LMEA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

December 11, 2006

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

President D. Pendino called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM.

Amy Grosso spoke briefly about NEA Member Benefits. NEA provides significant discounts on various insurance coverage, rental cars, mortgages, Verizon wireless discounts, etc. She will be visiting each building during January and early February. See your building rep for the date for your building.

Motion by C. SantaMaria to approve the November Executive Council minutes – sec by V. Fedeli. – Approved.

Officer’s Reports:

President’s Report: D. Pendino gave the following report:

• Building concerns from last month were addressed.
• Treatment between members – if you have a job related issue with another member you should first try to resolve it with the other member or come to the LMEA for help in finding a solution. Members should avoid taking these issues straight to the Administration.
• Gifts – This time of year be mindful of the gift giving policy. Members should let their principals decide if any gifts should be returned or kept.
• Applecore items were discussed. Members should be aware of health insurance benefits. Does our health insurance cover ambulance service? Probably but it may depend on your location. Contact B. Pollack for more info. Also, be aware of the emergency personal day policy. This policy was reviewed in last month’s minutes and is also found in the Applecore this month.

VP Support: V. Fedeli gave the following report:

• The PSEA House of Delegates met December 8-9 in Pittsburgh and LM ESP member Doug Jones received the ESP Member of the Year award. Doug thanked the LMEA, PSEA, and the ESP Region for his award. Doug also expressed how honored he was to be in attendance along with his daughter. Doug gave a great acceptance speech and represented the LMEA and all ESP in a very professional manner.
• NEA-RA ballots – Ballots will be mailed to your home soon for the NEA-RA. The NEA-RA is a national conference for the NEA held in July. Please take the time to fill out and return the ballot to PSEA. There are 32 ESP seats available and 42 candidates running on this ballot. These candidates need your votes.
• Many of the PSEA/PACE recommended candidates won their election in November. Support Professionals across the state played an important part in these elections. Thanks to all who made the effort to get out and vote in the November 7 election.
• Vic also wished all a safe and happy holiday season and a great start to the New Year.

1 st Vice President: C. SantaMaria reported the two high schools committee will meet this week with the Superintendent on the topic of unified bell schedules. Findings will be presented during the January inservice.

VP Professional: A. Flicker reported on the recent PSEA House of Delegates in Pittsburgh. Topics in the critical issues discussions included closing the achievement gap and Gaskin settlement issues.

Secretary Support: NR

Secretary Professional: NR

Treasurer: D. Mandarino made motion to approve the November Treasurer’s report – Approved.

Committee Reports:

Constitution: NR

Elections: NR

IPD: NR

CNC: NR

FAC: NR

Health & Safety: A. Flicker reminded if you have an H&S issue that has not been rectified at the building level you should contact her or L. Giaquinto.

Legislation: G. Rosazza reported on the Green Council which promotes recycling and environmental awareness in LMT. Visit their eboard for more information.

Minority Affairs: NR

PACE: C. SantaMaria reported the deadline for automatic payroll deduction has passed. You may still contribute by payment with a check. Could those who attend state and national meetings like the NEA-RA bring a check from our PACE contributions to give at these meetings? - Will be investigated.

PR&R: P. Dawson gave brief summary of current grievances. Secretaries were asked to work overtime for a certain incentive – we have no mandatory overtime – incentive changed after work was done. 195-day secretaries do not get holiday pay and they would only receive straight time – secretaries thought they were getting more than straight time. Issue was resolved. D. Pendino briefly reviewed the grievance process and levels as described in the contract. Please let P. Dawson or E. Leber know of any unsatisfactory evaluations.

Public Relations: NR

Social: NR

Special Services: NR

Sunshine: D. Williams commented on the death of Mary Ann Hinkle at Harriton.

Membership: D. Grumbine asked reps to check membership lists for accuracy.

CARE: J. Gaines reported that Barbara Moore Williams, a consultant to the district, recently led a discussion on a book to help district employees address the needs of minority students.

Act 1: C. SantaMaria reported they recently met with polling company. Polling will be done by end of December – report will be issued in January. Some members concerned about sharing the data with Administration.

Building Reports:

Belmont Hills: NR

Cynwyd: NR

Gladwyne: NR

Merion: NR

Penn Valley : Professional being asked to present/prepare on inservice days – we have no prep time compensation but the hourly rate this year for inservice presentations is $47.75. The contract addresses this issue in Article 31 Section D. Also, when/where is the annual minority affairs conference? – contact Jackie Gaines.

Penn Wynne: Question regarding retirees subbing in the elementary schools – state law now requires retirees can only sub in an emergency situation. They are only being used in elementary schools when a large number of staff will not be present. At the Middle and High Schools this emergency need exists almost daily. Also, can members receive copies of the PR&R reports? – Yes they can be copied.

Bala Cynwyd: Question regarding charging for lost keys – why high fee? – Keys are special designed and cannot be readily copied inexpensively. Also, on inservice days nurses are sometimes asked to conduct presentations – can they decline? – Yes.

Welsh Valley : NR

Lower Merion : NR

Harriton: NR

Building and Grounds: NR

Administration: NR

Transportation LM: NR

D. Mandarino made motion to adjourn. Second by R. Loue - the meeting was adjourned at 4:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Stettner, Secretary