Executive Committee Meeting

 August 25, 2005

Minutes

The brief meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by Secretary/Treasurer Patrick McDonough due to the fact that President Rosemary Boland and 2nd Vice-President Patrick Festa were greeting new teachers at the teacher induction meeting at West Scranton Intermediate School. They arrived at this meeting at 9:45 AM. Roll was taken with 17 members present.  Kathy Opshinsky was greeted as this was her first executive committee meeting. 

The main purpose for the meeting was to discuss the fall outing location and price.  Kathy Waltz and Joe Gammaitoni made arrangements to have the outing at the After Five on September 23, from 6-10 PM.  Kathy Waltz spoke to the pricing of the event, asking the executive committee to authorize payment of $3.00 towards each union member’s ticket.  The cost would be $20.00 for each member with the union treasury making up the additional $3.00.  Guests would have to pay the full $25.00.  Discussion followed and Kathy’s motion to subsidize the outing passed unanimously.

John Feldman, CPA, financial director of the AFT was present in the union office conducting an informal audit of our books; he spoke very briefly to the committee about the need to increase our dues.  Rosemary Boland also spoke to the large outstanding bills that our treasury is facing. President Boland reiterated the need for positive collegiality among our teachers and the high costs of lawyers with unnecessary grievances, mediations and arbitrations.  Some discussion followed about the status of grievances and mediations concerning the posting of programs and jobs at the elementary and intermediate school levels.  President Boland announced that the paras contract is finally finished.

It was announced that a new arbitrator would be assigned to the Mifflinburg case due to the fact that Mr. Kasher  recused himself from the case.  On behalf of Ann Kennedy, Trustee Matthew Loftus expressed her concerns about Mifflinburg and requested a meeting about the same. President Boland emphasized that the Mifflinburg case will be handled.

The outstanding bills due to the school district for a previous president’s salary were mentioned.  Details about these exact bills will be discussed at a future meeting. 

President Boland then mentioned that a dues hike proposal would be brought up in September.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 AM.

_________________________________________________________

Executive Committee Meeting

 September 7, 2005

Minutes

Attachments - Attendance Roster

                         Agenda

                         Treasurer’s Report

                         Outstanding Presidents’ Bill to District

                          ER&D Correspondence

The meeting was called to order by President Rosemary Boland at 4:05 P.M... Roll was taken, 20 present, 1 absent.

The Secretary/Treasurer’s report was given (included in attachments).  A correction was made to the August 25^th minutes noting that the Executive Committee authorized an expenditure of $3.00 toward each member’s reservation for the SFT Outing.  Minutes were then amended and accepted.

A discussion followed concerning a proposed grant application for a Dual Enrollment Program which would award high school students both college and high school credits for designated or approved courses.  Mr. Gammaitoni and Mr. McDonough attended a meeting held with the school district administration and local colleges to discuss this concept/initiative.  They reported that it is not as yet fully studied and that there will be a need for Union leadership discussions as this process develops.

Mr. McDonough reported on the visit of Mr. John Feldman, chief financial director of the AFT. He spent 2 days in the office in August to review and internally audit the SFT’s financial records.  Mr. Feldman recommended a restoration of our dues’ structure to 1% (the level of 2 years ago) due to our present financial shortfalls.  Mr. McDonough also reported that no officer since July 1 has been compensated for time spent in the office.

The meeting proceeded with a discussion of a school district bill for the 1999 – 2000 full President’s salary and the 2004 – 2005 President’s half salary.  Much discussion followed concerning the accuracy of the bills since we also have a letter from the district dated May 24, 2004 that no money was owed previous to that date.  President Boland has sent letters to previous officers requesting an explanation for the old bill.  The auditors tell us that we will have to pay these bills but further investigations and discussions will be pursued before this is fully settled.

President Boland pointed out that Kevin Kays was correct in his assertions concerning the above mentioned President’s salary (19999 – 2000). Kevin gave a brief history outlining the financial discrepancies by way of review.  President Boland then suggested that we formally apologize to Kevin on behalf of the SFT.

Kelly and Barbetti are conducting an 18 month audit that will cover the period from January 2004 to June 2005. It was proposed that our fiscal year run from July 1 to June 30 in the future.

A General Membership Meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2005 to be held at Scranton High School at 4:00 P.M.  Those present were reminded of the SFT Outing to be held on Friday 23, 2005 at the After Five Supper Club from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M.

Under New Business, the ER&D program was discussed at length.  Issues involving scheduling courses and the number of offerings have been questioned by the District Administration.  President Boland and the Site-Coordinator have reworked several schedules to address this situation.  Bob Montgomery and Pat Festa spoke to the issue and discussions are still going on.

