Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

As we begin 2008, I trust we will continue to work together on issues of concern, and bring about the changes we know are necessary for both the students and the teachers of this district.  In order to accomplish the desired results, the work must be done cooperatively, collaboratively and with an understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  We must recognize, appreciate and allow for differences of opinion, but we cannot allow individual agendas to overshadow what the union is working on for the good of all.

It was not my intent to begin an article for the New Year with a less than optimistic tone, and on a personal level, I remain very hopeful that the work we have set into motion will obtain positive outcomes for our members on a number of issues.  However, I am increasingly concerned that across a few of our buildings, the discontent felt by some of our members (with District decisions, Central Administrators’ actions, and/or MTA opinions) has led to very serious breaches of professional conduct. This must stop!  We cannot condone members who choose to act against one another or against the union because in doing so serious divisions are created that erode not only the working relationships in individual buildings, but also the work of our union.

We will not accomplish the goals ahead when the membership is splintered. If we have members who think there are gains to be made by ignoring contract language in order to acquiesce to an administrator’s pleas, or who think it is okay to make personal deals, or who individually report to building administrators, central administrators, and/or Board members–they are sadly mistaken, and their actions seriously compromise the rights of their colleagues to have the union represent their concerns.

As mentioned in previous newsletters this year, we must be mindful of how we treat each other and we should strive to follow a code of conduct that establishes an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; thereby allowing members to feel safe and speak freely.  We must agree to not just listen to each other, but to hear one another’s thoughts and opinions, while recognizing that ultimately, common ground must be achieved and be in alignment with our collective bargaining agreement.

I urge all of you, in the remaining months of school, to try in some way to become more involved with the MTA and learn what it means to be a union member.  Attend an MTA building meeting or come to a Rep Council meeting at the union office–both offer a great deal of information and insight regarding what is taking place district-wide and what your union is doing.  We have a number of ways to participate in very productive MTA activities this spring (Scholarship Selection Committee, Budget Mailing Committee, Meet the Candidates Night).  Come out and meet colleagues from other schools, volunteer an hour or so and get to know your union.

Although games may be played around us, as your union, we constantly work to combat and resolve the accompanying issues, and I know that many individuals have expressed deep appreciation for the time and effort put forth by the union to rectify wrongs or attain desired results.  Many members have benefited from the work done on their behalf and although it is often done on a private and individual basis, the collective gains have been quite positive. We need members who have experienced the benefits of union membership to be speaking up and sharing with others!  We do have strengths to build upon, and it is imperative to have those messages conveyed.

Additionally, we need to be looking toward the future in terms of member participation and leadership, but these are such large topics they must be reserved for a future issue.  However, the planning begins now!  We need members to seriously consider running for building rep positions, attending NYSUT’s Summer Leadership Conference in August, stepping up to the negotiations plate (planning begins in fifteen months), or running for officer positions as they become available.

Our time is too valuable and our work is too important to be consumed by game-playing.  It’s bad enough that it happens all around us–we must not allow it to happen among us.

As a Tier 4 member of TRS I realize that I need 20 years of service in order to receive 2% per year rather than 1 2/3% per year.  Since I started teaching mid-year do the 20 years need to be 20 full school years?  You are not required to have 20 full school years.  The 20 years of credited service might be fulfilled on the 20th anniversary of your start date, provided you did not have any leaves of absence during that time.

My probationary period will end prior to the end of the school year.  When do I start to receive the tenure increment?  You are eligible to start receiving the tenure increment on the first day that your tenure is effective.  If the effective date is during the school year, the increment will be pro-rated based upon the number of days that remain in the school year.

During 2008 I want to enroll my family in the voluntary family vision plan.  Do I apply for the coverage through the MTA Benefit Fund?  No, the voluntary family vision plan, with an annual premium of $230, is handled by the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust.  You can either download the application from the NYSUT website or call (800-626-8101) and ask to speak with Tammy Ross.

