School VisitsSo far the SVFT leadership has visited Wright, Norwich and OBrien. We are scheduled to visit Prince on 3/3, Cheney on 3/9, and Wilcox on 3/16. 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.
SVFT Budget the 2009-2010 budget was prepared by the Budget Committee on 2/24 and will be presented to the Executive Committee March 6th and the Executive Council on March 11th 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 and SEBAC NegotiationsThe discussions and negotiations between the Governors office and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) are continuing. Rick is part of this and he met on Thur. 2/26 until 3 a.m. and again on Sat. 3/1 for 11 hours. The session that was schedule for Tuesday 3/3 has been canceled as the State reviews SEBACs offer. Updates of these negotiations are posted on the members only section of our web site and can be accessed by clickinghere.
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.