President Boland reported on arbitrations won concerning Principals’ following the contract concerning Seniority.  President Boland discussed the favorable outcome of mediation concerning PRIDE postings.  Additional discussion was held on paraprofessionals’ schedules and lunch time jobs/assignments.

Mr. Gammaitoni introduced the idea of purchasing portable hard drives at $25 each to save back up files of important SFT records.  The motion was made by Gary Mulrine and seconded by Judy Vitris and was passed.

Matt Loftus introduced the idea of purchasing an update of QuickBooks due to a rebate offer.  Pat McDonough said he would check with the AFT accountant on the need to purchase an upgrade.

Other items under New Business included Mifflinburg questions, scholarship questions, and attorneys’ hourly rates.

Pat Festa announced that he will be attending the AFT-PA regional leaders meeting in Harrisburg as the Northeast Vice President on September 30.

Gary Mulrine mentioned that 15 states have joined suits against the federal government concerning NCLB. He hoped that PA Representatives and Senators would also join this action.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 P.M.

__________________________________________________________

General Membership Meeting

September 13, 2005

Minutes

The Meeting was called to order at 4:10 P.M. by Rosemary Boland.  Members were asked to remember in their thoughts the following members and relatives of members who have recently passed away – Meg Holland Hart, Alice Coleman and condolences to Mary Badyrka on the recent loss of her husband.

This was followed by the introduction of the members of the Executive Committee who were all present.  Visiting guests in attendance were Mr. Ted Kirsch, President of AFT-PA, Mr. Ron Zoloff, AFT Plus and Dee Trangredi, political action representative of AFT-PA, Mr. Paul Thomas, AFT-PA and Mr. John Feldman, Director of Financial Services, AFT.

Mr. Patrick McDonough then filed a Secretary/Treasurer’s report.  Mr. McDonough emphasized the negative cash flow information and suggested a move will have to take place to increase income.  He indicated that all financial transactions are available for inspection at the AFT office.  Further, he reported on the audit covering the dates – January 2004 to June 2005 – being prepared by the firm of Kelly and Barbetti.  The length of this audit will require the SFT to change our fiscal year from July to June 30 in the future.

Other items discussed by the Treasurer were:

            * Reimbursement from the Legal Defense Fund of the AFT and AFT-PA

            * Past due Per Capita dues

            * Past due health care usage analysis bill

            * Past due 1999 – 2000 President’s reimbursement

            * Arbitration costs

            * Dues restoration

            * Audit report of Mr. John Feldman

President Boland followed with an explanation of a June meeting in Philadelphia and thank-you for the financial help of AFT-PA and AFT Defense Fund monies received through the efforts of Ted Kirsch, then acting President  AFT-PA.

Other members thanked by President Boland were Pat Festa, Joe Gammaitoni, Kathy Secor, and Kathy Waltz for their efforts in organizing and streamlining the SFT office over the last few months.

Following the meeting’s agenda, President Boland reported that Mifflinburg is ongoing.  Atty. Rubinsky is in the process of transmitting files to the Jennings Law Firm.  She announced that there would be no special meeting on Mifflinburg until all facts are ready.  She affirmed that Mifflinburg is not dead and will be handled.

Under a report on Grievances/Mediations/Arbitrations, President Boland summarized recently settled cases and noted that these cases had favorable results for those members involved.  She noted the Principals’ use of the Professional Code of Conduct to evaluate teachers in the area of Professionalism and outlined the problems associated with this practice.  She reminded teachers that it is not their job to report to principals on their colleagues’ performance.  In a recent arbitration case, teachers’ testimonies against a member were found, by the Arbitrator, to have no merit.  This particular case cost the SFT $6800 for the Arbitrator’s services and thousands of dollars for the SFT Attorney.

The Paraprofessionals’ Contract was recently completed, signed by the Scranton School Board and by Attorney Robert Mariani, representing the SFT and is now being printed for distribution.

The Health Care issue was reviewed and an Insurance Committee will soon be formed to further address the escalating costs.  The association with the Health Consortium is still open.

Under New Business, discussion turned to the ER&D program with the suggestion that the District would like some courses to be taught after school hours.  President Boland asked the membership for their input.  A number of members spoke to the issue, culminating with a motion by Ann Cammerota –“that we keep all the ER&D classes during the school day using released time.”   The motion was seconded; a number of speakers addressed this motion, a voiced vote followed, and the motion carried.

