Congratulations to Greg Beyer our new SVFT Treasurer-The results of the Treasurer run-off election 2/20/09 are posted on the members only page.
School VisitsSo far the SVFT leadership has visited Wright, Norwich and OBrien. Other scheduled visits (Wilcox, Goodwin) had to be canceled because of unforeseen circumstances at the schools. We are waiting until the last minute to confirm the visit and appreciate your flexibility. The budget process and political activity impedes our ability to make long range plans at this time. We will visit all the schools this spring and hold a union meeting as soon as the student day has ended.
SVFT BudgetThe 2009-2010 budget will be prepared at a Budget Committee Meeting on 2/24 and presented to the Executive Council at the March meeting for review and approval. The proposed budget will then be presented to the membership at the General Membership meeting on May 21.
Governor Rell's Budget Proposa Consolidates CTHSS with Community Collegesl 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. Our lobbyist, Jenifer Berigan of AFT-Ct. has been keeping us informed as the budget process works its way through the Legislature. At this time it seems that this proposal does not have much traction in the House or Senate. The SVFT is neither in favor of nor opposed to the concept and we cannot take a stand without knowing more details.
On Thursday, 2/19 Rick gave testimony at the 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. Rick reviewed the articulated agreements that already exist between the V-T schools and the community colleges. Ellis Tech and Quinnibaug C.C. enjoy a very successful relationship, but each relationship is different there is less consistency among the community colleges than in the V-T schools.
New SVFT Leadership Training Program The course is filled, but all those who expressed an interest will be accommodated in the 2009-2010 school year.
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. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS MAY 15, 2009.
Teacher of the Year - All schools should be in the process of selecting the 2010 teacher of the year. As soon as the vote is finalized, please contact the SVFT (Pat Keavney) with the name of the winner. All voting must be concluded by March 13 and Central Office must be notified of the winner by that date.