Budget vote and Board of Ed elections:
posted 5.7.12
It is extremely important that we all vote to support our school's budget, especially if you live in the Minisink district. We are looking at no layoffs and replacing positions being vacated due to retirements. If the budget is defeated next week we can be sure that will change.
The MVTA action committee interviewed all seven of the candidates running for a BOE position. They then met with the executive committee to go over the interviews. It was decided that the MVTA will be endorsing the following candidates:
Paul Rickard
Tom Salamone
Kathy DeRose
Catherine Prezioso
Unfortunately the soonest we could get the budget/BOE endorsement signs
delivered is this Friday
(5/11). It is very important that we get these signs out before the weekend. I know this may be problematic since I don’t have an exact time for the delivery. As soon as they come in I will drop off 50 to each building.
(5/11). It is very important that we get these signs out before the weekend. I know this may be problematic since I don’t have an exact time for the delivery. As soon as they come in I will drop off 50 to each building.
I urge all MVTA members and their families to support both the budget
and the candidates receiving our endorsement. We need to stay strong
and united during these difficult times.
Contract negotiators for next year:
posted 5.7.12
Below is a list of people that notified me about running for a negotiating position. The HS, ES/IS, and OTIS positions are uncontested. Therefore, those people automatically have those positions. The MS has two people running so we will have to hold an election for the MS negotiating position. This will be a district wide election and will be held on JUNE 1st. I have offered the two candidates the opportunity to write something about themselves to share with the membership to help you know them a little better before you vote. I will be sending that out to you all after the budget vote next week.
Below is a list of people that notified me about running for a negotiating position. The HS, ES/IS, and OTIS positions are uncontested. Therefore, those people automatically have those positions. The MS has two people running so we will have to hold an election for the MS negotiating position. This will be a district wide election and will be held on JUNE 1st. I have offered the two candidates the opportunity to write something about themselves to share with the membership to help you know them a little better before you vote. I will be sending that out to you all after the budget vote next week.
HS – Sue Brink
ES/IS – Jennifer McElroy
OTIS – Ellen Holcombe
MS – Nicole Ey / Josh Potter
APPR:
posted 5.7.12
Our APPR negotiating team has settled on an APPR for this year. We will be meeting to discuss the best way to present the agreement to the membership. Remember that the new APPR only applies to those teaching grades 4 – 8 ELA and/or Math. While most of the agreement we have reached for this year will carry over into next year some components for next year still need to be negotiated. We will try to get as much of it done before the end of this school year as we can.
Our APPR negotiating team has settled on an APPR for this year. We will be meeting to discuss the best way to present the agreement to the membership. Remember that the new APPR only applies to those teaching grades 4 – 8 ELA and/or Math. While most of the agreement we have reached for this year will carry over into next year some components for next year still need to be negotiated. We will try to get as much of it done before the end of this school year as we can.
Family Zumbathon
The Minisink Valley Teachers' Association
with the help of Studio Ayo is hosting its first ever
FAMILY ZUMBATHON EVENT
Minisink Valley HS Gym
Friday, April 27, 2012
6:30 to 8:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:oo PM to begin check-in
This will be a fun event for the whole family.
Proceeds will be donated to the Minisink Scholarship Fund
which directly benefits students.
Advance Tickets
$8 individual
$15 family (up to 4 people, $1 each additional)
At the Door
$10 individual
$20 family (up to 4 people, $1 each additional)
Space is limited to the first 1,500 paid participants
50/50 raffle and baked goods will also be available for sale.
NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16 WILL BE PERMITTED WITHOUT A CHAPERONE.
COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
THIS IS AN EVENT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Click here for a printable flier.
Click here for a printable ticket order slip.
Tricky Tray to Benefit MVTA Scholarship Fund
with the help of Studio Ayo is hosting its first ever
FAMILY ZUMBATHON EVENT
Minisink Valley HS Gym
Friday, April 27, 2012
6:30 to 8:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:oo PM to begin check-in
This will be a fun event for the whole family.
Proceeds will be donated to the Minisink Scholarship Fund
which directly benefits students.
Advance Tickets
$8 individual
$15 family (up to 4 people, $1 each additional)
At the Door
$10 individual
$20 family (up to 4 people, $1 each additional)
Space is limited to the first 1,500 paid participants
50/50 raffle and baked goods will also be available for sale.
NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16 WILL BE PERMITTED WITHOUT A CHAPERONE.
COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
THIS IS AN EVENT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Click here for a printable flier.
Click here for a printable ticket order slip.
Tricky Tray to Benefit MVTA Scholarship Fund
The MVTA Tricky Tray will be held on March 3rd.
Doors open 11am Calling starts at 1pm
Ticket Prices:
Standard Tickets: 1 sheet $5, 5 sheets $20
Grand Prize Tickets: 1 ticket $2, 6 tickets $10, 12 tickets $20
Grand Prize Tickets: 1 ticket $2, 6 tickets $10, 12 tickets $20
50/50 Tickets:
1 ticket $1, 6 tickets $5, 12 tickets $10
1 ticket $1, 6 tickets $5, 12 tickets $10
Concessions will be available.
Grand Prizes include:
32 inch 3D LED TV, $100 cash, Men's or Women's North Face Denali Jackets,Pampered Chef Basket, Vera Bradley Basket
32 inch 3D LED TV, $100 cash, Men's or Women's North Face Denali Jackets,Pampered Chef Basket, Vera Bradley Basket
Scholarship Fundraiser
posted 2-1-2012
The MVTA Tricky Tray will be held on March 3rd. Our goal is to raise $12,000 so please pitch in to make this a successful event. We need your NEW unwanted items so we can create themed baskets. We also need pre-made themed baskets and gift certificates donated. We need volunteers to set up, work the snack bar, and help run the event. Show your Minisink pride!
Contact:
Trinka O'Connor ES/IS
Linda Le Mieux - Otisville
Anna Hamilton - Middle School
Ilka Peters - High School
Nothing is too small or too big! Our committee is available to come and get your donated goods as soon as you are ready.
september/october 2011 newsletter now available!
Click here to get your copy of the MVTA's latest newsletter.
APPR negotiators
The following is the final list of people that will be running
for an APPR negotiators position. The vote will take place on Tuesday
September 13th. Since the HS, MS, and Otisville positions are
uncontested they will not appear on the election ballot. The entire
membership will vote for a candidate in each of the four remaining
positions. While these candidates are running for a position in a
particular building or area it is important to remember that they are
negotiating the APPR that will be applied to all of us.
HS – Sue Brink
MS – Nicole Ey
IS/ES – Jill Stramiello, Michael Conklin
OTIS – Karen Krogslund
PPS – Michele McCoy, David Gronner
Special Area – Theresa Uhelsky, Kathryn Hoolan
appr update and election information
We
will be holding a special election to form our APPR negotiating team.
Our 6 member team will consist of one from each of the following
building/areas:
1 – Otisville Elementary School
1 – Minisink Elementary/Intermediate School
1 – Middle School
1 – High School
1 – PPS (this can be from any level K-12)
1 – Special Area (A.K.A. electives, exploratory, specials) this can be from any level K-12
The district needs to use this new evaluation system for Math and English teachers grades four through eight this school year. Therefore, our team’s first scheduled meeting with the district is set for Tuesday September 20th and we will need to meet as a team prior to that. We will be using the following timeline. Notifications of intent for running for one of the 6 positions need to be emailed to me (mvtaemail@gmail.com or cdangelo@minisink.com) by the end of the work day on Friday September 9th. The list of people running for each position will be sent out to our membership on Monday September 12th. The vote, if needed due to contested position/s, will be held on Tuesday September 13th. Our team will meet on either Wednesday the 14th or Friday the 16th. Expect all meeting to start around 4:00 and last approximately two hours. These positions will have stipends. However, since this is our first time doing this we really don’t know how much work is going to be involved. The executive committee will vote on the amount for the stipend once we have a better understanding of the amount of work the position entails.
Our Labor Relation Specialist (LRS) Mike Siegel and I met with the district this past Friday (8/26/11). We were obligated to begin negotiations with the district by September 1st. The district is required to provide training on the rubric we will be using as the foundation of our APPR and needed to begin making arrangements for that training. For that reason we agreed to use the "Danielson's Framework for Teaching (2011 Revised Edition)" rubric. It is the one that most of the other districts Siegel works with in our region are using. We also only agreed to use it for the 2011 - 2012 school year. This will allow our team, once established, to review other approved rubrics to be used in the future. All currently approved rubrics can be viewed at http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/teachers-leaders/practicerubrics/home.html
Please take the time to review the rubric if you are interested in running for one of the positions.