Guest speaker Ted Kirsch, President of AFT-PA was introduced to those present. President Kirsch’s speech had the following key points:

            * this was his first official function as President of AFT-PA, a new name and his new status

            * reviewed his history with the state union

            * recalled his association with former SFT President Robert Cavanaugh

            * emphasized the importance of SFT to AFT-PA because of our contributions to other locals and to the ER&D movement

            * encouraged us to look at our dues structure and underlined the need for a paid office staff and pledged both AFT-PA and AFT continued support

            *  spoke of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and its effects on over 5000 AFT members in New Orleans who will be without work and insurance for at least a year.  He encouraged members to contribute through the AFT Hurricane Fund found on the AFT web site- www.aft.org

            * stressed the importance of COPE Committees for political support of candidates who favor union and education issues

            * he summarized the AFL-CIO struggle – characterizing it as ego driven and hoped that it would be a temporary blip

            * he encouraged us locally to support our leadership and a strong SFT

            * he addressed NCLB calling it a disaster and mentioned it was up for reauthorization.  He encouraged those present to talk to parents and educate them on the flaws of NCLB

            * he ended with the suggestion that to keep your local strong, you need to finance it.

John Feldman of the AFT followed President Kirsch.  He also reported on the SFT’s financial status and the need to think about restoring the dues to the 1% level.

President Boland thanked the guest speakers and mentioned that we planned to address the restoration of the dues to 1% at our November General Membership meeting.  She further mentioned that letters had been sent to Ed Jackson, Bill Buckley, Jacques Petherick, Howard Evans and Marilyn Vitali, requesting an explanation for a President’s salary past due since the 1999 – 2000 school year.  She apologized to Mr. Kevin Kays on behalf of the SFT indicating that he was correct in maintaining that there was an outstanding President’s salary owed to the Scranton School District.  Kevin Kays spoke to the fact that a weak financial condition produces a weak negotiating position.

President Boland reminded those present that a final count number was needed by Sep. 19 for the upcoming SFT Outing.  With no further business entertained, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn.  Meeting was adjourned at 5:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Patrick M. McDonough

Secretary/Treasurer SFT

Subject to approval at the November General Membership Meeting

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes 

 October 5, 2005

Attachments –

*Attendence Roster

*Agenda

*Treasurer’s Report

*Secretaries’ Minutes

*2 Motions

* Mifflinburg File Transfer

The meeting was called to order by President Boland at 4:00 P.M. Roll was taken – 18 present, 3 excused.   Mr. McDonough presented the minutes from the previous meeting for approval.  There was one correction to the minutes which were then approved by those present.  Mr. McDonough then presented the Treasurer’s Report for approval.  This motion passed and the report is on file in the SFT office. Discussion took place on the status of the SFT Scholarship fund.  Monies for the scholarship, usually provided by the Scranton School District are still in question for the 2004 – 2005 school year. The Administration Building will be contacted for clarification on this issue.

Under Old Business, the firm of Brodie and Rubinsky has transferred another group of files concerning Mifflinburg.  The Scranton Federation is seeking all closed and current files from this firm.  As to the status of the Mifflinburg Case, it’s in the hands of Attorney Thomas Jennings who is in the process of selecting a new arbitrator to replace the previous arbitrator who has resigned.

The next order of business was a motion to change the Fiscal Year from January 1 to-December 31 to July 1 st- June 30.  At present, the firm of Kelly and Barbetti has completed an 18 month audit from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.  This 18 month audit period received approval from  AFT-PA and AFT Washington.  Mr. McDonough introduced a motion to change the Fiscal Year from July 1 to June 30. The motion was passed unanimously by those present.

Mr. McDonough then introduced a motion for recommendation of the Executive Committee to restore the Dues structure to 1%.  The motion was seconded.  In the discussion that followed, the actual percent and a flat rate were compared.  Mr. McDonough presented relevant data to support the restoration including the recommendations of the auditors Kelly and Barbetti and Mr. John Feldman, Director of Financial Services of AFT, who strongly recommend the restoration to 1%.  Mr. McDonough also cited the actual balances and cash flow problems that the Federation faces to support this recommendation.  Further discussion suggested changing the wording of the resolution and the effective date of the restoration should it pass at a general membership meeting.  In the end, the original motion passed unanimously with the amendment to add December 2, 2005 as the effective date of the restoration.

The ER&D controversy with the School District was reported as resolved with the following results: the 2005 – 2006 classes are approved as released time during the school days and District In-Service days.  In 2006 – 2007, classes will be offered both during the school day and released time and after school for pay.  The 2006 – 2007 offering is experimental and is not precedent setting and will be evaluated as to both the School District and SFT’s willingness to continue this experiment.

