Post date: Jan 18, 2012 11:54:22 PM
Those present: Dave James, Karyn Leonard, Sue Mepham, Kevin Ruble, Darlene Ruble, Jim Henrie, Corina Henrie, Rob Reynolds, Lori Coffman, Carrie Holder, Rhonda Hammond, John Hammond, Stephanie McDuffie, Jen VanNess, Wade VanNess, Ed Newell, Shelly Moen, Heather Dunn, Angela Price, Heather Fortner, Kelley Comstock, Aaron Fortner,
TVEA Executives Letter to Board
Who is exec board
Rob Reynolds President, Heather Dunn Vice President, Angela Price Secretary, Shelly Moen Treasurer
History of correspondence
Rob briefed us on this. Rich did many things to protect his position as a teacher when he found out that his position may be reduced in the future. He applied for jobs outside of the teaching field. Rich applied for a leave of absence and it was denied by Jim as it was after a board meeting. So he resigned instead, but wanted to let others know what his situation was so he wrote a letter to the board. Executive committee decided that we should add a union voice to Rich’s letter. We did not support his leave of absence. The fact that the board didn’t see the letter was an issue as well as the fact that if he hadn’t had the conversation with Trevor about future employment he still may be here. We edited the letter thoroughly and didn’t find anything offense. The hurry was that the board was discussing Rich’s letter at this board meeting.
Apologies for not communicating more effectively the letter and this situation. The intention was to inform everyone of the letter before it was presented to the board. Because the situation snowballed so quickly this did not happen and the executive committee is deeply sorry for this situation. There was a lot of miscommunication in this situation. One reason the letter didn’t get shared with everyone is that the TVEA was threatened with legal action. That is why the letter was not sent out until after the executive team met with administration.
We need to talk to each other when we have problems. Face to face communication is really important especially when there is a problem don’t rely on emails and letters.
The executive board was trying to be advocates for a good teacher. What happened was a perfect storm.
Apology
We apologize for leaving you in the dark. That was not our intention.
What are your thoughts on TVEA members and admin meeting on a regular basis. Members like this idea. Who would like to do this? Go into those meetings with open minds and not harbor resentment. Ask what is going on instead of telling what is going on. Send out a request for those people that may be interested. Meet before hand with MEA so that the right things are represented in the meeting with admin.
We will post monthly executive meeting agenda and notes all are welcome.
We need to have more active involvement. Let Rob knows what needs to be put on the agenda.
Share Trevor’s position
Trevor was very open and honest with Rich. They are very good friends and he supported him in and out of school. Trevor did everything that he should have done.
How do we now share this info with the board?
Meetings
General Meetings Quarterly
As needed executive meetings to set agendas and take care of other business
Notification of meetings will come via email.
Everyone is always welcome at executive meetings.
Comments on membership:
Membership-We don’t want to lose members. It is obviously your decision, but we want you to be active members and we want our group to grow stronger.
Dave has been a member for a long time and a president for 10-15 minutes. The executive committee was really trying to do what was best and make things better at our school. We have a team that is willing to put their necks out there to make things better. All of them have their hearts in the right place. Quitting the union because of a bad decision is a bit nearsighted. This could turn out to be a positive thing. I know there are hurt feelings, and I feel bad, but something good will come from this. I have faith in these folks.
Termination requirements-Change of membership can only happen in September.
Us again them is not a good mentality.
Negotiations: - To start in February
Training opportunity - Feb 10/11th Great Falls
Go here - http://www.mea-mft.org/Articles/mea-mft_regional_trainings.aspx
Volunteers to become active participants
Administration
Administration wants staff to come voice concerns, bring an MEA rep with you. If you don't feel comfortable coming still tell a member and ask them to share with admin.
Evaluations
Admin will start anonymous evaluations again on a regular basis.
TVEA needs negotiators and people who would be willing to meet with admin on a regular basis. There is a training in February in Great Falls paid for by MEA for those that are interested.
Aaron agreed to write the letter and negotiator is because my belief in solidarity in something like a union is essential. We are at the bottom of Lincoln County and in Montana. If there was ever a need for solidarity it is now. This union is for protecting educators. What are we trying to achieve in the next year and how do we want to approach negotiators?