. The Board has adopted policy for staff not to accept gifts. Discuss issue with your principal if you are unsure about particular gifts. ISC reminds parents about this policy.

Penn Wynne: NP

Bala Cynwyd: NR

Welsh Valley: Concern about tests and test ownership – tests belong to district – must review them with students but teachers may keep them after reviewing them.

HH: NR

LM: NR

B&G: NR

Transportation LM: Question about tuition reimbursement – need proper forms. Form should be completed and submitted prior to taking the course.

Transportation Harriton: NP

Administration: NR

D. Mandarino made a motion to adjourn – seconded by P. Dawson. The meeting was adjourned at 5: 28 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Stettner, Secretary