Private: December 2018 Representative Meeting

1. Ashley Adams, MTA Staffer discussed the New Teacher Program.
   1. Presentation made to representatives in regards to attracting new leaders post Janus decision.
   2. Need to engage newest member or we will lose not just member but our strength/power.
   3. 30 minute training for non professional status teachers shows value in being a member.
2. President’s Report.
   1. Ted updated faculty reps on the growing relationship between the HEA and the MTA. Ted will be attending President’s training and the NEA Leadership Summit in Denver.
   2. Personnel Issues
      1. Ted requests that Faculty Reps remind members that if they are asked to do something they find ethically wrong or against the law, do not be insubordinate, unless safety is in jeopardy, follow directions, and call Ted immediately.
      2. Close to passing in legislation a law to protect teachers from bullying by principals, administrators etc..
         1. The Safe Workplace Group is working to make this a law.
         2. HEA will be asking members to contact legislators in support of the group.
   3. HEA Member Organizers stipend positions will be posted for members to apply.
   4. Action Team will be reforming in January to plan for a Spring contract push and to work to support HEA coalition building.
   5. Fund Our Future Campaign-Tedi Winkler
      1. Faculty reps are asked to collect member signatures in support of the movement. Due by mid-January.
      2. Tedi apologized for short timeline, but MTA Board only just approved the campaign on Dec. 9th and 10th.
      3. Fund Our Future materials were distributed to Faculty Reps to give to members.
3. 1st Vice President
   1. Grievances: heard at Level II.
   2. Bargaining: Proposals-Class Sizes and Professional Development. Next dates for negotiations are January 15th and February 12th.
      1. Deb Russell reported that a lot of time was spent on Class Size but overall felt the meeting was positive.
      2. The School Committee side seemed more relaxed, but need to do more to engage in “back and forth”
      3. Tedi Winkler was late due to traffic and may have threw things off. We did not want to cut off members who had prepared presentations and artifacts. It appeared that the Superintendent and School Committee were interested in listening to what members had to say.
4. 2nd Vice President:
   1. Suzette DiTonno was present at her first meeting as 2nd Vice President and has begun the work on the Newsletter for January.
5. Treasurer
   1. Checking- $313,940; Money Market $38, 315
   2. Members: 933 members (down 2)
      1. 650 teachers
      2. 246 ESP’s
      3. 37 secretaries.
   3. Audit to be complete in January
   4. Discussion about which members had left. Ted asked Faculty Reps to assist in those members who are retiring.
6. Secretary:
   1. Election took place on 12/20/2018 with the assistance of former Secretary John Craven.
   2. Ballots were counted during the meeting by John Craven
      1. 192 votes for Deb Russell, 113 votes for Jill Perkins-Bouchard. Deb Russell was elected as Secretary of the HEA.
7. Problems and Concerns:
   1. Golden Hill-Literacy Coaches were informed by the district that they are now required to have a Reading Specialist Certification. This is not a DESE mandate, but a change in district policy which is affecting those in positions under other licenses. This is also affecting other members whose position is mainly teaching reading (Reading Recovery, Reading Interventionists)
      1. Those who do not earn a Reading Specialist license may have to move into a different position based on their current license(s).
      2. Tedi Winkler stated that HEA needs to get a list of all members who may be affected by this. Their name, job position and certification.
      3. At this time the District is unsure of they will continue with Literacy Collaborate.
   2. Envisions Math
      1. Concerns brought up from Walnut Sq. Ted promises to look into the concerns.
   3. Grading
      1. At the Elementary and Middle school level during the first semester that there was not sufficient time given as grades closed on a Friday and were due on Monday. Ted will contact the Superintendent to correct the issue in the future.
   4. New Science Kits
      1. Members were told to use their own time to check deliveries of dozens of boxes for accuracy. No time was given for this work. Ted will follow up with Science Curriculum Supervisor Kevin Higginbottom or the Superintendent.
   5. ESP’s
      1. High School Transportation issues which is keeping the ESP’s at the High School past contractual time, has been resolved.
      2. ESP contract which allows for a stipend for toileting of students will be addressed by Ted.

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 5:15 by Michelle Joubert. Seconded by Deb Russell, passed unanimously.