Better Choices Rally-The Rally on Wed. 3/25 at the Capitol 4:30 PM was well attended. State employees rallied to convince the Governor and the Legislature that there are BETTER CHIOCES for our State Budget. Representing the SVFT were Rick Tanasi, Pat Keavney, Bob Bullard and Bruce Ejak.
School VisitsSo far the SVFT leadership has visited Wright, Norwich and OBrien, Prince and Cheney, Grasso, and Wilcox. The CAPT testing and the half days associated with that make scheduling after school union meetings with the SVFT officers difficult in March. 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.. Bullard-Havens is scheduled for 3/31.
SVFT Budget The 2009-2010 budget was prepared by the Budget Committee on 2/24 and approved by the Executive Committee March 6th. It was presented to the Executive Council on March 11th and approved. The proposed budget will be presented to the membership at the General Membership meeting on May 21.
Middle College System-Appears to have died a slow death in committee. Our hope is that Wright Tech will be a pilot in developing a relationship with Norwalk Community College.
Governor Rell's Budget and SEBAC Negotiations-The discussions and negotiations between the Governors office and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) are continuing after a break during which the Governor left the state on vacation. Small groups including Dan Livingston, the SEBAC chief negotiator are meeting. Rick is part of the larger group and they will convene on Friday, 3/28.
New Leadership TrainingThe course is filled, but all those who expressed an interest will be accommodated in the 2009-2010 school year. The classes began on Thur. 3/27 at 4:00pm. at the SVFT office.
Sick Bank Assesment The sick bank has been depleted and all members have been assessed one sick day to replenish it. An e-mail was sent from Linda Jakab to alert all members of the deduction. Questions about this can be answered by the officers.
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 - IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO RETIRE THIS YEAR BUT ARE WAITING TO PUT YOUR PAPER WORK IN BECAUSE OF ALL THE BUY-OUT RUMORS DONT DELAY. Karen Shaw has confirmed that you will be eligible for any incentive as long as your retirement date is within the incentive window. The number for State of CT retirement information is 860-702-3490. The Retirement Incentive Plan which was proposed is still being negotiated. There is no firm offer. The initial offer from the Governors office was for people in SERS (State Employee Retirement System) 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. Many certification renewals have already been processed. If you completed the paperwork and havent received yours start to inquire. Certification is your responsibility and this bulk submittal is merely a convenience.
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 have chosen their 2010 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to all. The 2010 teachers of the year will be honored by the union at a dinner on 5/7 at the Rocky Hill Marriott.Click here to see TOY recipients.