1 – Otisville Elementary School
1 – Minisink Elementary/Intermediate School
1 – Middle School
1 – High School
1 – PPS (this can be from any level K-12)
1 – Special Area (A.K.A. electives, exploratory, specials) this can be from any level K-12
The district needs to use this new evaluation system for Math and English teachers grades four through eight this school year. Therefore, our team’s first scheduled meeting with the district is set for Tuesday September 20th and we will need to meet as a team prior to that. We will be using the following timeline. Notifications of intent for running for one of the 6 positions need to be emailed to me (mvtaemail@gmail.com or cdangelo@minisink.com) by the end of the work day on Friday September 9th. The list of people running for each position will be sent out to our membership on Monday September 12th. The vote, if needed due to contested position/s, will be held on Tuesday September 13th. Our team will meet on either Wednesday the 14th or Friday the 16th. Expect all meeting to start around 4:00 and last approximately two hours. These positions will have stipends. However, since this is our first time doing this we really don’t know how much work is going to be involved. The executive committee will vote on the amount for the stipend once we have a better understanding of the amount of work the position entails.
Our Labor Relation Specialist (LRS) Mike Siegel and I met with the district this past Friday (8/26/11). We were obligated to begin negotiations with the district by September 1st. The district is required to provide training on the rubric we will be using as the foundation of our APPR and needed to begin making arrangements for that training. For that reason we agreed to use the "Danielson's Framework for Teaching (2011 Revised Edition)" rubric. It is the one that most of the other districts Siegel works with in our region are using. We also only agreed to use it for the 2011 - 2012 school year. This will allow our team, once established, to review other approved rubrics to be used in the future. All currently approved rubrics can be viewed at http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/teachers-leaders/practicerubrics/home.html
Please take the time to review the rubric if you are interested in running for one of the positions.
Constitutional Amendment
The Executive Committee has agreed to put a constitutional amendment out to the membership for a vote. The vote for this change will take place at our general membership meeting on the first day of school in September. Below is the langue for the proposed amendment. New langue is in red. Deleted langue has a strikethrough. All other langue is as it appears in our constitution already.
XI RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT
3. a. Voting
will be done by secret ballot with members required to initial a
membership list before casting their ballot. The Unit
Representatives and/or designee shall monitor the voting and tally the
ballots.
b. Active
members that are not present the day of the vote shall be permitted to
submit an absentee ballot via email to their Unit Representatives
and/or designee
4. Ratification of the contract shall require [a] two-thirds [vote] of the votes cast. [total active membership of record at that time.]
5. At least half of the total active membership of record at the time must cast ballots in order for a vote to be valid.
XII AMENDMENTS
3. An amendment shall be ratified by [a] two-thirds [vote of the active membership of record at that time.] of the votes cast. Voting shall be done [by secret ballot.] following the same procedure as ratification of a contract.
revised budget vote - June 21st
Please support the budget! Vote YES on June 21st!
from the district web site...
"A revised budget will be presented to the voters for approval on June 21, 2011. This letter, and the information linked to it, is intended to help our community understand what is at stake in their school district right now. I believe no district in our region faces what we do if the revised budget does not pass and Minisink goes to austerity for a second year in a row.
Please look at the information found through the link here. It will show what Programs and staff positions have had to be cut from our school district for next year, in addition to the 51 positions that were cut last year, in order to formulate the revised budget being presented on June 21. That budget is a reduction of $435,939 from the one defeated on May 17, 2011. It represents a 9.4% tax levy. One might ask, isn’t that a significant increase? We must answer, yes it is, and we are aware of, and are not insensitive to the burden this poses to the taxpayer. But right now, this is the very difficult reality that Minisink faces. Even an austerity budget will result in over an 8% increase on the tax levy.
The linked information shows a side-by-side comparison of what cuts have been made under the revised budget, and what further cuts will have to be made under an austerity budget. The difference in the tax levy between each scenario is 1.2%. But please look at the huge difference this will mean in the school program of our children if, for that 1.2%, the revised budget is not successful."
from the district web site...
"A revised budget will be presented to the voters for approval on June 21, 2011. This letter, and the information linked to it, is intended to help our community understand what is at stake in their school district right now. I believe no district in our region faces what we do if the revised budget does not pass and Minisink goes to austerity for a second year in a row.
