SPECIAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, January 05, 2005

President D. Pendino called the meeting to order at 4:22 P.M.
D. Pendino announced that Frank Wilson – former teacher at LMHS –is ill. He would appreciate well wishes.
The call of this meeting is the proposed contract, but D. Pendino did send buildings & grounds a letter to note our actions to date. The LMEA will bargain a type of offset to the wage tax members will incur. D. Pendino emphasized that bargaining strategies have changed so all members must be aware that words in the press can be very divisive. Members should get their information from the LMEA and not always trust the newspapers/press.

B. Young began going over the contract proposal. Bargaining process will be begin on January 10. Proposed changes in Articles were covered. Members had the chance to ask questions. D. Pendino, B. Young, V. Fedeli, and D. Atkiss fielded questions from the membership.

Questions/Issues:

What is “LMOSA”? - It is the contract administrators have with the District.

Will we have to put in more time and if so would we get a raise in accordance with the increase in time? – We will probably be asked to put in more time. Membership would like CNC to discuss bargaining this as an increase in pay.

Question about who qualifies for FMLA benefits – This will be addressed in the contract. See proposal.

Question regarding support and professional sick days – The PA school code is the origin of the Prof. sick days given per year and is non negotiable – The number of Support sick days originates from their original contract (based on industry standards).

Question about district employees bringing their children into district at no cost as had been done years ago – quid pro quo item – CNC will discuss.

Do we have “Priority list” of negotiation issues? - Data from surveys will determine this– data will be compiled and distributed.

Will we negotiate a salary increase? – Yes.

Will substitute problems be addressed? – Yes, there are remedies in the proposal.

Will we revisit “Career paths”? Idea was to move toward shared responsibility in the schools (i.e. teach .6 do admin .4) – Administration now has changed and this is not likely but it will be addressed by CNC.

When would the new contract with any Retirement health benefits (if any) go in effect? – contract effective July 1.

Could the IAs have mentors like the new teachers do? – Will be discussed at CNC.

Question about work related injuries – we now have long term disability. – Suggestion to get/keep insurance for those on workman’s comp. – Will be discussed at CNC.

Question regarding use of sick days and purchasing time – You can purchase time when you return from leave.

Will we ask for a retirement incentive for “very senior teachers”? – We can ask however a retirement incentive plan in the long run costs money to the district – it saves money in the short term – Because of LMSDs financial well being it is doubtful we will be offered such an incentive.

Can we stop the movement of transportation to Phila? – No – PA labor laws reserves management rights for these kinds of things. We can bargain the impact of the move however. We can bargain a differential for those who work in the district. This is currently being investigated by D. Atkiss and our legal team.

When do negotiations begin? - Jan 10 is the opening meeting.

Question about vacation schedules for support – could vacation time be rolled in to sick time? – Will be discussed by CNC.

Are most of the parents aware of the upcoming move of the buses to Phila? - The community has been informed via letter from Dr. Savedoff– District is now performing “due diligence” of the property. The district is checking the Phila. site (inspections, etc) then agreement of sale is finalized.

V. Fedeli motion to adjourn second by C. SantaMaria. The meeting was adjourned at 5:34 PM.