B2TA Executive Committee Minutes

B2TA Executive Committee Minutes March 4, 2015

Officers: Heather Case, Mary Etta Chorbajian, Rob Donohew, Adam Mattice, Nancy DeMarkis-Tese Representatives : Laura Barboza, Robert Dawley, Cassandra Di Pasquale, Leigh Nenni, Roxanne Redmond, Chris Rigdon, Dave Shalke Chairpersons : Jim Jewell, Mackenzie Marr, Channon Piwowarczyk, Patty Schuyler, Janet VanZile Unable to attend: Robert Dawley; Cassandra Di Pasquale; Jim Jewell; Roxanne Redmond; Patty Schuyler

The meeting was called to order by President Rob Donohew at 3:38 p.m. Minutes from November 2014 and February 2015 were reviewed.

1. Public Relations – No report 2. Membership – The “unpaid leave letter” has been created. The purpose of this letter is to notify people on unpaid leave that in order to maintain membership in the B2TA they must still contribute dues. This letter will be sent out to individuals targeted through collaboration between Payroll Specialist Elaine DelVecchio and Membership Chairperson Patty Schuyler. 3. Political Action – Sign up for MAC (Member Action Center) alerts – it is simple and informative. MAC alerts will help us stay on top of all the legislative and political action. NYSUT MAC text alerts come from the NYSUT Member Action Center. All you have to do to get in on text alerts is to text nysut to 38470. Done! There has been an overwhelming amount of information coming our way. Chairperson Janet VanZile has been doing an excellent job trying to get through it in order to determine whether there may be some way to filter the great volume of material that we get each month. A suggestion was made to create a section on the website called “Political Action” or “Activism.” Another excellent suggestion was made regarding the creation of a (closed group) Facebook page devoted to the B2TA and opportunities for our constituents. It is possible to use Twitter and other social media to assist with keeping everyone informed. More to follow. 4. Technology- no report 5. Selection Committee – The Selection Committee currently is entertaining two proposals regarding the adjustment of the process for voluntary transfers during the school year. The Executive Committee discussed the relative merits of each proposal. 6. Grievance – no report. 7. APPR Advisory – There was some discussion about “unannounced” visits. Some teachers are more concerned about this than others. Some teachers are made to feel very uncomfortable when supervisors come in unannounced and appear to make judgements. Other teachers feel that “if you are doing your job you shouldn’t worry.” Concerns are brought up at the APPR Advisory Committee meetings. In addition to the above, it was mentioned that the APPR Survey is being developed. 8. Treasurer’s Report – Checking Account as of 2/9/15- $55,165.20 Money Market Acc’t as of 1/31/15- $80,732.22 Adam received an inquiry questioning why the dues amount had been increased. Despite the inevitability of inflation, we are still paying the second-lowest amount in comparison to our nine component districts. We also talked about two cases in which constituents are slated to receive reimbursement. Jamie Guilian, our NYSUT LRS (Labor Relations Specialist), will be able to answer our questions. We voted unanimously to authorize payment to one of the individuals. OLD BUSINESS  MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) #1 – Calendar for 2015-16 - unanimous approval  MOA #2 – Nurses – unanimous approval for the nurses at BOCES 2 to have an opportunity for a more equitable salary schedule.  Seniority/Tenure – a decision was made to table the discussion until our next meeting. The reason for this is that we need to meet with the individuals in question.  “Side Conversations” – survey subcommittee members will meet with members of upper administration to talk about Professional Development and Professional Time. Thank you to Mackenzie, Mary Etta, Janet and Channon who have agreed to serve in this capacity. NEW BUSINESS  The “Swaim” formula was discussed. This has to do with payroll and the 1/200 daily rate for salaries. Rob has asked the regional office to give him an explanation of this formula. Rob will also check with the BOCES 2 payroll office for additional information.  Some SED issues of a confidential nature were discussed. OPEN FORUM- Workers’ Comp issues:  It is standard procedure for employees to have to use up their own sick time before accessing a benefit  913- when the BOCES requests that you see a doctor an employee must comply  Employees must follow a medical protocol for “human bite” in cases where they have received a bite from a child. The protocol involves a course of antibiotic treatment. Safety issues:  An issue of staff safety when there are staff shortages was discussed.

Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Next meeting will be April 8, 2015 at Village Plaza #20.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy DeMarkis-Tese Recording Secretary