The meeting was called to order by President John Shanagher at 3:50. Representatives from Brown and Brown, our health insurance brokers, spoke to the council about a flexible spending account. If you choose to enroll, you are allowed to put aside pre-tax dollars to cover your non-eligible insurance costs. You can enroll for this Jan. to July time frame up to a maximum of &1000.00. There will be an open enrollment in the spring for the July 2012 to July 2013 time frame. You will be allowed up to $2000.00. There will be an email sent out with details as well as a meeting to further explain this on Wed. Dec.14th at the middle school.
John reminded us to please send any BEA related issues to the BEA website and not through school email. Mr. Bing has invited the BEA executive council to his strategic planning meeting next Monday. We will keep you informed. Please remember to discuss your building’s holiday plans to assist our disadvantaged students at our next rep council meeting in Jan. and we thank you, as always, for your generosity.
Lou reminded the council to send any new teachers’ membership forms to him at the high school. He also asked for ideas for our March general meeting (the big sandwich meeting). Please email them to the BEA website.
The November council meeting minutes were approved.
The October and November treasurer’s reports were approved.
Esther requested that after reading the townwide liaison minutes, you inform her of the outcomes. It is important to know if administrators are following through on what they say will happen. She also distributed several handouts about state educational reforms.
Esther and Christine attended committee meetings. Christine informed us that the NJEA passed their audit and they also discussed dues.
In old business, John informed us that the BEA suite at the teacher’s convention was well attended. A council member inquired about the Franklin teacher’s room. It is going to townwide liaison. A council member said that some teachers were informed that Mr. Bing and five others would be visiting teacher classrooms. John is prepared to file a grievance if the contract language as well as the settlement of the grievance on this matter are not followed. Amanda reported that you can send student groups to the Livingston Mall for the Pride Expo to conduct performances or demonstrations. They will be bussed by the district. It is on a first come basis, however, so let Amanda know if you are interested.
There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gail Turner, Secretary
BLOOMFIELD ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING