Vote again Friday, 2/20/09-The election for SVFT Treasurer held on 2/10 resulted in the need for a run-off. This is not uncommon when there are so many candidates. The top vote-getters must participate in the run-off election. BE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE ON FRIDAY FOR EITHER WILL ARPAIA OR GREG BEYER.
Governor Rell's Budget Proposal In her budget address on 2/4 Governor Rell proposed the merger of the CTHSS with the Community Colleges forming the new Middle College System . This hybrid system would be governed by the Office of Workforce Competitiveness under the direction of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). The bill itself (#6370) contains very few details about the process, programs and procedures. On Wed. 2/11 Rick and Pat attended the Education Committee budget hearings at the L.O.B. during which Commissioner McQuillan presented his budget. No questions were raised by committee members about this proposed merger. In a conversation later, Rep. Andrew Fleishmann, House chair of the committee asked Pat and Rick for their concerns.
" On Thursday, 2/19 Rick will give testimony during Higher Education Committee hearings regarding a bill introduced by Rep. Carlo Leone (#5837). This bill calls for greater communication between the V-T schools and the technical colleges.
New SVFT Leadership Training Program A training program for members interested in union service will be offered at the SVFT office in Rocky Hill this spring.CLICK HERE This 15 hour course will be taught in 4 sessions: two after-school sessions from 4 7, one full-day (union leave provided), and one Saturday morning. AT THIS POINT WE HAVE HAD A VERY POSITIVE RESPONSE. WE DO NOT WANT TO DISSAPPOINT ANY INTERESTED MEMBER, we will plan to offer another course in the fall.
Seniority List Members have been calling the SVFT office to inquire about seniority. Click here for the link on our web site. You may copy the page(s) for your teaching area if necessary. THERE IS NO SENIORITY LIST FOR PART-TIME TEACHERS. Part-time teachers with questions about their seniority should review Article 11 of the Supplemental Agreement of the contract (page 97). All are encouraged to consult with your building rep. for clarification.
Retirement Information - The number for State of CT retirement information is 860-702-3490. The Retirement Incentive Plan proposed by the Governor is still being negotiated. There is no firm offer. The proposed R.I.P.(poor choice of abbreviation??) is for people who are already eligible to retire. The incentive (3 years right now) could be used ONLY if you had already attained the required age and years of service needed to retire. We will keep you informed as things develop.
Teacher Certification- Many members certifications are due for renewal in June, 2009. Superintendent Abigail Hughes has agreed to allow a bulk submission. If you are one of the affected teachers you should be hearing from the business office in your school shortly. If you are not contacted by them APPROACH THEM FOR INFORMATION. Certification is your responsibility and this bulk submittal is merely a convenience. The application for certification renewal is posted on the CTHSS internal web site available only from your school. If you have questions about the application process call Julie Gottlieb in Central Office.
Scholarship Applications - The 2009 SVFT Scholarship application is posted on our web site. CLICK HEREThe SVFT will be awarding nine - $1,000.00 student scholarships and one -$1,000.00 member grant, or two - $500.00 member grants. Don't hesitate, apply today.
Teacher of the Year - The process for selecting a teacher of the year from each technical high school should be getting underway in each building now. A packet of information including the guidelines and nomination form was sent to the T.O.Y. chairs (2008 Teachers of the Year) in each school. Questions about the process can be directed to the Linda DeSousa, SVFT secretary and T.O.Y. committee chair, or you may access information on the SVFT web site. To be eligible to be selected as Teacher of the Year you must:
*Hold a Connecticut teaching certificate
*Be a teacher in good standing, currently teaching
*Be a full-time, durational, or part-time teacher
*Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth
*Demonstrate a commitment to school improvement. All Teachers who meet the above criteria may be considered regardless of where or if they will be teaching next year.