"Know Your Contract" Workshop Draws Raves

With the Holiday Season rapidly approaching, and the beautiful Brownstone House Christmas tree as a backdrop, a full house took time from their busy schedule to attend P.E.A.'s "Know Your Contract" workshop on December 6. Originally advertised as being presented by an NJEA UniServ representative, P.E.A. President Pete Tirri was pressed into service when illness struck.

P.E.A. 2nd Vice-President Vera Schemly opened the session with an enthusiastic thanks to all who attended. She explained the situation in which we found ourselves, and then introduced Tirri to begin the session. Tirri outlined areas of interest such as the grievance procedure; Just Cause provisions; rights to representation at meetings; the school year, and starting times. Much discussion was held over the controversial swipe system. Tirri spoke about some current issues related to the system about which the Association is waiting for District response, including the difference of opinion related to actions taken when a staff member reports to work on time but has lost his/her card.

Other topics of discussion included class coverage compensation rights, tuition reimbursement and problems related to funding and the evaluation process. A Q&A session followed which had to be cut short when the room had to be set up for another group. Participants expressed their appreciation for the presentation.