Training Workshops
The UniServ offices would like to remind local presidents that when planning an NJEA sponsored workshop, it is the responsibility of the local to set that up directly with their field rep and make certain that, if reimbursement is needed, a workshop request has been filed. In order to receive 60% funding from NJEA for meals following a workshop, paperwork must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the training date and sessions must be a minimum of two hours. Dinner receipts must be received at the UniServ office no later than 30 days following the workshop to receive your 60% reimbursement.
PRIDE Reimbursement
This year our locals statewide have set an all-time record for Pride proposals. Although that is good news, it does create some funding issues. It is imperative that locals with fall projects submit bills for payment ASAP. This will help NJEA calculate any encumbered funds for the spring.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY / ALERT
Health and Safety Advisory/Alert: Beware of Zimek Fogging for H1N1 (Swine Flu) Prevention
In August 2009, a Monmouth County school district was the first in the nation to purchase several Zimek Micro Mist Room and Vehicle Decontamination Systems for fogging classrooms and school buses with quaternary ammonium (quat) disinfectant pesticides to kill the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus. The cost - $132,000. The systems consist of an aerosol generator that creates dry, negatively charged particles of less than one micron in diameter of an anti-microbial pesticide and a HEPA filtering unit to remove airborne residue from the application area.
The proposed fogging was both dangerous and unnecessary, since the government flu recommendations are to keep sick and high-risk staff and students’ home, wash hands, perform routine cleaning, and get early treatment. Schools are also urged to clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact. Additional disinfection is not recommended.
If fogging had been allowed to take place, staff and students would have been exposed to disinfectant residues because the micro particles adhere to all surfaces, such as books, papers, upholstery, carpeting, stuffed animals, cardboard, as well as intended surfaces such as doorknobs and desks. The proposed fogging could have put students and staff at risk of quat triggered irritation, sensitization, and asthma attacks.
In this case, an NJEA UniServ Field Representative, the NJ Work Environment Council (WEC) and the local association organized to stop the use of the Zimek systems because quats are not approved for fogging in schools at this time. Unfortunately, because selling these machines to schools is lucrative, Zimek may figure out a way to allow schools to be fogged with quats or other pesticides in the future and approach other districts in New Jersey.
Please contact your UniServ office immediately if you hear anything about your district or board of education purchasing a Zimek system.
We want to prevent any chance of this company unnecessarily exposing our members or students to this or other toxic disinfectants.
In August 2009, a Monmouth County school district was the first in the nation to purchase several Zimek Micro Mist Room and Vehicle Decontamination Systems for fogging classrooms and school buses with quaternary ammonium (quat) disinfectant pesticides to kill the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus. The cost - $132,000. The systems consist of an aerosol generator that creates dry, negatively charged particles of less than one micron in diameter of an anti-microbial pesticide and a HEPA filtering unit to remove airborne residue from the application area.
The proposed fogging was both dangerous and unnecessary, since the government flu recommendations are to keep sick and high-risk staff and students’ home, wash hands, perform routine cleaning, and get early treatment. Schools are also urged to clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact. Additional disinfection is not recommended.
If fogging had been allowed to take place, staff and students would have been exposed to disinfectant residues because the micro particles adhere to all surfaces, such as books, papers, upholstery, carpeting, stuffed animals, cardboard, as well as intended surfaces such as doorknobs and desks. The proposed fogging could have put students and staff at risk of quat triggered irritation, sensitization, and asthma attacks.
In this case, an NJEA UniServ Field Representative, the NJ Work Environment Council (WEC) and the local association organized to stop the use of the Zimek systems because quats are not approved for fogging in schools at this time. Unfortunately, because selling these machines to schools is lucrative, Zimek may figure out a way to allow schools to be fogged with quats or other pesticides in the future and approach other districts in New Jersey.
Please contact your UniServ office immediately if you hear anything about your district or board of education purchasing a Zimek system.
We want to prevent any chance of this company unnecessarily exposing our members or students to this or other toxic disinfectants.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Last Call Campaign Party !
Please have all names to us by 3 p.m. Wednesday!
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than 3 p.m. on October 14th.
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than 3 p.m. on October 14th.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
UniServ Campaign Party!!!
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than October 13th.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than October 13th.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WELCOME BACK! READY FOR ACTION!
Wow! Where did the summer go? The UniServ Regions 3 and 4 offices would like to welcome all of you back. We hope you have a smooth return and are well rested and ready for action!
As you know, this governor's re-election is in the forefront this fall. Public education is on the ballot. We must get our members involved in the re-election of Governor Corzine.
We know that Candidate Christie has refused to even meet our leaders because, in his words, he doesn't want us. He openly states that he intends to go after our funding, our pensions, and our benefits. That alone speaks clearly why, as NJEA members and leaders, we cannot afford for Christie to be elected.
As you know, the county LAT meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at the county office. It is imperative that you and your LAT team attend. We have assigned consultants and field reps to personally work one on one with you and your members.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the 21st. If you cannot attend, please contact your field rep. Remember, local presidents can send a designee.
FALL FOCUS
The Regions 3 and 4 UniServ reps are asking local leaders in this county to bring as many new(er) members to the Fall Focus, which is set for October 1, 2009. Leaders that bring new(er) members may exceed the numbers limited to each local. We hope this would be a perfect way for your new members to learn the important facts about the governor's election and how it could impact new members should Christie be elected. Remember, it was the young voters who helped to elect President Obama!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
As you know, this governor's re-election is in the forefront this fall. Public education is on the ballot. We must get our members involved in the re-election of Governor Corzine.
We know that Candidate Christie has refused to even meet our leaders because, in his words, he doesn't want us. He openly states that he intends to go after our funding, our pensions, and our benefits. That alone speaks clearly why, as NJEA members and leaders, we cannot afford for Christie to be elected.
As you know, the county LAT meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at the county office. It is imperative that you and your LAT team attend. We have assigned consultants and field reps to personally work one on one with you and your members.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the 21st. If you cannot attend, please contact your field rep. Remember, local presidents can send a designee.
FALL FOCUS
The Regions 3 and 4 UniServ reps are asking local leaders in this county to bring as many new(er) members to the Fall Focus, which is set for October 1, 2009. Leaders that bring new(er) members may exceed the numbers limited to each local. We hope this would be a perfect way for your new members to learn the important facts about the governor's election and how it could impact new members should Christie be elected. Remember, it was the young voters who helped to elect President Obama!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Friday, May 22, 2009
RALLY THANK YOU!!!
Wow! You are just awesome!
The NJEA UniServ Region 3 office and Chris Berzinski thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the phenomenal showing of support to our colleagues in crisis. There are no words to explain the sense of pride and emotions that last night’s event has left us with. You've sent the message that this was not just a party in the park. The freeholders now know how we feel -- how we think -- and how we mobilize.
Clearly, our message was heard -- "We don't spend public monies, we earn them."
We hope that you had fun while doing this most important work. Enjoy your holiday weekend. You have surely earned it.
Once again you’ve come through in the usual Camden County style.
The NJEA UniServ Region 3 office and Chris Berzinski thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the phenomenal showing of support to our colleagues in crisis. There are no words to explain the sense of pride and emotions that last night’s event has left us with. You've sent the message that this was not just a party in the park. The freeholders now know how we feel -- how we think -- and how we mobilize.
Clearly, our message was heard -- "We don't spend public monies, we earn them."
We hope that you had fun while doing this most important work. Enjoy your holiday weekend. You have surely earned it.
Once again you’ve come through in the usual Camden County style.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
CAMDEN COUNTY RALLY - MAY 21
Think ahead!!!
Please begin working to get at least four association members to attend the rally on May 21st prior to the freeholders’ meeting. Members would need to arrive at the Waterford Township Municipal area by 5:30 p.m. (directions are below.) The freeholders’ meeting will begin at 7 p.m. where we will gather to hear our representatives address the freeholders.
In the usual Camden County style, a food vendor will be on site providing hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, ice cream, and water ice. Members are welcome to bring along the family to this event.
Association members should wear their association T-shirts or a red shirt to the event.
Please send names to Gale Quinn by email at gquinn@njea.org or by phone at 856-782-1225 no later than Tuesday, May 19. We are looking forward to a great time!
DIRECTIONS:
Head east (toward Shannon Caterers) on US-30 / White Horse Pike.
Turn left onto Bartram Ave. (traffic light at Wooster’s Funeral Home.)
Turn left on 2nd Ave.
Waterford Municipal Building will be on the right.
There is a small parking lot between the municipal building and the park where we will be assembled. There is ample parking on the street. Please obey all posted parking signs.
Please begin working to get at least four association members to attend the rally on May 21st prior to the freeholders’ meeting. Members would need to arrive at the Waterford Township Municipal area by 5:30 p.m. (directions are below.) The freeholders’ meeting will begin at 7 p.m. where we will gather to hear our representatives address the freeholders.
In the usual Camden County style, a food vendor will be on site providing hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, ice cream, and water ice. Members are welcome to bring along the family to this event.
Association members should wear their association T-shirts or a red shirt to the event.
Please send names to Gale Quinn by email at gquinn@njea.org or by phone at 856-782-1225 no later than Tuesday, May 19. We are looking forward to a great time!
DIRECTIONS:
Head east (toward Shannon Caterers) on US-30 / White Horse Pike.
Turn left onto Bartram Ave. (traffic light at Wooster’s Funeral Home.)
Turn left on 2nd Ave.
Waterford Municipal Building will be on the right.
There is a small parking lot between the municipal building and the park where we will be assembled. There is ample parking on the street. Please obey all posted parking signs.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
SPECIAL REP COUNCIL - APRIL 27
By now, you should have received an invitation to attend an important meeting at Ventura's Restaurant on Monday, April 27, 2009. We are asking each of you to please make every effort to attend this meeting. We have several locals struggling with negotiations as a result of the freeholders interfering with the bargaining process.
We need you to join us for this important meeting. The contract you save could be your own!
Call Gale Quinn at 856-782-1225 or email gquinn@njea.org to reserve your seat no later than Friday, April 24.
We need you to join us for this important meeting. The contract you save could be your own!
Call Gale Quinn at 856-782-1225 or email gquinn@njea.org to reserve your seat no later than Friday, April 24.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
PARKING ALERT - LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
“PARKING ALERT”
Dear NJEA Legislative Conference Participant,
The parking garage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick will be under construction during the NJEA Legislative Conference on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Therefore, there will be a limited number of parking spots available for conference participants.
NJEA will be providing additional parking at the Church Street parking garage, which is located across the street from the Hyatt on the left side of the street. Parking at the Church Street garage is free from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.
For your convenience, as you approach the Hyatt, there will be NJEA signage directing you to the parking garage. There will also be a shuttle available for anyone who may require assistance to and from the hotel during the conference. NJEA staff will be on-site to assist with parking procedures.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES THAT MAY BE ATTENDING THIS EVENT.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact NJEA’s Government Relations Division at (609) 599-4561.
Thank you.
Dear NJEA Legislative Conference Participant,
The parking garage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick will be under construction during the NJEA Legislative Conference on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Therefore, there will be a limited number of parking spots available for conference participants.
NJEA will be providing additional parking at the Church Street parking garage, which is located across the street from the Hyatt on the left side of the street. Parking at the Church Street garage is free from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.
For your convenience, as you approach the Hyatt, there will be NJEA signage directing you to the parking garage. There will also be a shuttle available for anyone who may require assistance to and from the hotel during the conference. NJEA staff will be on-site to assist with parking procedures.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES THAT MAY BE ATTENDING THIS EVENT.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact NJEA’s Government Relations Division at (609) 599-4561.
Thank you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
UPDATE ON CURRENT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Over the weekend, we learned that the Assembly Budget Committee was going to consider two bills at Monday afternoon’s committee meeting. Yesterday, the committee released those two bills.
A-3688 would reduce the PERS employer pension contribution over the next three years. Under the bill, school districts would contribute up to $75 million less to PERS this year. The bill is very similar to S-7, which the Senate considered but did not pass late last year. NJEA opposed this bill because it continues irresponsible pension funding practices at a time when the state had just begun to return to sound funding practices after many years of neglect.
A-3650 directs the Commissioner of Education to withhold from districts state aid payments an amount equal to the districts’ savings from the proposed pension deferral. NJEA opposes this bill because it negatively modifies the new school funding formula during its very first year of implementation, and because it reduces critically-needed aid for districts across the state
While NJEA opposes each bill individually on its merits, the combined effect of the two bills is even more objectionable. In short, the bills would allow districts to “save” $75 million in pension contributions, but would then take that $75 million from them in the form of reduced state aid. The bills would leave districts with no additional funds to save jobs or programs, while increasing the unfunded liability of the pension system. The combined effect of the bills is that the state would essentially take $75 million from the PERS pension fund to pay its current operating expenses.
NJEA testified against both bills yesterday, and will continue to lobby and testify against them should they proceed to a vote in the full Assembly. We urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to oppose both A-3688 and A-3650.
