The MTA Benefit Fund will be holding its annual “Will Day” on October 18th at the MTA office. This event gives all teacher participants in the MTA Benefit Fund an opportunity to meet with an attorney from the law firm of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco, P.C., the service provider for the NYSUT Legal Service Plan since 1980. During the meeting with the attorneys, participants can complete any or all of the parts of the Legal Security Package. The package includes a simple will, a power of attorney, and a living will. This benefit is available to all teacher participants and their spouse or domestic partner.

Reservations are required to meet with the attorneys. Completed reservations forms which have just been distributed or will be in the next few days must be returned to Donnalee Helhoski, Benefit Fund Chairperson at Mechanicstown. If you have any questions call the MTA Benefit Fund office at 344-2074.

Since we came back to school in September without a new contract settlement how will my salary be determined?
All provisions of the expired contract remain in force exclusive of any contract provisions that might have had a sunset clause. Your salary at the beginning of this year should be paid using the ’04 – ’05 salary schedule, but you would move up a step on the schedule if you are eligible and you will gain new longevities if you are in line to receive one for this school year. If you think that your pay is not correct, be sure to stop by the MTA office on Salary Verification Days.

The Legal Service Plan is for participants and their spouse or domestic partner. If I am single can I use the plan to have a will drawn up for my parent?
Our plan does not allow for services to be provided for parents. However, you can receive these services for parents if you opt for the Elder Law Plan. This plan costs $35 per year and allows your parent to complete one of the Legal Security Packages. This can even be done on the October 18th “Will Day”. To enroll your parent in this plan you must contact Feldman, Kramer & Monaco P.C. at 800-832-5182.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. Every question will receive a reply, and some may appear in future posts.

The negotiations process has continued throughout the summer and since the last update to our membership on June 17th, there have been three more formal megotiations sessions. The MTA Negotiations Team met with the District Team on July 12th, August 2nd, and August 8th.

In addition, the MTA Negotiations Committee has continued to work over the summer months. The committee has held six work sessions and will meet again on August 30th.

The next formal negotiations meeting will take place on September 20th.

Should it become necessary to call a General Membership meeting, the following dates have been reserved for the Monhagen auditorium:

Wednesday, Spetember 21
Wednesday, October 26
Thursday, November 17
Wednesday, December 21

All meetings would begin at 4:15 p.m.

The membership wll be updated as pertinent information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support!