Under New Business, Northeast Vice-President AFT-PA, Pat Festa reported his attendance at the AFT-PA Council and Executive Committee Meeting held on September 30, 2005 in Harrisburg.  Issues discussed were:

            * The new PA Secretary of Education is in agreement with Governor Rendell’s education policies.

            * The Governor is pushing the passing of Act 72 by local school districts.

            * Special education court case (Gaskins) specifies that special needs students have to be accommodated in the regular education classroom.  Special education certification may be on the way out according to reports given at this conference.

            * The AFT-PA website should be on-line by now.

Other items brought to the Committee’s attention –

            * Para-contracts are at the printer

            *The lunch sign out policy was brought up for discussion and further information is needed on this.

Since there was no further New Business, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 P.M.

Subject to approval, minutes submitted by

Patrick McDonough,

Secretary/Treasurer

_____________________________________________________________

The Executive Committee Meeting of the Scranton Federation of Teachers held on December 7, 2005 was called to order at 4:10 P.M. by President Rosemary Boland. 

Those present – Rosemary Boland, Pat McDonough, Pat Festa, Kathy Waltz, Matt Loftus, Judy Vitris, Dan Walter, Amy Trapani, Joe Voyt, Tom Moreken, Marty Wazowicz, Kathy Opshinsky, Mary Silvi, Marissa Byron, Gary Mulrine, Kathleen Beckwith, Kevin Kays, Jerry Baldauff.

Mr. McDonough distributed minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were amended to note that Judy Vitris was not present.  Gary Mulrine made the motion to accept the amended minutes; this was seconded by Pat Festa – the motion carried.

Mr. McDonough continued with other Secretary related business and correspondence –

            * At the recent PSEA American Education Week Dinner, Kathy  Waltz represented the SFT and spoke to the assembled student award winners and others present.

            *On November 18, Mr. McDonough sent a letter and an audit copy to the Fair Share members.

            *November 17, a letter was sent to Greg Sunday regarding the 1997 Cafeteria Law and the deductions of FICA, State and Local taxes based on our Health Care co-pays. Monies for these three categories could be owed to the membership.  New W-2 forms for 2002, 2003, and 2004 need to be re-issued to members wishing to refile.

            * November 21 – Mr. McDonough sent a letter of appeal with an owed bill to the IRS for a late 990 filing.

Treasurer’s Report – (on file in SFT office)

Mr. McDonough noted that the COPE fund increases because of dues deductions.

Money was provided for the ER&D Winter Institute which will be reimbursed by the Scranton School District.

President Boland spoke to the fact the PNC deducts monthly fees from our accounts.  She suggested that the SFT look into other banks and their rates. Pat Festa introduced the motion to investigate rates from other banks with the purpose of rate reductions. This was seconded by Joe Voyt and the motion passed. There was discussion on the SFT Scholarship.  It is unclear whether the 2005 scholarship was in the form of checks or vouchers.

President Boland introduced the members of the Insurance Committee – Bob Chamoni, Judy Chickillo, Lorraine Babarsky, Pat McDonough and Rosemary Boland.  It was reported that the meeting with the Scranton School Board scheduled for November 28 was cancelled at the last minute by the School Board.  The Insurance Committee has met 2 times with the District Committee consisting of Bill Gaynor, Greg Sunday, Bill Butler, John Vail and representatives of the Administration and Local 1206.  The Committee members have sought answers to questions concerning math formulas being used, vocabulary words such as illustrative, explanation of baseline used in 1998 and the fact that we are self funded and not self insured.  Discussions also took place on Blue Cross/ Blue Shield fees, stop loss caps and other rates. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14.  It is hoped that the needed information will be made available at that time.

President Boland stated that the Committee will look into the following-

            * our plan design and changes that can be made

            * Aetna and Geisinger to make presentations

            *investigate the possibility of offering more of a menu

            *ask the Board to increase their contribution

The Insurance Committee will report their findings to the Executive Committee.

Under New Business, Pat Festa gave a report of the AFT-PA Executive Council Meeting held in November.  At this meeting, President Ted Kirsch appointed Rosemary Boland as an Executive Vice-President at large of the AFT-PA.  Mr. Festa gave reports on the TABOR Bill and distributed letters to be sent to state representatives concerning opposition to this bill.  Committee members were told to tell Building Representatives to collect signed letters and return them to the SFT office for mailing.

A motion was made by Mary Silvi and seconded by Kathy Waltz to donate $75.00 to each of the 2 nursing homes sponsored by the SFT Retirees in their holiday project.  The motion passed and a check would be sent to Cheryl Frantz.

Discussion of teachers volunteering for multiple after school activities was discussed as a possible dangerous precedent.

