LMEA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

September 10th, 2007

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

President C. SantaMaria called the meeting to order at 4:09 PM.

R. Loue made motion to accept the June Executive Council minutes – sec by G. Rosazza.

Introductions of reps and chairs - C.SantaMaria also explained the importance of the Executive Committee. It is important that each building/unit be represented at each month’s Executive Council meeting.

Officer’s Reports:

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

VP Support: V. Fedeli reported can be reached via his cell # 610-331-8015 or his school # 610-645-1870.

1 st Vice President: NR

VP Professional: NR

Secretary Support: NR

Secretary Professional: NR

Treasurer: D. Mandarino made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s reports for June, July, and August. C. SantaMaria added that we will combine our accounts into one ING account for improved interest. – Approved.

 

Committee Reports:

Constitution: NR

Elections: M. Mora reported that results of the recent LMEA elections are in this month’s Applecore.

IPD: NR

CNC: R. Loue reported their first meeting will be September 27 th at 4pm in the LMEA office.

FAC: NR

Health & Safety: A. Flicker reminded that if a H&S concern exists in your building try to first remedy the problem through discussing within your building/unit. If the concern is not addressed satisfactorily then contact A. Flicker or L. Giaquinto.

Legislation: G. Rosazza reported on his attendance at the recent PSEA legislative kick-off. The meeting introduced some of the pro-public education office holders and again stressed the importance of our members’ political awareness.

Minority Affairs: NR

PACE: A. Pass introduced Phil Caccese, retired teacher and region PACE chair, to discuss the importance of PACE contributions. PACE stands for the Political Action Committee for Education. Our occupations are, like it or not, tied to politics and the legislature. We need to support candidates who support public education, our retirement system, and other issues important to us. As an example, currently some Congressmen are trying to link teacher salaries to student performance on standardized tests. These Congressmen are, of course, elected by voters. Florida teachers’ salaries are already linked to test performance. It is important that we contribute regularly each year. Many of our members contribute nothing. A. Pass added that she needs people to act as contacts for our members. If you are interested contact her. We are asking $1/month to FPAC ($12) and $1/week to SPAC ($52) for professional staff – half of this for support professionals. FPAC is the federal PAC and SPAC is the state PAC. Contribution forms will be coming to members in a few weeks. A payroll deduction option is available.

PR&R: V. Fedeli reported the LMEA is winning our recent grievances – our patience and perseverance seems to be paying off. Any member who is now pregnant or was told they will not receive FMLA benefits should contact A. Flicker. This can also apply to fathers who may be staying home. A grievance regarding FMLA is pending.

Public Relations: NR

Social: NR

Special Services: A. Flicker reported we are working on a corporate membership to the Aquatic Fitness club. A rep from the club will be at our October meeting. A variety of health/fitness info will be presented. Attend health club 120 times/year and you can get money back from IBX.

Sunshine: D. Williams reminded about this committee.

Membership: D. Grumbine reminded reps to check their building membership lists and let him know of any changes or errors. Also, non-members should be encouraged to join. If not a member of the bargaining unit they are not protected by Weingarten rights.

CARE: M. Rios reported that PSEA now has a service to help resolve member-member conflicts.

Act 1: NR

NEA Read Across America: D. Mandarino reported they met and developed some ideas about expanding our Read Across America activities. This expansion will need some funding.

Board Elections: A. Flicker reminded they will meet during the first week of October - members who are residents of LMSD are encouraged to attend.

Education Foundation: D. Simon reported that the LMEA officers are invited to the gala in November.

Building Reports:

Belmont Hills: NR

Cynwyd: NR

Gladwyne: NR

Merion: NR – but anyone interested in running for the PSEA House of Delegates should email Elaine DeStefano at Merion so their name can get on the ballot. This election will take place on October 10 th.

Penn Valley : Change of workday commences next year – the additional 10 minutes can be used for instructional time.

Penn Wynne: NR

Bala Cynwyd: if employee was not a member last year and is now a LTS they must send form to D. Grumbine – Also, a supervisor evaluator can be designated by the Superintendent – Also, concern about a ‘mandatory meeting from 3 to 4:30’ is this allowed? – Yes, can have 10 meetings per year but length of each meeting isn’t specified – a later meeting will be removed. Also, there is a vacancy in support rep at BCMS – will be addressed.

Welsh Valley: Concern in recent lawsuit about ‘anecdotal notes’ – follow district policy – reminder that no teachers are named as defendants – district must make it known to teachers/staff to hold any notes – policy will be investigated.

Lower Merion : Concern about clocking in times – difficulty clocking-in in time to get to their rooms – this is a technology issue.

Harriton: Concern about the timing of posting of vacancies – will be investigated.

Building and Grounds: NR

Administration: NR

Transportation: NR

 

M. Mixon reported that she attended several conferences in the summer dealing with closing the achievement gap and other important issues affecting children.

L. McDevitt made motion to adjourn. Second by L. Giaquinto. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Stettner, Secretary