Please look at the information found through the link here. It will show what Programs and staff positions have had to be cut from our school district for next year, in addition to the 51 positions that were cut last year, in order to formulate the revised budget being presented on June 21. That budget is a reduction of $435,939 from the one defeated on May 17, 2011. It represents a 9.4% tax levy. One might ask, isn’t that a significant increase? We must answer, yes it is, and we are aware of, and are not insensitive to the burden this poses to the taxpayer. But right now, this is the very difficult reality that Minisink faces. Even an austerity budget will result in over an 8% increase on the tax levy.
The linked information shows a side-by-side comparison of what cuts have been made under the revised budget, and what further cuts will have to be made under an austerity budget. The difference in the tax levy between each scenario is 1.2%. But please look at the huge difference this will mean in the school program of our children if, for that 1.2%, the revised budget is not successful."
june 2011 newsletter now available
Click here to download and print your copy.
MVTA Agrees to Partial Freeze
Understanding the need for cooperation during this difficult economy, the MVTA has agreed to a partial pay freeze. The agreement benefits both the school and the district’s taxpayers.
The MVTA has agreed to forgo all salary increases for the first half of the school year. Our salary steps, or scheduled salary increases, will be delayed until the second half of the school year in order to lessen the financial burden faced by the school. The MVTA overwhelmingly supported this salary give-back to show their commitment to maintaining services and do their part to help lessen the tax burden on the community.
The teachers are hopeful that the community will do their part to support our students by voting yes on this year’s budget on May 17th.
Click below to enlarge.
Welcome to the mvta web site
Welcome
to the MVTA Web Site! Please
make
this your home page and check back often for important information from
your union.
If you still need to add your home email to our database: Click here!
To print a copy of the 2010 Member Info Sheet given out on Opening Day, click here!
We're now on facebook, click the logo to join our group!
PRESENTATION: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP...A NEW REALITY FOR STUDENTS
Our children exist in a world where technology has touched every aspect of their lives, since the moment they were born. They are digital natives. Join us for a conversation about how students are using the Internet and how to keep your child safe online. The presentation is free of charge and will be held on Tuesday, January 25 @ 7:00p.m. in Minisink Valley High School Auditorium. This event is presented by the Minisink Valley Central School District and the Minisink Valley Teachers' Association.
proposed changes to the mvta constitution
The MVTA Executive Committee is proposing three changes to our local’s Constitution. Each change will be separately voted on this fall. The three changes are outlined in different colors throughout the attached document.The changes in red are designed to automatically make the union president one of the representatives for the NYSUT Representative Assembly. The reason for this change is that the first day or two of this conference is for presidents only. We would only have to send three people instead of four. If approved, this would not take effect until the 2012 Representative Assembly. The currently elected reps would complete their terms. This change would be applied after our election next spring.
The changes in blue are to clarify the size and make up of our negotiation team.
The changes in green deal with contract and amendment ratification. Currently, anyone that does not vote by choice, absence, or any other reason, is counted as a NO vote. This change would correct that.
Click here to access the document.
a word from your negotiator candidates
Brian Golden (HS)
I'd like to be considered for our upcoming Negotiations team for a myriad of reasons. I sat through one session already and have gained much insight on how the process works. I think my experience will be a valuable asset to the team. I have done much research on other contracts in our area and I know what our people deserve. I will continue to fight for what is fair and right. Know that my heart is in the right place and I am doing this for every member in our union.
Carolyn Russell (HS)
My name is Carolyn Russell and I have been teaching ninth and twelfth grade biology in this district for seven years. I am extraordinarily interested in negotiating on behalf of the high school faculty because I intend to be here for the duration of my career and our contract language matters. I very much value what we have here at Minisink; however, I believe that changes need to be made to preserve the quality of life.
Special election
Special
Elections for the negotiator positions will be held in each building on
Thursday, June
10th.
Ballots will be placed in your mailboxes the morning of the
election. See you building reps for the locations of the
ballot
boxes.Board of education endorsements
Based on the interviews conducted by our Action Committee
and the responses at the "meet the candidates" night the Executive
Committee has voted to endorse:
Bill
Cooper
Joseph
Flaherty
Sheri
Gurney
MVTA Informational Update
TO: All MVTA Members
DATE: February 11, 2010
RE: Negotiations Update
As you are all aware, our current contract expired on June 30, 2009. MVTA representatives have met with District representatives on numerous occasions in an effort to seek a successor agreement. On May 29, 2009 it was agreed that the parties were far apart on the issues and impasse was jointly declared.