A-3688 would reduce the PERS employer pension contribution over the next three years. Under the bill, school districts would contribute up to $75 million less to PERS this year. The bill is very similar to S-7, which the Senate considered but did not pass late last year. NJEA opposed this bill because it continues irresponsible pension funding practices at a time when the state had just begun to return to sound funding practices after many years of neglect.
A-3650 directs the Commissioner of Education to withhold from districts state aid payments an amount equal to the districts’ savings from the proposed pension deferral. NJEA opposes this bill because it negatively modifies the new school funding formula during its very first year of implementation, and because it reduces critically-needed aid for districts across the state
While NJEA opposes each bill individually on its merits, the combined effect of the two bills is even more objectionable. In short, the bills would allow districts to “save” $75 million in pension contributions, but would then take that $75 million from them in the form of reduced state aid. The bills would leave districts with no additional funds to save jobs or programs, while increasing the unfunded liability of the pension system. The combined effect of the bills is that the state would essentially take $75 million from the PERS pension fund to pay its current operating expenses.
NJEA testified against both bills yesterday, and will continue to lobby and testify against them should they proceed to a vote in the full Assembly. We urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to oppose both A-3688 and A-3650.
Monday, January 12, 2009
IMPORTANT TITLE 6 CODE CHANGE
The Region 3 UniServ office would like to call your attention to a code change which has significant impact to our membership. The code change is part of Title 6A and reads as follows:
Arrest Reporting Requirements for Certificated Staff, N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.1(c), a new subsection, requires that certificate holders report to their superintendent within 14 days if they are arrested or indicated for any crime or offense by any jurisdiction, and to report within seven days the final disposition of such charges. In addition, this proposed new section would require school districts to make the reporting requirements known to certificate holders. The new subsection reads as follows:
(c) All certificated holders shall report their arrest or indictment for any crime or offense to their superintendent within 14 calendar days. The report shall include the date of arrest of indictment and charge(s) lodged against the certificate holder. Such certificate holders shall also report to their superintendents the disposition of any charges within seven calendar days of disposition. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may be deemed "just cause" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.5. School districts shall make these requirements known to all new employees and to all employees on an annual basis.
There are several key points.
Arrest Reporting Requirements for Certificated Staff, N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.1(c), a new subsection, requires that certificate holders report to their superintendent within 14 days if they are arrested or indicated for any crime or offense by any jurisdiction, and to report within seven days the final disposition of such charges. In addition, this proposed new section would require school districts to make the reporting requirements known to certificate holders. The new subsection reads as follows:
(c) All certificated holders shall report their arrest or indictment for any crime or offense to their superintendent within 14 calendar days. The report shall include the date of arrest of indictment and charge(s) lodged against the certificate holder. Such certificate holders shall also report to their superintendents the disposition of any charges within seven calendar days of disposition. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may be deemed "just cause" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.5. School districts shall make these requirements known to all new employees and to all employees on an annual basis.
There are several key points.
- Some school districts have started to circulate the memo to satisfy the notice requirement that is noted in the new section.
- It applies to all certificate holders - not just those who are in a position requiring a certificate.
- Failure to comply with this new reporting requirement constitutes "just cause" pursuant to 6A:9-17.5.
- N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17A is the section of code that authorizes the Board of Examiners to issue an order to show cause as part of a certificate revocation proceeding.
- The State Board of Examiners is not an agency that you want to have control over your professional life.
- Note "any crime" means the arrest could be as simple as unpaid parking tickets.
As you can see, there could be serious consequences as a result of this new requirement. It is important that all members be notified of this change. Urge members to work through the association from the very beginning on these issues.
It is our understanding that it went into effect January 5, 2009. As always, feel free to contact this office with any questions you may have or for assistance with defending members on this matter.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
January 20th Inauguration
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
As you know, the inauguration is right around the corner on January 20th. If you have any activities/assemblies/etc. planned in your district around the inauguration, please contact this office ASAP or contact Kathy Coulibaly, NJEA Communications Division, directly at kcoulibaly@njea.org or call her at 609-599-4561 extension 2316.
As you know, the inauguration is right around the corner on January 20th. If you have any activities/assemblies/etc. planned in your district around the inauguration, please contact this office ASAP or contact Kathy Coulibaly, NJEA Communications Division, directly at kcoulibaly@njea.org or call her at 609-599-4561 extension 2316.
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