VTA Executive Board Minutes

October 7, 2003

Members Present:             Gary M., Charlie H., Tom Ray, Ed s., Tim Y., Brenda H., Ken R., Ann K., Sue R., Christine W., Bill J. Irene s., Laura M., Ed M.

Minutes of the August and September meeting was approved as submitted.

1.  School Board Elections

A joint press conference with the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce was held to jointly endorsee 4 candidates for school board.   Meetings will be held with each of the candidates to develop a plan of action.   CTA has done some polling that will provide information that will assist in developing strategies to elect the endorsed candidates.

Letters to all teachers living in Vacaville will come out signed by Ed s. and Ernest K. with a copy of candidate fliers.   Information will also go out to absentee voters.   A flier will be available to place in car windows.   An additional mailer will go out just before the election.   It was requested that each site submit at least one letter to the editor in support of one or more of the recommenced candidates.

Discussion occurred regarding methods to use to get teaches involved.   Suggestions include the distribution of tickets to campaign events, door hangers, yard signs and a flier asking: "What are you willing to do?"

2.             Negotiations

            A tentative agreement for the 2002-2003 contract has been reached.   Copies were distributed and collected.   It was MSP that Exec. Board recommends the T>A. to Rep Council for approval.   All ayes with two abstentions.   Voting on the contract will occur after a general meting.   Procedures will need to be established for voting.

            A calendar survey for 2004-2005 is being developed and will be distributed.   Gary Masterson will work on a YRE survey.

3.             Paychecks

            An update on the districts plan to collect voluntary contributions over ten months. The current twelve months was presented.   The association has filed a level three grievance and filed a demand to negotiate.

4.   Communication

The website is up and running with some sections still under construction.   The address is www.vacateachers.org .   The secretary will be sensitive to placing "sensitive" information on the website.   All reps. should be reminded to post hard copies of minutes, agenda, ... at their sites.

5.             Committee Reports

The president will ask members and members of Rep Council to fill various committee positions.

            An elections committee is needed as soon as possible.

            Others committees needed are ESEA and healthcare.   These will be joint district/VTA committees.

            An outreach committee is also needed.

6.          Other

            2+2 will be brought to the negotiations table ASAP

            Will there be another Provident Disability campaign?

            Membership files will be transferred to the IBM computer.   Assistance translating files will be utilized.

            Teachers should be aware of the differences between voluntary and involuntary transfers and how these effect returns.

            A budget report was given.

Concerns remain regarding the difference in instructional minutes at elementary sites.

            Members of Exec will give consideration to site visits. Board.

            A different format will be tried at Rep council with the separation into elementary and secondary at the site report portion of the agendas.