EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, March 14, 2005

President D. Pendino called the meeting to order at 4:05PM and welcomed all to the new LMEA office.
Motion made to approve the February Executive Council minutes - second by D. Mandarino - Approved.

Officer's Reports:
President's Report: D. Pendino gave the following report:

1. Audit committee report is coming next month.

2. Early school closings - staff being asked to stay - meeting scheduled soon with Dr. Savidoff.

3. Bridge certification participation form - don't sign it! You would be agreeing to terms that haven't been established yet. You can sign later when more info is known. More information will be available at the March 31 workshop. This PSEA workshop will be held at the LMEA office 306 Parsons Ave. in Bala Cynwyd at 4 PM. Email Arlene Flicker flickea@lmsd.org if you plan to attend. D. Atkiss will be at this workshop to also answer questions.

4. The new municipal tax was taken in 1 pay "in accordance with the tax requirements" according to S. Shafer.

5. MER-PSEA Profession Education Series will be held April 9 at the region office. Call 800-492-2727 for information and registration.

6. General Membership meeting Wednesday March 16 - election of NEA-RA representatives will be held. LMEA will only reimburse LMEA delegates not state delegates.

7. Send nominations for LMEA elections to E. Brophy. LMEA elections are held in May. All positions are 3 year positions except in special cases - officers are 1-year terms.

8. The Board approved 2005-06 school calendar - school holidays and staff development days have been established. On half-days elementary teachers get teacher prep time while secondary teachers have staff development.

9. 2005-06 holiday schedule has been proposed for 12 month and 900 hr and other employees.

10. 25-year reception will probably be discontinued. Will be discussed with district to possibly partner with them another tribute.

11. Please submit nominations for the following awards presented at the LMEA spring banquet: 1. Friend of Education, Rene Mandel (for emerging LMEA women leaders), Zuccaro-Small award (for service to LMEA).

12. Applecore items were discussed. District will be presenting their proposal on 3/29. Still some informal negotiations occurring. If you're planning to retire in 2005 let the LMEA know. Next month's unit meeting will be at Gladwyne and Harriton on April 6 th .

VP Support: V. Fedeli reported on the ballots for the NEA-RA. Out of 30 possible delegate positions from across PA, the LMEA Support Professionals won 2. They are Helen Austin and Charles Whitting. 4 alternates from the LMEA were also chosen - they are 1 st Alternate Frances Benjamin, 2 nd Alternate Faye Lewis, 3 rd Alternate Alden Washington, 4 th Alternate William Lewis. The alternates would attend only if a voted delegate is unable to fulfill their responsibility. Alternates are ranked by the number of votes received. These individuals should be congratulated for their efforts and so should you. To have six members registered on a statewide ballot is significant. Thank you for voting - those with any questions about the process should call Victor at 610-331-8015 (cell).

1 st Vice President: A. Flicker reported that members should contact her to RSVP for the "Bridge Workshop" on March 31 st .

VP Professional: NR

Secretary Support: L. McDevitt reported she very recently attended the ESP conference in San Diego and she will have a full report at the April meeting. Also let her know of any retirees for the spring banquet.

Secretary Professional: M. Stettner reported he also attended the San Diego conference and a full report will follow in April.

Treasurer: Motion made to accept the February Treasurer's report. - Motion passed - Approved. Also D. Mandarino added that the topics at the San Diego conference were worthwhile and her report will follow in April.

Committee Reports:

Constitution: NR

Elections: NP but anyone interested in running for LMEA positions and RA should contact E. Brophy.

IPD: NR

CNC: NR - But members will be notified as negotiations continue.

FAC: NR

Health & Safety: A. Flicker reported on current issues at BCMS and vent/duct cleaning.

Legislation: G. Rosazza updated on "30 and out" legislation - bills in the State legislature have be drawn up but not much action on them now.

PACE: C. SantaMaria gave an update on contributions. We are running behind last year - you can still contribute. The coveted cup is at stake! Does documentation exist that shows the effectiveness of the PACE donations? - Yes - flyers have been out in the past - more info on this coming later.

PR&R: P. Dawson reported briefly on status of the "bridge" requirements and he reminded about the March 31 st workshop.

Public Relations: NR

Social: NR

Special Services: NR

Sunshine: D. Williams reminded about letting her know of any illnesses/deaths.

Membership: D. Grumbine reminded to check lists for errors.

CARE: M. Rios reported that students spoke openly at the recent meeting about racial issues. May inservice will contain material on these topics. Most students felt safe in elementary but not in MS.

Minority Affairs: J. Gaines reported on recent conference in King of Prussia - M. Rios also reported on some of the topics discussed - communication skills, etc. Special session regarding census issue on classifying some minority groups - we should not let the gov't remove race categories in future censuses - could this be discussed at a higher level within the PSEA and NEA? Will be proposed if motion is written.

Settlement Task Force: NR

Building Reports:

Belmont Hills: NR

Cynwyd: NR

Gladwyne: NR

Merion: Question about upcoming PSEA-sponsored retirement meeting - the date has passed. Also concern regarding that the upcoming General Membership Meeting was scheduled on a date with parent conferences.

Penn Valley: Concern about mentor money - you should get approval of a prospective purchase to be sure it may be used in a school if that your intent.

Penn Wynne: Concern about Kencrest employees - please send V. Fedeli the names of these employees so we can continue to address this issue.

Bala Cynwyd: NP

Welsh Valley: What is the status of the 6-class special teachers? - We went through 3 levels of grievance - now going into arbitration - ongoing search for a good arbitrator - ongoing.

Harriton : NR

Lower Merion: NR

B&G: NR

Transportation LM: NR

Transportation Harriton: NR

Administration: NR

New business: Question about the school code and sick days - school code names the number of days for teachers. Support professionals' sick days are negotiable - district's rationale is that support staff are not the same as education professionals and sick days are prorated from the number given to 12 month employees.. Support staff does get overtime.if you are asked to work beyond your workday you should get overtime. If you're an IA that's teaching, it should be made known to the LMEA immediately.

Motion to adjourn second by P. Dawson. The meeting was adjourned at 5:24PM.