Seniority List Members have been calling the SVFT office to inquire about seniority. The link from the web site to the seniority list has been repaired. Click the refresh button on your browser when you access the link.if you are still unable to access it ask your building representatives to see the hard copy. You may copy the page(s) for your teaching area if necessary.
Election for Treasurer- The election for SVFT Treasurer will take place on February 11, 2009. The nomination period is from 12/11/08 through 3:00 P.M. 1/9/09. Watch for candidate statements which will be published in the January newsletter (available 1/14). Candidates may also post statements on the web site by contacting Will Arpaia at Comminications@SVFT.org.
Budget Cuts -The Connecticut General Assembly will convene on January 7, 2009 to debate the cost cutting proposals all departments have made. The CTHSS (Department of Education) submitted a proposal to close Wright Tech in June, 2009. The SVFT is mounting a vigorous campaign to fight this closing. Coalitions are being formed with other unions and letters of protest have already been sent to the Governor, Lt. Governor, all the Stamford area legislators, legislative leaders, and the chairs of the Education Committee. On 12/23 Rick Tanasi and Pat Keavney met with a coalition of other union leaders. Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy and Stamford Chamber of Commerce President Jack Condlin were part of the group. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled shortly in Mayor Malloys office.
Retirement Information - Many members have called the office with questions about retirement. We have limited information to share and cannot estimate for you what your benefits might be. The number for State of CT retirement information is 860-702-3490.
Teacher Certification- Many members certifications are due for renewal in June, 2009. Superintendent Abigail Hughes has agreed to allow a bulk submission. We will keep you informed as the process for this is confirmed.
Top Step Bonus- Teachers on the top step of the salary schedule will receive a $750.00 lump sum bonus payable in the first pay period of January, 2009. Watch for this payment in the 1/18/09 or 1/29/09 pay.
Committee Assignments- Due to the resignation of Ed Lang and election of Ed Leavy two vacancies occurred on the Grievance & Arbitration Committee. Henry McMillian, rep at Prince and Janice Hochadel, rep at Wright have been appointed to fill those vacancies until June, 2009.
Scholarship Applications - The 2009 SVFT Scholarship application is posted on our web site. CLICK HERE>The 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.
Teacher of the Year - The process for selecting a teacher of the year from each technical high school should be getting underway in each building now. A packet of information including the guidelines and nomination form was sent to the T.O.Y. chairs (2008 Teachers of the Year) in each school. Questions about the process can be directed to the Linda DeSousa, SVFT secretary and T.O.Y. committee chair, or you may access information on the SVFT web site.