CHSSA Executive Committee
Minutes
October 7, 2009
The meeting came to order at 4:05 pm. Ed Murauskas thanked everyone who continues to be a valuable support to this union committee.Minutes
October 7, 2009
Ed introduced Charlie Shaffer, the Uniserv Director, to everyone present.
New Business
Ed advised that Diane Donohue and Deb Stevens are available to come and talk to our Committee/membership. He explained that Diane, President of the DSEA, and Deb Stevens who is in charge of Organizational and Professional Development, could come and speak to us on leadership, organization, and possible negotiation topics. One topic raised was pertinent in-service workshops.
ESP Dinner
Ed advised that Irish Eyes is able to host us on November 18th in a private setting on the second floor. The charge will be $15.00 per person with a 25% service charge. Lisa Thorp suggested that we could have a catered event and use the CHHS Cafe. Most agreed there is not enough time to investigate this option, however, we can always look into this in years to come. The venue at Irish Eyes will be a buffet, with two entrees, one starch, and one salad. All non-alcoholic drinks are also included. Ed advised that the manager promised we would not run out of food. It was agreed that Irish Eyes will be used for this year. The menu was voted on and is: Roast Beef with Gravy and Chicken Marsala, Roasted Red Potatoes and a Tossed salad. Desserts and any alcoholic beverages will be the responsibility of the member. Mary Beth suggested we look into bringing a sheet cake and plates to this event. This will be discussed at the November Executive Meeting.
Membership
Jean Read thanked everyone who has been of help to her in this new position. She advised that she has learned how to update the Membership list on the computer and has done so. Jean has sent each building representative their member lists and new member applications along with an instruction on how to fill out the membership application. However, if anyone has a problem or needs more forms they are to feel free to contact her at JeanR49@aol.com or at 645-7711. Joan requested a master list of the entire membership for the Secretary's files. Jean advised that she has 31 blue denim Support Staff Shirts in inventory for any new members signing on. She also asked how to go about ordering more when they are needed. Peggy Kirby explained that in the past when those shirts were ordered the Association was able to use monies from incentive funds. Since those funds are no longer available to use it was agreed that we would deplete this stock before investigating ordering an alternative item for new members. Mary Beth suggested that we continue to offer all sizes we have available to all new members until stock is depleted. All agreed. Ed suggested that if any members want to purchase a replacement shirt they should be charged only our original cost price.
Negotiations
Peggy Kirby advised that as of this date she has been notified by only 4 members of their definite interest in serving on the Negotiations Team. She asked if any of the Officers other than Lisa were interested in serving. Ed and Joan both offered. She also advised that she needs representation from custodians, Technicians, and Bus Drivers and Monitors. Several items have been presented as topics of interest for negotiations. Peggy asked if Joan could send a notice to all building representatives asking for further items to be discussed and for any other members' interest in serving on this committee. Joan will send this notice the first of next week. A preliminary meeting will be held on November 4th at 5:30. Peggy advised that the negotiations this year will be handled efficiently and with few meetings. All future meetings will take place in January and February only. Discussion of possible topics included the following: hours that Paraeducators are paid for, how many in-service dates were available this year and how they were used to serve our specific fields, creation of new job titles, language within the Contract and, what if any dollars are received from local funds. Another possible topic could be the new Seasonal Part time casual job posting that has appeared this past week.
Monthly Executive Committee Meetings
Joan advised that she received 10 responses to the request for possible best meeting times for this year. Four members asked for 4 pm, two for 5 pm, and two for 6 pm. Two members could attend at any time. It was agreed that the 4pm meeting time would remain. However, everyone present regrets that some will be unable to attend. Joan will keep all members informed of upcoming agendas and past minutes so that they can still contribute through written communications to any board member, even if they cannot attend meetings.
Negotiations Training
Charlie Shaffer requested a show of hands for those who would be able to attend the Negotiations Training scheduled for October 17th, January 8&9, and January 22& 23rd. He also explained that because other districts did not have their teams together yet, the October 17th date could change. Four (4) members present expressed interest in attending.
Charlie also asked if any Paras would like to go before the District Administration to discuss the conditions/duties of the Lil Vikings After School aide position. Jean Read explained she has already committed to work the program and offered to attend any such meetings with Charlie.
Old Business
Ed reported that Dr. Stone has not answered his letter concerning equal representation in the Board Minutes; i.e.: Professional staff and Support staff personnel issues. Peggy was asked to add this to her possible negotiations topics. Joan will forward the necessary information to Peggy.
Flex Plan
Ed has contacted Rhonda Pignataro and no new information is available. Enrollment will take place in November and Rhonda promised to have information forwarded to all eligible employees at that time.
Building Reps
Mary Beth advised that contact information is still missing on a building rep. She will follow up with that rep in writing to try to obtain the necessary info for the web site and for the CHSSA Secretary.
Bus Drivers
Charlie advised that attempts to meet with Bus Drivers have been unsuccessful thus far, but he will continue to try and hopes to meet with them before our November 4th meeting.
New Business
Ed advised that he needs a check for $500.00 as a deposit for the November 18th ESP Dinner.
An award is being offered for Custodians this year by the NEA. The award will be given to one custodian who has proven to be a leader for Custodial Environmental Leadership. Ed will email to Joan all pertinent information. She will in turn email to all building reps asking for nominations within their buildings.
For the Good of the Cause
Lisa Thorp recommended that we pursue a quieter location for our monthly meetings. Lewes Public Library was suggested but they charge a fee of $35.00 per month. Greene Turtle will be investigated by Mary Beth. They have a private room and food could be an option.
Peggy Kirby brought up the recent District Office Memo that required all employees to sign a Student Services Account Agreement. Peggy stated that not all district employees have to deal or handle student monies, and questioned why all employees were required to sign. Charlie advised Peggy to contact the Business Office directly to request further clarification.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm. The next Executive Board Meeting will be on November 4th at 4pm, with the Negotiations team meeting to follow promptly at 5:30 pm, location to be announced.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Joan Williamson.
Posted on Oct 18 2009
