February 8th, 2010

•  VO-TECH FORUM – SVFT would like to thank several members who gave testimony on Monday, February 1^st to the education co-chairs (Senator Gaffey and Representative Fleishmann) and numerous other legislators regarding the past budgetary neglect of the Vo-Tech system.  Members who participated included; Julie Marzano (LPN), John Sylvestre (Electrical DH, Grasso), Ed DeSousa (Masonry DH, Bullard-Havens), Eric Sawyer (Related DH, Abbott), Cathy Burnside (General DH, Grasso)

•  LPN PROGRAM – Gov Rell announced Nov 24^th that she is suspending the adult LPN programs.  We have been working daily to overturn that decision.  The cut affects 44 union members in 10 schools.

  • On Monday, February 1^st, Julie Marzano participated in the VoTech Forum at the legislative office building.  Please see the link on our homepage for more information.

  • Thursday, January 28^th all LPNs were assigned comparable positions under SEBAC 2009 agreement, adhering to the no layoff agreement

• BUDGET MEETING – The budget committee met on Tuesday, January 26^th, in which the proposed budget was passed unanimously.  The proposed budget will be voted upon at the February 10^th executive council meeting, and if approved the final vote will occur at the General Membership Meeting in May.  Please attend! See your building representative for more information.

• SEBAC (State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition) – SVFT leadership, along with other SEBAC leaders, and Dan Livingston (chief negotiator), met on January 28^th with representatives from the state.  Refer to SVFT’s homepage for up to date information as it develops.

• ELI WHITNEY RENOVATION – The movement to restore Eli Whitney to the bonded money list continues.  The staff at Whitney, with the support and attendance of the SVFT officers, held a legislative breakfast on 1/20/10 at Eli Whitney.  Please see the link on our homepage for more information.

• TEAM – New teachers who did not participate in BEST are required to complete the TEAM program to obtain Provisional certification.

  • Teachers who began August 2009 have been pulled from the Spring pilot program

  • ALL teachers who do not have Provisional Certification should have a mentor in their school, and the mentor will need to attend TEAM Mentor Update Training offered through the Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs).

  • For more information, please contact Kim Traverso at Central Office (860) 807-2208 or Kimberly.Traverso@ct.gov.

• SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED – On Wednesday, February 3^rd the State Board of Education announced the appointment of Pat Ciccone as superintendent.  Please join SVFT in congratulating Pat on her permanent position.

• RACE TO THE TOP – The Race to the Top fund provides educational grants to States that create conditions for educational changes. At a recent meeting a AFT-CT, it was suggested SVFT sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU)  in order to be allowed to participate in future program discussions.  If the union did not sign the MOU, there was a possibility that the union would not have input on future initiatives resulting in Race to the Top. Educational Commissioner Mark McQuillan has stated that the plan does not include a merit pay system.

• GREEN TECHNOLOGIES –Three schools [Grasso, Goodwin and Wolcott] have been selected to participate in a Weatherization and Green Technologies program.  The programs, funded by grants, will supply equipment and training for an after school adult educational program.  The equipment will be also be available for use by CTHSS students during the day.  Once proven successful, the plan is to expand the program into three additional schools next year.

• HEALTH & SAFETY VISIT –The next Health & Safety visit is scheduled for Monday, February 22^nd at Prince THS.  Please see your building representative if you have any health and safety concerns.  REMINDER, every school should have an in-house health and safety committee, which should review and address concerns.

•  EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING –Any member who has a question or concern should contact their building representative for discussion at the next Executive Council Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 10^th.  Please reference our web page for a synopsis of past meetings.

• WRIGHT TECH RENOVATIONS – Ad-Hoc committee meetings have been scheduled to develop a plan for Wright Tech in Stamford and make it a flagship technical high school.  At the next meeting (Feb 8^th) the committee plans to focus on identifying tracks, curriculum changes, “green” technology, partnerships, and existing shops that need to be refurbished.  Please see the Wright Tech link on our homepage for more details.