LMEA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

May 12 , 2008

NOTE: These minutes are also available online at www.lmeaonline.org.

President C. SantaMaria called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM.

C. SantaMaria made a motion to accept the April Executive Council minutes. M. Rios requested to add to the CARE report that they “reviewed past accomplishments, present projects, and created a list of future goals.” M. Mixon requested a change in the Minority Affairs report to read “R. Taylor noted the Minority Leadership Conference was March 14-16 in Pittsburgh.” - second by A. Flicker- Passed.

Officer’s Reports:

President’s Report: C. SantaMaria gave the following report:

• Building rep elections are next Tuesday May 20. Election procedures were reviewed. Also we are conducting a minority at large election. Procedures on this were also discussed.
• Thanks to our delegates who traveled to the Mideastern region House of Delegates in April and voted to help pass a significant new policy. This new policy will give the next region President “full release” from their duties in their own school district. Until now, the region President may have had a full load of teaching responsibilities PLUS the duties of being a region President. Chris expressed sincere thanks to the following delegates: A. Flicker, A. Avellino, P. Peterson, M. Stettner, G. Rosazza, M. Rios, J. Mudd, P. Dawson, L. Pierce, G. Sullivan, and J. Cook.
• 403b Plan Update – the district is using the services of Kades Margolis to manage the paperwork of employee 403b plans. The district has promised that all current vendors will be included in the new plan document
• Transfers – many rumors flying – but discussions do not begin until September between the LMEA and the District. CNC will begin planning for this at their meeting this month.
• Applecore items were discussed – L. McDevitt reminded about the upcoming Spring Banquet to be held Thursday May 29 that Eviva. Let her know of anyone retiring ASAP. Carpooling is strongly recommended. The Applecore is distributed monthly to each member.
• COLA update – the legislature continues to wrestle with House Bill 2084 which would provide a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retired state employees. There has not been a COLA since 2002. This bill has House support but is weaker in the Senate. Members are urged to contact their local PA legislator to ask them to support this bill. Your State legislators and contact info are printed on the back of your PSEA membership card.

VP Support: V. Fedeli gave the following report:

• ESP House of Delegates was held in Scranton on April 25 th. We had 5 delegates attending. Two positions were up for re-election for the ESP Region: Vice President and Officer at Large. Norb Paunovich was re-elected as VP and Marc Howshall was re-elected as Officer at Large. President Jim Testerman addressed the delegation on the issues of statewide health care and the importance of a new COLA for our retired members.
• The cafeteria recess aides job description has been released. If you are a CRA and you are interested in volunteering to review this description draft please contact Vic at fedeliv@lmsd.org or call his cell at 610-331-8015. When a list of volunteers is compiled a meeting will be scheduled at the LMEA office. So far NOBODY has volunteered from the Food Service hourly employees yet to review the FHR job description. Vic will be meeting with CNC on May 22 nd to complete this job description. Please volunteer ASAP.
• NEA training program – The NEA created a leadership training program for members who want to make a difference. The program is called “Leaders for Tomorrow”. This year long training takes place at different conferences around the country. The NEA only accepts 20 individuals to participate in this training program. Out of over 100 applicants from across the U.S., M. Mixon has been chosen to participate in this program. Congratulations to Monica on her achievement and also best of luck to her in the program!

1 st Vice President: NR

VP Professional: NR

Secretary Support: NR

Secretary Professional: NR

Treasurer: A. Avellino made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for April – second by L. Giaquinto. Question about what “Social activities” covers in the budget – it funds the banquet. Approved.

Committee Reports:

Constitution: NR

Elections: NR

IPD: NR

CNC: Their next meeting is coming up on May 22 nd.

FAC: NR

Health & Safety: A. Flicker noted their next meeting is meeting is May 22 nd.

Legislation: G. Rosazza reminded about using the capwiz website. It’s at http://capwiz.com/psea/home. Do we still support statewide healthcare? - PSEA as a whole does but there are significant opposition areas.

Minority Affairs: NR

PACE: Award will be given at the Banquet. This year about 32% of members made a contribution.

PR&R: P. Dawson and V. Fedeli briefly updated on current grievances. Question about why there are more support grievances than professional – no special reason why there are more support grievances now.

Public Relations: NR

Social: NR

Special Services: A. Avellino reported on BJs renewals – contact her at Cynwyd for more info.

Sunshine: D. Williams reported they have been busy. 2 LMHS alums passed away recently.

Membership: NR

CARE: NR

Act 1/Statewide Healthcare: M. Stettner reported the state recently released estimated property tax savings for each school district for next year. Also, no major changes on the statewide healthcare issue.

Education Foundation: D. Simon reminded their next deadline is September 3 rd; the gala is November 8 th and the 1 st annual 5k run will be 6/14/09. The foundation wants this to be a big community event next year. They have contact people from 9 schools so far – still need contacts from WVMS, Buildings & Grounds, and Transportation. Visit www.educationfoundationoflm.org for more info.

Building Reports:

Belmont Hills: NR Cynwyd: NR

Gladwyne: LMEA grant match – concerns about grant evaluation criteria - have member send C. SantaMaria their concern/question in writing and he will get an answer. Also, tuition reimbursement concerns – have the member contact Chris – tuition reimbursement issues will likely be addressed in bargaining. Also, sabbatical questions – have member contact A. Flicker.

Merion: Thanked C. SantaMaria and V. Fedeli for the recent unit meeting. Also, a request to pursue a sick bank option in negotiations - will be investigated. When is open enrollment this year? – will be investigated. Also, why are time clocks necessary for the support staff? – Supposedly district was audited – district needs accurate records for those employees eligible for overtime.

Penn Valley : Special areas concerned about the extra 10 minutes next year – movement to different buildings – concern for what’s considered a 1.0 position. – have members write up their concerns and submit to Chris. Also, reminder that inservice days are the length of regular day.

Penn Wynne: NR Bala Cynwyd: NR Welsh Valley: NR

Lower Merion : Concerns about working conditions next year - notify H&S if health problems develop.

Harriton: NR

Building and Grounds: Concern about employees on workman’s comp coming “off the books” of the district - will try to rectify in next contract.

At-Large Reps: Question of how many members signed up as minorities for the election - approx 40.

Administration: NR

Matson Ford Transportation: NR

Connolly Transportation: NR but the site has improved.

New Business : A. Flicker requested donation for a PSEA member in Bucks county – made a motion for LMEA to donate $200 – sec A. Avellino – some members expressed concern for our own local’s members who are in need – motion passed.

G. Rosazza made motion to adjourn. Second by K. Swercewski. The meeting was adjourned at 5:36.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Stettner, Secretary Professional