Rep Council Meeting Minutes
Blondies Bar and Grill
2/5/13 – 3:30-5:15
Members present – Katherine Epstein, Bob Blaine, Joy Holleran, Tom Buck, Miranda Merino, Cathy Valdez, Sylvia!, Tricia Cowen, Sylvia Shephard, Aja Cook, Kathleen Steiert, Carolyn Thomas, Alyson Brauning, Debbie Cavanaugh, Ginny Miller, JULIE TIMMERMAN, Chris Fickes, Larry Baker, Mark Richardson, Linda Phelan, Samantha Mauder, Lili Fisher, Sofia Felix, Julie McGee, Russ Tucker, Gary Eisenberg, Marsha Rucker, Stephanie Munzinger, Linda Covey, Sharon Riehl, Christine Williams, Brenda Hensley, Moira McSweeney, Corey Penrose, Suzi Morgan, Helen Blood
Members absent – Todd Blanset, Diane Dahl, Lenore Hubal, Dawn Waid, Tracy Begley, Tom Kutz, Jenny Brown
1) – Approval of the minutes – the minutes were approved.
2) – Approval of the agenda – the agenda was approved after state council was moved up in the agenda.
3) – State council – Jerry Eaton, Julie Timmerman and Corey Penrose reported on the last state council meeting. For the specifics, and the action items, please click here.
4) – Health care reform act – Brenda reported how the AHCA will likely affect health care costs for our district as the act is implemented in upcoming years. The report finished with a discussion of the ramifications of the AHCA. For more information, please click here.
5) – Presidents report – Moira reported on the following:
Leave update – Moira reviewed some of the district’s upcoming leave verification procedures including the bereavement leave requirements.
Budget – some of the specifics of the governor’s proposal were discussed. The specifics for this handout can be found here.
NEA-RA delegates – The election for delegates will be held in March and the deadline for declaration of candidacy is March 8th. Election packets will be given out at the March 12th rep council meeting. There will also be an increased focus on improving our voting percentages and representation, especially with unit members who travel to multiple sites or work at the ESC.
Early college high school – will be starting with the 13-14 school year. After reviewing the specifics of the program, Moira reported that we’ll meet with Mark Fraizer to discuss plans for staffing and address concerns about the effect this may have on members’ jobs in the future. If you have some additional questions or concerns, please contact Moira.
Redwood Conference – it’s free and more information is available here.
Site Visits – have been going really well. Feb 13th is the next opening for a visit, and there are more opportunities available in March either at lunchtime or after school..
Special Ed –reported steps to follow if you are injured or threatened by a student.
-Report the incident to the North Bay Company nurse.
-Complete a BER form for more serious occurrences.
-Email a brief account of the incident to your principal. Cc Jodi Pham, Shereen Wilkerson and Tammy Parker. Keep documentation.
-Request an IEP.
-Request replacement of any personal item(s) damaged through Kari Sousa in Business Services and complete a request for reimbursement form if approved.
6) – Treasurers report – After reviewing the specifics, the report was approved.
– Committee reports –
Action – Corey reported on the following:
A VTA resolution supporting our Garfield High School’s teachers – was approved unanimously. This resolution will be distributed via a press release and can be read here.
The new vacateachers.org – was unveiled and some questions were answered
Chamber Mixer – will happen this Thursday.
NCUEA – despite an error in the cost from the Chair, our introductory membership was approved.
Bargaining – Brenda reported that bargaining is continuing to meet determine what articles they’ll recommend to E-board for sunshining. Once E-board has approved/revised the recommendations, we’ll give official notification at the next school board meeting and rep council meeting.
The final version of the 12-13 contract is now available here.
Grievance –Sylvia reported on the following:
Class transfers– the official board language (which can be found here) was reviewed and a proposed revision (which can be found here) was amended.
MOTION – direct Sylvia to pursue a revision of AR 6152, as amended – seconded and approved.
Non-reelects – three unit members will not be re-elected.
Human rights –Alyson reported on the following:
Professional Development – will be offered on Bullying Interventions on February 7th. A workshop focusing on GLBT issues will be offered March 21st as well and site reps are urged to be sure to promote these workshops with membership.
Equity and Human rights conference – is coming, please click here for more information.
Women’s Issues – none
VTA-PAC – our next mixer is happening right after the rep council meeting.
Special ed – none
Leave bank – none
– Conference reports – Brenda summarized the content of the Issues conference.
– Others
Issues with unit members leaving early on when going on recess – was discussed. Moira will address this with John Niederkorn tomorrow and report back on the conversation at the next rep council meeting.
J&S performing arts center – needs to be promoted.
Raffle – Mark Richardson won a ten dollar subway card, and Cathy Valdez won a ten dollar starbucks card.
– Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 pm
Respectfully submitted, Corey Penrose
