Wright Tech Rick Tanasi, SVFT President and Pat Keavney, SVFT Vice-President attended a meeting on Monday, 2/4 at the office of Lt. Governor, Michael Fedele. The meeting was called by the Stamford delegation of State representatives to discuss Wright Tech. Representing Stamford were: Jim Shapiro, of the 144th. District, William Tong, of the 147th. District, Carlo Leone, of the 148th. District, and Cristel Truglia, of the 145th district. Also present were, John Condlin, President and C.E.O. of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, Frank Maccio, President of the Wright Tech Alumni and Advisory Group, the VT sub committee of the State Board along with Abigail Hughes, Ann Druzlowski, Tom Murphy, and Nick Spera, all representing Central Office. Dr. Levinson, President of Norwalk Community College accompanied representative Tong. John Bruno, President of the Administrators Union and Sid Abromowicz, Principal of Wright were also there. It was a large group and at times the discourse bordered on becoming contentious. The Stamford delegation is seeking time to study the options for Wright Tech, explore and exchange ideas for its future. They expressed concern over the minimum set for recruitment (112) for the class of 2012, a number that represents a 73% increase and seems difficult to achieve, at best. Representative Tong asked for clarification and for more time to explore all options and models that might work for the population he represents. He suggested a partnership with Norwalk Community College. Don Cooligan, President of the VT subcommittee became irate and asked if Rep. Tong wanted to run that school . Mr. Tong replied that he already had a job and was doing that job now right now! It was an interesting exchange that could have gone on longer but the Lt. Governor had another meeting. Rick and Pat met informally with the Stamford delegation after the meeting and committed the energy and resources of the Union to this exploration. We are hopeful that future meetings will take place quickly and we have offered to host the first one to kick things off.
Labor Management - The next Labor-Management meeting will be held on February 8 at Central Office. Representing the SVFT will be the officers, Rick Tanasi, Pat Keavney, Ed Lang, and Ed Leavy. Additional Committee Members in attendance will be Jean Ann Buck, English Teacher at Kaynor and Daniel Thibault, Collision Repair Department Head at Wolcott. Our agenda items will be sent to Central Office by February 1 and publicized shortly after.
Outreach - The first meeting of the newly formed Outreach Committee took place at the SVFT office on 1/24 at 4:00. Members who volunteered to serve on that committee are: John Kraigenow, Ed Leavy, Linda DeSousa, Ed DeSousa, Kevin Bendell and Bob Bullard. An action plan was developed. . Most recently Pat wrote a letter to the editor which appeared on 2/4/08 in the Waterbury Republican-American. John Kraigenow also wrote to the editor of the Waterbury paper as well as the Danbury paper so be on the look out for his letters. Look for more details in the February Vocational Instructor.
School Visits - Rick and Pat are visiting all of the Title I schools within the next few weeks to explore the unique issues facing these schools as they prepare to begin CAPT. So far they have visited Prince (1/17), Eli Whitney (1/24), E.C. Goodwin (1/28), Wright Tech (1/30) and Bullard-Havens (2/5). Common concerns in the schools revolve around staff morale and feelings of insecurity. The frequent changes and top-down management style have left teachers feeling disenfranchised and stressed. It is enormously satisfying to visit shops and classrooms and see the wonderfully creative work being done. Students are engaged and productive.
Exploratory Program Survey- The survey has ended and the results are being analyzed. They will be published shortly. In short, those who responded were opposed to shortening the phase 1 and phase 2 exploratory cycles. While visiting the schools, Pat and Rick asked several students for their opinions as well and were not surprised to hear that the students are not in favor of shortening the cycles either.
Sabbatical Applications Available Contact Pat Ciccone at Central Office. Deadline for completed application is March 27, 2008. There is a voluntary technical assistance session scheduled for February 22, 2008; again you must contact Pat Ciccone if you wish to attend.
Survey Committee Formed- The Council approved the formation of a Survey Committee to formulate the topics and questions of future surveys. Members who have volunteered to serve on this committee are Marco Kinsella, Bristol Tech, Ed Leavy, Bullard-Havens and SVFT Treasurer, and Will Arpaia, Wilcox and SVFT Communications Coordinator. If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact Pat Keavney at the SVFT office ASAP.
SVFT to host "OPEN HOUSE" On Friday, February 8 from 3p.m. to 6 p.m. at the new office location. Everyone is welcome to see the new office, chat with friends and enjoy refreshments.Response to this invitation has been slow; it looks as if everyone is very busy this time of year! Please RSVP to Irene Sheades (800-378-8020) if you plan to attend.