President C. SantaMaria called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM.
A. Flicker made a motion to accept the May Executive Council minutes - sec by G. Rosazza – Passed.
Officer’s Reports:
President’s Report: C. SantaMaria welcomed the newly elected reps and gave the following report:
- Responsibilities of building reps were reviewed. Monthly Exec Council meetings are for all buildings to learn what is happening in the district and LMEA. It is very important that at least 1 rep from each building/unit is present for these meetings. The building reps are very much appreciated. New building reps were introduced.
- Thanks to Terri Tyler and Lisa McDevitt for a great LMEA banquet. Congratulations to all retiring members. Special awards were given to Paul Martinelli and Judy Vietri.
- Some highlights of the year were noted – among these some improvements to the LMEA office were completed; progress is being made on the special ed work load; new policy for transfers from LMHS to HHS was developed; some air conditioners were being sent to some schools that didn’t have them.
- Looking ahead: The new Harriton will be opening in September – the district will be taking possession next month and can move in shortly after that. The opening meeting for next year will be at the new Harriton building. The new LMHS is on schedule with its construction and is due to open in September 2010. We will be negotiating a new contract next year so stay alert for upcoming news. We are looking for volunteers for the Settlement Task Force – contact C. SantaMaria if you are interested.
- Applecore items were discussed. The Applecore is distributed monthly to members.
VP Support: V. Fedeli gave the following report:
- The recent House of Delegates was held in Pittsburgh on May 15 and 16. Your PSEA officers ran unopposed therefore casting the ballot with the incumbents remaining in their positions for the next 2 years. Jim Testerman PSEA President, Mike Crossey PSEA VP and Jerry Oleksiak PSEA Treasurer. Mr. Oleksiak reported that PSEA is financially sound in these rough economic times and we currently have 191,000 members and we’re growing.
- Chapter 14 “Highly Qualified” – IA’s who have not achieved the status of ‘highly qualified’ will be receiving a packet from HR by June 17th. The packet will describe the area of content that you will need to complete for you to become highly qualified by June 30, 2010. You will be able to do this at your leisure by completing on-line courses available in each of the ten content areas. The courses must be approved in advance. IMPORTANT REMINDER!!! DO NOT START any new training courses until July 1, 2009. The reason is that you can use those training hours towards next year’s 20 hours. Any training hours accumulated before July 1, 2009 will not transfer into the 2009-10 school year.
- Vic’s summer contact numbers are 610-645-1870 (desk number) or 610-331-8015 (cell). Have a safe summer!
1st Vice President: A. Flicker reported on a workshop held at the recent House of Delegates. It was information/updates on social internet use by school employees. Please use good judgment when using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. Do not put any picture or text on these sites that you wouldn’t want read/seen by your students, principal, superintendent, the media, a judge, or your mother.
VP Professional: NR
Secretary Support: NR
Secretary Professional: NP
Treasurer: D. Mandarino made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for May. - Approved.
Committee Reports:
Constitution: NR
Elections: NR – but there was a request to have the results of elections posted.
IPD: NP
CNC: L. Giaquinto noted that their last meeting of this school year will be on June 11. Members are encouraged to submit their private email addresses so you can be contacted about important developments during negotiations next year and next summer.
FAC: NR
Health & Safety: A. Flicker reminded to let her or L. Giaquinto know if any H & S issues arise. Remember – contact your building principal first and try to resolve within the building – if not adequately addressed there, THEN contact A. Flicker or L. Giaquinto.
Legislation: G. Rosazza reminded to check the ‘capwiz’ website for updates on current legislation and ways to contact your elected officials. That website is http://capwiz.com/psea/home/ Legislative info on pensions, statewide health care, school funding, and other topics can be found here.
Minority Affairs: D. Williams, J. Gaines, and L. Lechette will be representing the LMEA at the pre-RA conference on minority affairs. M. Mixon will be presenting 2 courses at this conference. Also, they are hoping to have another ‘Meet and Greet’ social sometime next fall.
PACE: The coveted PACE trophy was awarded to Cynwyd. G. Rosazza will be the new PACE chair.
PR&R: P. Dawson reported briefly on current grievances – contact P. Dawson or V. Fedeli if you know of any unsatisfactory evaluations.
Public Relations: NR
Social: NR
Special Services: NR
Sunshine: D. Williams reminded that she is in Admin all year – send any info to her through the summer.
Membership: NR
CARE: M. Rios reported they reviewed the district’s new strategic plan and its incorporation of achievement gap goals. Dr. Deitra Spence will be the principal on special assignment. She will report directly to the superintendent and her role will be to help provide research and support on closing the achievement gap. B. Green, C. Major, and G. Brokenborough were honored for their retirement.
Education Foundation: D. Simon reminded the 5K run will be on June 14 – volunteers are needed and all participants are welcome. Also, 7 grants were introduced – some were approved – they are looking for grant ideas that would impact the most students.
403(b): Pete Kaczmar sent in a report that said members are pleased with the return of Vanguard to our plan and that members should also look at the thousands of mutual funds of the 403(b) ASP platform.
Building Reports:
Belmont Hills: NP
Cynwyd: NR
Gladwyne: NP
Merion: Must ID badges be turned in? Some stores offer discounts with school ID – use your PSEA membership card instead. Also, concern about Act 48 hours for November and March inservice days. Also, as of 6/5 no IU workshops were being offered by the district – will be investigated.
Penn Valley: All are happy to have A/C in the building. Grade portal entry had to be prompted for openings – could a schedule be developed ahead of time? Also, staff development is being scheduled for June 17 inservice day – what are teachers allowed to do? – Principal knows what is allowed.
Penn Wynne: Is there a policy about teachers being displaced from their classrooms on Election/Primary days? – Will be investigated.
Bala Cynwyd: NP
Welsh Valley: Steve Van Mater will be the new Asst. Principal. There will be a committee developed in the search for a new principal.
Lower Merion: Concern about the transfer policy that none of the volunteers were chosen.
Harriton: NR
At-Large Reps: NR
Building and Grounds: NR
Administration: NR
Matson Ford Transportation: 4 new reps will be coming in September.
Connolly Transportation: NR
New Business: Congratulations to Joanne Cook and Joanne Cappelli on their awards at the banquet.
D. Mandarino made a motion to adjourn - second by G. Rosazza. The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa McDevitt, Secretary Support
Michael Stettner, Secretary Professional |