Once impasse was declared, the parties agreed to a mediator/fact finder to help us mediate a settlement. We met with the mediator/fact finder on October 24, 2009 and recently on February 3, 2010. In spite of all parties’ best efforts, the impasse remains and there appears to be no settlement in sight. While there are many issues on the table, it is no surprise, as in any negotiations, that salary and health insurance remain the most important topics.
With respect to salary, the MVTA has consistently proposed salary increases that are well within the range that other districts in the county have received. Conversely, the District continues to offer a salary increase below what all other teacher bargaining units have received.
While many rumors abound, I wanted to take the time to inform you of some facts:
FACT: Minisink Valley Teachers have the lowest starting salaries in Orange County.
FACT: Over a 25 year career, Minisink Valley Teachers earn less than any other teacher in Orange County.
FACT: Minisink Valley Teachers currently contribute more than the average in the County for
health insurance.
FACT: Minisink Valley Central School District’s cost per pupil spending is well below the County average.
FACT: The MVTA was instrumental in getting six of nine current BOE members elected.
FACT: At least three members of the BOE suggested that your salaries should be frozen for the 2009-2010 school year. (Source: District presentation – 12/18/2008)
FACT: At least one member of the BOE suggested that the MVTA accept a two year contract with 0% increase! (Source: District presentation – 12/18/2008)
FACT: Minisink Valley CSD was audited in 2008 and was admonished by the auditors for having an unreserved fund balance in excess of the State’s legal limit.
FACT: NYSUT’s Research and Educational Services completed a school budget analysis for the years of 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 and determined that during this three year period the District underspent its budgets by a net total of $2.3 million.
FACT: The total unreserved fund balance in June 2008 was $9.4 million, not the $6.9 million presented to the community by the Board of Education.
FACT: The unreserved fund balance has continued to grow. On June 30, 2009 the District had a total unreserved fund balance of $11,791,699.
FACT: Based upon the analysis of prior years, a review of the 2009-10 expenditure budget, and using historical patterns to project, it appears that the District will end the school year with an unreserved fund balance of over $13 million.
FACT: Minisink Valley CSD has budgeted a salary increase for this year that is far greater than what they are offering at the table.
FACT: Your MVTA negotiations team is resolved to achieve a fair and equitable contract!
And finally,
FACT: The members of the MVTA are the Most Valuable Teachers Around!
In closing, I want to assure you that the MVTA negotiating team is working diligently on your behalf. We are keenly aware of the financial challenges that we, as a country, are facing. We are hopeful that a fair and equitable settlement will be achieved in the near future.
Please continue to support your team and volunteer your time when the union calls upon you!
In Solidarity,
Chris D’Angelo
MVTA President
mvta in the news...
The MVTA and our quest for a fair and equitable contract has recenly been featured on Cable 6 News. See the two video segments below. Video is courtesy Cable 6 News.
Local Action project
What is NYSUT’s Local Action Project (LAP)?
The Local Action Project is a unique, three-year program developed by NYSUT to help local
unions increase member participation, build community support and achieve results in providing
the best education programs, contracts, budget votes and more. LAP has a track record of success
in helping locals become even more effective. The LAP program is an opportunity to partner with
NYSUT in developing an action plan to move your local forward.
Local union commitment
If you are chosen for LAP, your local union must commit to:
-Identifying a core team of local activists to work closely with their NYSUT labor relations
specialist to move your local’s LAP agenda;
-Sending a team to the weeklong LAP summer institute for each of three years;
Developing an action plan with activities funded by the local as well as with additional
funding provided by your statewide union;
-Implementating comprehensive strategic planning, including incorporation of educationbased
initiatives as part of your LAP plan;
-Involving members in community outreach;
and
-Submitting timely budget and program plans
to NYSUT and reporting results.
NYSUT supports LAP locals every step of the way. NYSUT hosts the all-expenses-paid annual
LAP institute and provides training on everything from how to deal with the media
to winning school budget votes to electing pro-education candidates. Each “class” of LAP participants enjoys opportunities to network and collaborate with other locals in similar
situations. At the end of the three-year LAP experience, graduates share what they’ve learned
with other participants. The LAP experience has value for participants from every category of
NYSUT membership: teachers, school-related professionals, health care professionals and members
in higher education. Rural, suburban and urban locals, ranging in size from a handful to thousands
of members, have come together through LAP to win community support for the locals’ work to
educate the children in their community. LAP increases locals’ effectiveness by focusing on
membership participation, political action, community outreach coalition building and ommunications.
To view/print last year's LAP applications click here. The new application will be available in October. Check back here to print yor copy.