Vacaville Teacher’s Association

Rep. Council Minutes

September 21, 2004

1.  Agenda

It was agreed to accept the agenda as presented.

2.  President’s Report

Healthcare Premiums Update

Current premiums reflect a prorated increase effective in Sept.  Rates were calculated as close as possible, but there will be a “true up” in January.  This avoids a higher increase in premiums in January when CALPERS rates increase.  This was previously done in 2003-2004.  Current premium rates were in teacher mailboxes.

The district and association are in discussions regarding health care.  Currently the district’s contribution to health care continues to be $4,200,000.

A health care fair is scheduled for 9/28 at Cooper School at 3:00-5:30.  Members are encouraged to evaluate Blue Cross coverage (available hospitals,etc).  Western Health is a similar plan to Blue Cross but it has a lesser premium.  Members who switch will make more money available to the cap.  Sutter Hospitals are not available in either plan.  Open enrollment is from Sept. 15 to October 15.  Plan changes are effective Jan. 1.

Teachers will also need to renew their IRS 125.  Ed will find out how this re-enrollment will occur.

Placing of Teachers-

All displaced teachers from last year have been placed.  Contract language was followed as closely as possible.  Ed would like feed back from those who were effected.

Sick Leave Bank-

Julie Davis presented info. on the sick leave bank.  A committee of Julie Davis, Ann Kubler and Ron Hawkins oversee the allocation of days.  This is covered in Article 6.1.  Forms for joining the bank were distributed.  A list of non-participants was distributed to reps.  Reps are encouraged to ask non-participants to sign up.

3.  Negotiations Update

We are not currently negotiating.  We are awaiting the district’s final budget numbers.  Ken Ratti distributed negotiations surveys.  These are due to Bill Jacks at Hemlock no later than Sept. 28.  Non members must be surveyed.  These “fee payers” are not allowed to vote.

John Needercorn is the District’s new CBO.

4.      Old Business

Budget Revisions-Brenda presented a 2004-2005 budget.  Included in the budget is a plan to rebate local dues to reps and exec board members who attend 7 of the 9 meetings.  Local dues are $95.

It was MSP (Williams, Kubler) to accept the budget as presented.  Schools are entitled to one rep for every 10 members.

5.      New Business

Health Fair-September 28 at Cooper School from 3:00-5:30.  Kelly Rhoads-Posten from Western Health spoke briefly about the plan.  She can be contacted at (707) 429-7952 or kposton@northbay.org.

Site Rep Kits/Training-Brenda distributed a packet of info to reps and conducted a brief training.

Mix and Mingles-Dates are October 20, Jan. 25, March 22, May 10.  Times are 4:00-6:00 PM.  At these meetings teachers have an opportunity to meet in a small setting with a group of 2-3 school board members.  The first meeting is at Greg Gmahling’s home.  Brenda asked for homes for future M&M’s and asked for participant sign-ups.

New Teacher Reception-A reception for new teachers to the district will be held on October 26 from 4:00 to 5:30 at the Vacaville Chevy’s at 200 Nut Tree Parkway.  New members will be able to meet VTA Officers, win prizes and find about the benefits of membership.  Reps should distribute a flier to new members and personally encourage them to participate.

Membership Cards/Rosters-

Kristi Harris distributed membership info. and materials and requested that reps correct rosters and return to her at Cooper.  The large portion of the membership cards must be collected.

PAC/Scholarship Deduction Forms-

Reps are asked to have members sign up for voluntary payroll deductions for the VTA PAC and VTA scholarship.  Income from deductions is less due to the deferred net pay.  Members should consider upping their deductions.

4.  Reports

Treasurer-Brenda distributed the year 2003-2004 closing budget.

State Council-Brenda presented a written report.