Thursday, June 11, 2015 3:15-5:15
Starting Time: 3:18 Adjournment Time: 5:08
Agenda:
- Welcome
- Presentation of Agenda
- President’s Remarks
- Officer Reports
- Old Business
- New Business
Thanked Comp for hosting
Introductions abound
Agenda accepted
President’s Remarks
Change in CEA leadership
Challenges: Implementation of DDMs, TSGold, PAARC
Successes: Building Rep Training, Recruiting Building Rep in 14 of 15, MTA forum in which MTA Pres attended to discuss common concerns, Holiday Party was well attended, Retirement Party planned, Unit A contract negotiated, CEA website redesigned, cordial relationship with Administration
Other Challenges: Unit B, D, and E still in negotiations, Unit A contract didn’t achieve parity for SPED, attempted to get away from k12 email, worry about retaliation, involvement of membership, 7% attendance at General Meeting, governor plans to lift cap on charter schools, takeover of Holyoke and the trends it implies
Thanked all for assuming responsibility and leadership we take on.
Recording Secretary Report
General Meeting Report & BoD Report
Motion accepted and passed
Corresponding Secretary Report
Proposed revisions to the CEA Cheer Fund Policy
Goals are to clarify policy, reduce costs, and bring back professionalism
Amended Section III: Replace “A lamp ($40-50)” to “A $50 memorial contribution towards the charity of the family’s choice.”
Amended Section IV. Replace “Memorial contribution of $100 to the CEA Scholarship Fund” to “A sympathy card will be sent to the immediate family.”
A motion to vote on the Cheer Fund Policy (with the exception of Section IV, which will be discussed at the next BoD meeting).
Motion accepted and passed
Email jsurprise@chicopeeeducators.org when we know something happens. More info is better than less.
Grievance Chair Report
Motion accepted and passed
Treasurer Report
Motion accepted and passed
Old Business
MTA Week of Action – MTA is trying to raise awareness for H340 to call for a 3 year moratorium against MCAS & PAARC. Hotline to show support (617)-299-7542.
Example of Negative: You can try free examples online of the test. Typing equations into PAARC exam is difficult. The plethora of irrelevant symbols is daunting.
Example of Negative: Electronic testing isn’t good for impulsive students.
Example of Negative: Added stress on students to the point of emotional breakdown.
Example of Negative: Losing opportunity to think critically and imaginatively.
Example of Negative: It follows Pearson’s profit model.
Example of Negative: It punishes lower schools, such as Holyoke.
Legislatures need to hear these!
B, D, E Negotiations – Unit B is close, working on getting another personal day and longevity. Steve will be out of the office, but should be back by the 17th.
Unit D spoke before School Committee. They are close, main point is salary.
Unit E is close. SC members who attend negotiations don’t have power to vote, which slows process.
Asked how Unit A can help, but at this moment nothing.
Retro money for Unit A is check 22. Check the math.
CEA Retirement Party – Next Tuesday, 6/16/2015 and Knights of Columbus on Memorial Drive starting at 3PM. 25 members are retiring. A list of retirees were sent out. Should separate emails for surveys and RSVP.
Insurance – Retirees contribution and current members. Roll over of unused funds during a year.
New Business
New Building Representatives – We have increased Building Representatives participation. We were only missing Bowie, Fairview, Szetela, and Stefanik on this date. Szetela doesn’t have a building rep. asked to reach out. Stefanik and Fairview could use more.
2015-2016 BoD Meeting Schedule – Please email beisen@chicopee.k12.ma.us if conflict due to RETELL and we shall try to address this.
Cost at Polish Home is $60/mo. for space.
Cost of refreshment this year is $60/mo.
Cost at HuKeLau is $135/mo. for all.
Approved 14-4, dates uploaded to the CEA calendar. At the Chicopee Falls Polish Home from 3:15-5:15.
September 16, 2015
October 14, 2015
November 18, 2015
December 16, 2015
January 13, 2016
February 10, 2016
March 16, 2016
April 13, 2016
May 18, 2016
June 15, 2016
CEA End of Year Survey – Survey was sent out. Confusion may have occurred due to its inclusion with the Retirement RSVP. 94 responses out of ~1000.
New Teaching Assignments – Should be received by June 1. Building Reps should investigate.
Opposing High Stakes Testing Resolution – We the CEA will make the statement to the School Committee.
“The CEA opposes high stakes testing and supports H340, the moratorium on high stakes testing and PAARC.”
Concerns include:
- Should we put this out to the general membership first rather than just voting as the Board of Directors?
- How will their progress be measured? Other tests do so, but not required for graduation.
- Would it impact graduating students? Current policy, graduates will get certificate of attendance.
The MTA Annual meeting, there was a vast majority of support for H340.
Motion passes. Information shall be disseminated.
Picture taken for high stakes for CEA Website.
Proposed By-Law Amendment, 1st Reading – Amendment to allow for electronic voting.
Next meeting at Chicopee Falls Polish Home, September 16