AFT Convention - Eleven SVFT delegates attended the convention in Chicago July 10-14. Elections for AFT officers took place on Sunday and Randi Weingarten was elected to replace retiring AFT President Edward McElroy. Our own Sharon Palmer, President of AFT-CT, was elected to serve as an AFT Vice-President. Watch for the SVFT delegates summaries in the next edition of the Vocational Instructor which will be distributed Sepetember 10th.
Meeting with Education Commissioner - Rick and Pat met with Commissioner of Education Mark McQuillan on Thursday, 8/28 to discuss the goals we set last year at the retreat with CTHSS leadership. SVFT officers made a clear and assertive appeal that the assistant superintendent hired to replace Ann Druzlowski be a person with trade, industrial and technological background. The commissioner encouraged a continuation of efforts to improve communication/dialogue between SVFT and CTHSS leadership.
Teacher of the Year- Jim Gallo, Carpentry Department Head at Ellis Tech, has been chosen the CTHSS Teacher of the Year. Congratulations Jim! Look for a biographical article on Jim in the September Newsletter.
New Teacher Orientation- The SVFT officers attended New Teacher Orientation on 8/20. Sixty-seven teachers were made aware of the many benefits of union membership. Ed Leavy, SVFT Treasurer outlined the dues structure and Rick Tanasi, SVFT President encouraged each new teacher to get involved in union work. USB drives, pre-loaded with the SVFT contract and other documents, were distributed to the new teachers. They were very appreciative for the warm welcome from the union. A majority of them signed membership cards on the spot.
Wright Tech - At its September 3 meeting the State Board of Education will hear a proposal to adopt the Early College Model for J.M. Wright Tech in partnership with Norwalk Community College. SVFT officers will be present and will report to you on the outcome of that meeting.
Political Action Committee- is scheduled to meet on 9/3 to review the questionnaires which were returned during the summer months. Decisions will be made about which candidates to endorse and to whom we will donate the PAC money. These committee decisions will be brought before the Executive Council as recommendations and the Council will make the final decision on whom to endorse and support.
School Visits- Rick and Pat are currently scheduling school visits to touch base with all the reps. and all of the new teachers. Each school will be contacted as soon as the visit is scheduled.
Health & Safety- the first health and safety visit will take place on September 22 at Abbott Tech.