Paraprofessional contracts are now ready and will be distributed.

In other New Business, Judy Vitris and Amy Trapani, paraprofessional representatives on the Executive Committee, will be at the upcoming Insurance Meeting.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 P.M.

 __________________________________________________________________

 Executive Committee Meeting – January 6, 2006

Executive Committee Meeting - March 1, 2006

Executive Committee Meeting – March 1, 2006

            The Executive Committee Meeting of the SFT held on March 1, 2006 was called to order at 4:00 P.M. by Rosemary Boland.

            Members present: R. Boland, J. Gammaitoni, P. Festa, M. Loftus, K. Waltz, P. McDonough, J. Vitris, J. Voyt, D. Walter, J. Baldauff, A. Trapani, G. Mulrine, K. Opshinsky, T. Moreken, M. Byron, M. Wazowicz, K. Kays, J. Gatelli. K. Beckwith, B. Montgomery, excused M. Silvi.

            Mr. McDonough asked those present to review the minutes of the previous meeting, J. Baldauff made a motion to amend the minutes to add the following:

A resolution made by J. Baldauff and seconded by D. Walter that read- Be it resolved that Article IV, Section 3 of the SFT Constitution be amended as Article IV, Section 3e to read as follows – The Executive Committee be charged with the responsibility for the SFT Newsletter.  Each SFT Newsletter shall be presented to the Executive Committee, by the editor for discussion and approved before distribution to the general membership.  Be it further resolved that the Executive Committee shall review the SFT Newsletter for its content but will not edit nor censor any article as submitted by the editor.  The Executive Committee shall only vote whether or not to approve the Newsletter, as written, for distribution to the general membership.  On the vote – Yes – J. Baldauff, J. Gatelli.

No – J. Gammaitoni, P. Festa, P. McDonough, M. Loftus, A, Trapani, K. Waltz, K. Kays, D. Walter, K. Beckwith, M. Byron, T. Moreken, M. Silvi, M. Wazowicz, K. Opshinsky, J. Vitris. The resolution was defeated.

            A motion to accept the corrected minutes was passed unanimously.

            Mr. McDonough submitted a Treasurer’s Report (on file in the SFT office) for review.  Mr. McDonough reported on the fees for Mr. David Naeher as requested at the previous Executive Board Meeting.  He further reported Mr. Naeher’s fee for quarterly tax reports and payrolls will be $500.00 for the year. A motion was made by P. Festa and seconded by M. Wazowicz to accept Mr. Naeher’s fee.  Motion carried with a unanimous vote.

The Executive Committee Meeting was temporarily adjourned at 4:10 P.M.

            The Political Action meeting (COPE) was called to order at 4:11 P.M. Mr. McDonough reported on correspondence from the Scranton Central Labor Union. Mr. Jim Byrnes sent the recent Mellow letter to all the Unions in the SCLU.  Mr. McDonough has received requests from various political candidates for contributions (event tickets).  He noted the need for a working COPE Committee.  There is a COPE fund with money for these requests.  Gary Mulrine was appointed Chairman of the COPE Committee.  He will seek members for this Committee.  Also, G. Mulrine made a motion, seconded by P. Festa to give permission to spend $100.00 on candidates seeking political office who have shown interest and have connections to education and who will support unions and educational issues.  Tickets for these events will be available at the office for members.  After discussion, this motion was passed unanimously.

A candidate’s forum was discussed with the idea of developing a list of questions by the COPE Committee for use in determining the SFT’s backing for office seekers.

The COPE meeting was adjourned at 4:30P.M.

The Executive Committee meeting reconvened at 4:30 P.M.

            Under Old Business, President Boland discussed the Mifflinburg issue. On February 27, Attys. Tom Jennings, Mark Gelman, Harry McGrath, the Arbitrator, John Vail, R. Boland, and P. McDonough met at 10:00 A.M. at the Administration Building.  Atty. Tom Jennings completed his presentation to the Arbitrator.  Atty. McGrath was not prepared to present one of the issues at this time.  On Friday, March 3, Atty. McGrath, R. Boland and P. McDonough will meet at 3:30 P.M. at the Administration Building and will have a conference call to Philadelphia where Atty. Jennings, Gelman and the Arbitrator will be present to hear Atty. McGrath’s presentation.  The Executive Committee will be kept informed of further developments.

            A visiting delegation of Ann Kennedy, Evelyn Fontanella, Debbie Zanghi and Maribeth Valvano expressed their concerns on the Mifflinburg issue.  During their 30 minute stay, President Boland informed them that on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 4:00 P.M. at Scranton High School, a special meeting will be held on Mifflinburg.  Atty.