Report to Membership 2007-2008

(per Article VIII, Section I of GTA Constitution)

·         Finalized and distributed copies of contract and constitution to all members.  Thanks to our negotiators who spent countless hours not only in negotiations but in reviewing the final product—Audrey Fischer, Kay Johnson, Jen Kuzmich, Sue Roods, Cathleen Zebrowski, and Jan Zurbrugg.

·         Adopted a budget for the 2007-2008 and the 2008-2009 fiscal year.  Special thanks to our Treasurer, Dan Fischer and the Executive Committee for keeping us within our budget.

·         Grievances:  Coaching, Involuntary Transfer, and Posting.  A special thanks to Audrey Amico for her proficient and professional handling of these grievances.

·         Member Communications:

o        Created and went live with GTA website— www.gcsta.org.  Thanks to Christine Belden our “webmaster” and committee members Mary Barnhart and Jan DuPuis.

o        Regular email messages to membership

o        Started the 10-Minute Meeting in each building to supplement bi-monthly membership meetings

·         A committee was formed to work with administration on “What’s Next” for Learning Communities.  Thanks to Steve Blake, Hillary Fiske, Betsy Foote, and Lonnie Rasmussen.

·         Annual review of Professional Development Plan with administration.  Thanks to Deb DeSacia, Dawn Kirk, Cheryl Record who were part of this committee.

·         Regular attendance at Board of Education meetings.  Thanks to all who attended, particularly the Executive Committee who each went to at least one meeting.

·         Re-activated the Mentor / Professional Partners Program.  Thanks to Darcy Weeden and Cathleen Zebrowski for working with administration to get this up and running again.

·         Organized the following events:

o        GTA Informational Meeting at New Teacher Orientation

o        Holiday Party – Amy Sorbera

o        Drivers Education Workshop – Darcy Weeden & Brady Waite

o        Retirement Workshop – Karen Waters

o        New Teacher/Tenure/Contract Celebration

o        NYSUT Celebrate the Teacher in You Conference

·         Worked with an interim superintendent and participated in the process of hiring a new superintendent.  Thanks to all who participated in this process.

·         Handled numerous individual issues.

·         Executive Committee Members attended summer training and NYSUT’s Fall Leadership Conference

·         School Budget “Reminder to Vote” post cards created and mailed to NYSUT members in our district.  Thanks to those who supplied pictures of their children.

·         Formed a committee to resolve Coaching Evaluation process

·         Pedagogical Scholarships and Good Works Fund awards chosen and distributed.

·         Representation at NYSUT’s Educational District (ED) 10 Meetings—Delegate, Katrina Williams, and alternate, Jan Zurbrugg

·         Representation at NYSUT’s Committee of 100 – Mary Barnhart

·         Representation and hosted the quarterly Washington County Negotiators’ Meeting

·         Ratified a one-year contract extension

2008-2009 – What’s to come….

·         Participate in the process of finding a new High School Principal

·         Contract negotiation preparation  Contract expires June 2010.

See that the Mentor / Professional Partners Program continues