GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

September 4th, 2012

Agenda/Purpose
Introductions: Jim introduced the members of the bargaining team: Aaron Sheposh (MEA Uniserv),

Lisa Welch (Greivance Chair), Deb Lotan (MEA Intern), Tina Harma (Secretary), Renee Dutcher (Middle School Teacher), Keith Kindred (Vice-President ) and Emily Towlerton (Elementary Teacher, not present due to maternity leave). Jim gave an overview of the meeting: Bargaining Support Team Dues Deduction information Negotiations Overview Calendar Explanation Teacher Evaluation Process Legislative Impact- 1040 and others ORS (Office of Retirement Services) information

Bargaining Support Team

Introduction of committee Jake Sayraf: representative member explained the purpose was to initially get the members organized when it looked like there would not be a contract. The walk was organized by the committee. The gathering was very important to showing the support of the members. Committee goals and purpose: Going forward, the committee will work to mobilize the members and organize events. Upcoming events that will get members involved in the union.

Dues Deductions
Payroll deduction will continue through district The SLEA opted out of e-dues with the MEA. No deductions will be taken from the first paycheck (this Friday). MEA records on file
It was important that we collected the information because the law may have

prohibited the district from collecting dues. We also may not have had a contract. Status of information The forms that members complete were destroyed and the information was placed in a secure data bank.

New rates for 2012/2013 and beyond Handout with new rates: (dues chart was passed out to the members)
Voted and approved by MEA members

Negotiations Overview
Spring/Summer recap Thanks for support
The team appreciated the extra meals during negotiations. The Walk of Support was effective and made an impact. Both of these sent a message to the membership that we are unified and supportive of

the team.

Impact of legislation It was difficult to negotiate with all of the changes in legislation. There really wasnt a lot of movement with the administration until SB 1040 was passed. T.A. timeline Today: Governor signs HB1040 into law Today: Present TA to Executive Board Tomorrow: Hard copy w/changes in mailboxes of members Thursday: Present changes/overview to general membership Wednesday: Electronic voting opens Friday: Electronic voting closes at 4:30 p.m.

Calendar Explanation
August 6th start date
Why start so late?
Since there was no agreement reached in June, the district decided to

impose the calendar for the month of September with a start date of September 4.
Why did teachers report/not report early?
At the point that the negotiation team had come to a TA in principle, some

teachers were able to report and earn extra money. E-mails were sent and phone calls were made to let those impacted know that it was their choice to report.
Ramifications for later in year?

The imposition of the calendar caused the student school year to be shortened by 2 days. Those days had to be made up. Therefore, the winter break will follow the Oakland Schools calendar, which is only 8 days this year. The break will begin on December 21st, and members will return on January 3.

Retirement Legislation
Summary of Senate Bill 1040
Handout available/ORS website A handout was given to members with an explanation of the option. Members will need to log onto the website and choose their plan. (Linked to www.southlyonea.com) Members will NOT be able to make changes later. Once a choice is made, the member will stay with that choice for their career. Members need their member number from the ORS to set up an account. If a person doesnt have their number, it will take 5 days for the ORS to process and give the number to members. DONT WAIT TO GET YOUR NUMBER! Get your number now! The deadline is October 26.
Healthcare Election/ Pension Election/New Hires All elections must be made by October 26. Sign up into miAccount now!!! (See the website for the link.) Retirement sessions will be held locally. Retirement and SB1040: Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at Oakland ISD, RSVP to dlenz@mea.org SB 1040 and YOUR Retirement: Make an Informed Choice! The meeting will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at West Bloomfield High School Media Center. Register at: http://oaklandcc1040meeting.eventbrite.com More meeting dates may be coming.

This affects everyone!!!

Teacher Evaluation
Will be presented to staff on Wednesday Jim Brennan and Lisa Welch met with Melissa Baker to get an explanation of the process. This is an overview. Ramifications for members Operating under new legislation

Tenure is still in effect. It impacts how you are evaluated. Everyone will be evaluated this year.

Probationary Teachers/Tenured Teachers on IDPs

2 walkthroughs (min. 10-15 minutes in classroom) 3 observations (min. 30 minutes in classroom) Mid-year progress report Final Assessment on May 1st

Tenure Teachers

1 observation (min. of 30 minutes in classroom) 2 walkthroughs (min. of 10-15 minutes in classroom) Mid-year progress report if minimally effective or ineffective

Evaluation language for the grading system

Highly Effective, Effective, Minimally Effective, Ineffective

Our rights

Members can have a post observation meeting to discuss the scores that were given. Members are evaluated based on the time that the principal is in the room.

Member responsibilities

Keep the SLEA updated on how your evaluations are going and if you feel that you are being rated unfairly. Let us know about the process so that we can share ideas or concerns with Melissa Baker.

Moving forward
2 year contract proposed We will be negotiating our next contract in a year. It is important that all members are informed, active, involved membership for entire contract Committee members (information forthcoming)

All members are encourage to come to the beginning of the SLEA Executive Board meetings are participate in committee work.

SLEA activities The members did a great job bringing supplies to the Farmers Market and participating in the Walk of Support. Community presence The SLEA is working to develop a presence in the community and make people aware of the work that teachers are doing.

PAC drive Biggest election coming up and it is important that members participate in the PAC Drive. School Board elections We will be recommending candidates for the school board elections. State elections Members need to help protect our bargaining rights. One way that this can be done is by voting to include the right to bargain in the constitution of Michigan. Flip the ballot
Encourage people to turn over the ballot and complete the flip side that has the Protect our Jobs Will be asking members to complete commitment cards that say that people will support the initiative.