Secretary's Report: On-line.

Treasurer's Report: Approved

Committee Reports:

1. Negotiations: There is a tentative agreement between the board and the paraprofessionals (aides). It is a 'very positive' contract. On the other hand, it appears that the security guards' contract is heading to fact finding.
2. Grievance: The committee is trying to come up with one grievance form & procedure for all the groups. Barb Alderfer moved to adopt the new grievance form. Seconded by Chuck Nowalk. Passed unanimously.
3. Social: It was noted that the we need to get together to 'celebrate' the 15th highest statewide starting salary (out of 611 NJ school districts.) A get together in the near future at Flynn's was suggested.
4. Ed Council: There will probably be no meeting in September. Talk of conducting a district-wide anti-bullying campaign was discussed.

 Old Business: None.

 New Business:

1. 56 new members' applications so far.
2. George urged everyone to check the amount of your first paycheck to make certain you are being paid the appropriate amount. Especially check if you are expecting 'longevity' pay.
3. Extra copies of the salary guide will be printed and distributed throughout the buildings.
4. Discussion on 'family' and 'maternity' leaves (interrupted time vs. uninterrupted time), longevity, and seniority.
5. Discussion on 'Emergency' vs. 'Family Illness' Days.
6. Mike Kruczek made us aware of Trenton's (NJEA) concerns these days. First is assisting in the election of John Kerry. Next is concerned about the proposed NJ constitutional convention. Finally he asked everyone to please consider PAC (Political Action Committee) deductions to assist the NJEA with its lobbying efforts in Trenton.
7. Jenn Ostille, PHS social studies teacher, is now the Warren County Gov't. Relations chairperson.
8. WCEA is planning a gathering for new teachers and their mentors at Flynn's in the near future. PEA new members' workshop is scheduled at Flynn's on Wednesday, October 19.
9. Barb Alderfer reminded everyone that the open enrollment period for Disability Insurance (the old 'Washington National') will be coming up. Expect to see it around December and January.
10. Joan Ricker raised a request for more money for more t-shirts for our new members. Chuck Nowalk moved that up to $500 be allocated for PEA t-shirts. Seconded by Rich Rissmiller. Passed unanimously.
11. Joan then inquired when we should wear the shirts as a show of solidarity and fund raising for a PEA scholarship. It was agreed to wear them on the next in-service day, Monday, October 11. Every member will be asked to also donate at least $1.00 toward the new scholarship fund. We are hoping to raise $500 on this one day and then repeat this event three more times before the end of the school year so that we have approximately $2,000 in scholarship money to distribute in June to graduating senior(s). More details on this scholarship effort will be coming out throughout the school year.
12. Chuck Nowalk asked anyone with comments about recent PD events in the district, pro or con, to forward them to him. He noted that the recent e-mail that contained a survey of the first four days of in-service was signed from the Local Professional Development Committee but in fact was really from the administration as the committee has not met since May to 'collaborate' on PD activities. General comments about not having enough time to work in our classrooms during the four in-service days abounded.

Building concerns:

1. Green Street concerns dealt with aids applying for full-time positions and the need for the nurses to be able to obtain more PD credits.
2. Barber school: nothing.
3. Andover-Morris concerns dealt with custodians (flextime) and on-line courses.
4. Freeman school raised the issue that secretaries are NOT to be left alone with children.
5. Preschool & Shimer requested the contractual starting and ending times of our work days. There was also concerned expressed about the lack of security and nurses at each building. An incident with an irate parent on the first day of school at the Armory reinforced this concern.
6. The middle school had a lot of questions about certification, pay rates, and the start of medical benefits (Nov. 1) for new teachers. Concerns about the 'volunteer' nature of the 6th grade orientation was raised and discussed.
7. High School: nothing.
8. Special Services: nothing.

Motion to adjourn came at 5:50 p.m. Seconded by all. Unanimously passed.

Next meeting: October 12, 2004

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Nowalk (Secretary Temp.)