Can teaching assistants be covered by the NYSUT Legal Service Plan?  They can, but not through the Benefit Fund.  TAs and nurses who wish to be covered by the NYSUT plan can enroll in the plan by contacting NYSUT Member Benefits Trust (800-626-8101).  At this time the annual premium is $70.

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

by Gary Day

As we reach the half-way point of the school year it is a good time to reflect on what type of union member each of us is.  NYSUT President Emeritus Tom Hobart always stated that there is more to being a good union member than paying your dues and either complaining or encouraging from the sidelines.  Hobart annually asked the membership 3 questions:

1. Have you contributed to Vote/Cope during this school year?
2. Have you voted in all general elections as well as the school board elections?
3. Have you volunteered for at least 1 hour for the local during this school year?

If you answered YES to all 3 questions that’s great!  Keep up the good work!  If you answered NO to any of the questions there is still plenty of time to improve during this school year.  Consider trying some of the following: sign up for payroll deduction for Vote/Cope; vote in the school board election on May 20th; cast your ballot during the February 5th presidential primary; help out during the budget / board election mailing committee; act as an election chairperson in your building; be part of the MTA water stop at the Classic 10K race; become part of you building’s SIT; place your name on the ballot for a union position in the MTA elections this May.

NYSTRS expected to begin mailing of the annual edition of your personalized Benefit Profile in early January. It will take 4-6 weeks to complete the mailing of the approximately 270,000 Benefit Profiles.

This year’s statement will report your pension-related information through June 30, 2007. The Profile will be mailed to NYSTRS members who had a date of membership before June 30, 2007 and were still in active status in the first quarter of the current school year.

The Profile is an essential retirement-planning tool. Review it closely to verify your salary and service credit information – the basis for your NYSTRS benefits – have been correctly reported by your employers. If you notice an error, ask your employer to correct the records and to submit the revision to NYSTRS. Correcting any misinformation now will help expedite the processing of your benefits in the future.
The information you will find in your comprehensive Profile includes:

• Your earnings and service credit for the school year ended June 30, 2007;
• A complete service credit history;
• Projections of service retirement benefits under various scenarios;
• Descriptions of benefit payment options;
• Disability and death benefit projections;
• Your beneficiary information;
• A summary of your contributions and loan information, if applicable; and,
• Other important facts related to your NYSTRS membership.

If you do not receive your Profile by the end of February, contact the Retirement System at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6250.

by Lois Samsel-Cronk

I know I have said this in the past, but it is still true today.  The grievance committee has been very busy advocating the importance of our contract.  We need administrators and staff at the board office to understand that this a legal document agreed upon by the MTA and the district.  There is a real break down in the system when only the MTA is aware of its contents.  There are 4 members who were unable to have their salaries corrected and so we have a Stage 1b pending.  Another Stage 1b is for teachers who were asked to teach a 6th class instead of their duty.  Teachers have also been directed on how to use their prep period, so this will go to a Stage 1b.  The Stage 3 asking for an annual reporting of sick days will be presented to the board 1/17/08.  The other Stage 3 for payroll deductions was presented and we are waiting for a response.  We finally have a date for the coach’s evaluation grievance that went to arbitration.  No date has been set for the other grievance that went to arbitration regarding workers compensation.

by Kris Hanington

In November several staff members participated in a meatball cooking contest.  Tasters paid $5 each to taste and judge.  The final result was that Mauro Bruno got bragging rights as the favorite Mechanicstown meatball.  All proceeds went to the Elaine Halahan memorial fund.  Thank you Shannon Craig for organizing this event.

In December 16 staff members had a cookie swap.  We each baked about 10 dozen of 1 kind of cookie and shared 1/2 dozen with each of the other bakers.  We bring snacks and beverages and have a nice relaxing afternoon.  Thank you Julie Galdun for keeping this going.  In Elaine’s honor we gave a tin of the cookies to her family to enjoy.  Elaine helped start this wonderful tradition a few years ago.