Election for Treasurer- The SVFT membership elected Edward Leavy, Jr. Executive Union Representative November 12 to replace Ed Lang whose resignation was effective 11/12/08. The treasurers position is vacant due to Ed Levys requirement to resign as treasurer. The Executive Committee and the Executive Council have approved a special election to elect a new treasurer. The timelines are published in the December Vocational Instructor. Nominations close January 9. The election is February 11, 2008.
Budget Cuts - Many members do not have their correct mailing addresses or e-mail addresses on file at the SVFT office. This means they do not receive any information sent from the SVFT office. With huge budget cuts looming it is very important that we are able to contact our members and mobilize quickly and efficiently. Having your e-mail address on file will enable us to keep you informed and it will enable you to quickly respond to legislative action by taking advantage of the Action Alert system. Dont be left out send your email address to the SVFT office. If you have moved recently make sure we have your correct home address.
Retirement Information - Many members have called the office with questions about retirement. We have limited information to share and cannot estimate for you what your benefits might be. The number for State of CT retirement information is 860-702-3490.
Teacher Certification- The State Department of Education is examining certification regulations for Connecticuts teachers. The AFT placed an article on its website with information about the proposals and a web form where teachers can comment on the certification regulations.Click here for the AFT web site.
Anomaly Pay- Members receiving this payment should expect to see it in the November 20 paycheck. If you have questions call the SVFT office.
Degree Scale Stipend- According to Central Office the degree scale stipends will be in the paycheck dated December 19, 2008.The list of those eligible has been sent to SVFT. If you have questions about your eligibility call the SVFT office or Linda Jakab at Central Office.
State Board of Ed News- The State Board of Education met on December 3. Vice-President Pat Keavney delivered prepared remarks urging the board to consider other budget savings options other than the closing of Wright Tech. The board did vote to close Wright, stating that it was suspending it for two years, not closing it. They did not however put any funds in the budget to maintain the building or to begin recruitment in 2010 so there might actually be students in the building when it reopened. The SVFT leadership is working hard to prepare for a long fight to keep Wright Tech opened. On Tuesday, 12/9 we will meet with Jennifer Berigan, our lobbyist to prepare a plan of action so we can hit the ground running on January 7, 2009 when the legislature reconvenes. Work will begin on an Action Alert so members can use that tool to quickly and easily contact their representatives to voice support for Wright Tech and our brother and sister union members in that building. Wright Tech will no doubt be a major topic at the Labor Management meeting on Friday, 12/12.
Committee Assignments- Due to the resignation of Ed Lang and election of Ed Leavy two vacancies occurred on the Grievance & Arbitration Committee. Henry McMillian, rep at Prince and Janice Hochadel, rep at Wright have been appointed to fill those vacancies until June, 2009.