October 1, 2009 Consultation Minutes

Instructional Consultation
10-01-09

Meeting called to order at 4:30 P.M. First order of business is the Approval of Aspire awards for teachers, campus based staff, principals, executive principals and regional superintendents covers items E-1, E-2, and E-3. 43.1 million dollars for ASPIRE awards for the 2008-2009 year.

SPM 4302.1A forms developed for requests for information, and response forms. Question was raised about the minutes of the instructional consultation meeting. We were assured that the minutes would be posted by the end of the week.

HEA question on the SDMC, does every campus have one, what is its function and how is it created. SDMC is advisory to the principal, responsible for professional development for the campus and other issues and is elected not appointed. SDMC should be 2/3 classroom teachers, 1/3 staff and support. Over and over again this issue comes up. This needs to be explained to the principals, again.

Issue was raised of large numbers of older teachers targeted for growth plans. Teachers who have 25+ years of service are over 50 are being removed from MPDAS and placed on PDAS and a serious attempt is being made to get them to retire or resign. Administration will investigate this and check data.

HFT concern H1N1 vaccinations what are the plans? Administration response there are no firm plans at this time. The districts role has not been defined at this point in time. We will advise as soon as we know.

Jury Duty leave policy. There is no change in the current policy. Dismissal at noon, is a problem. Whole day is still possible. What about funeral leave for brothers and sisters? This needs to be addressed. OFF Campus duty is not on the form. Absence form should not be filled out for off campus duty. This needs to be addressed. Length of duty day has been dropped. Sick leave is based of the 7.75 hour day. Administration says it is in the compensation manual and in the hierarchy of importance the compensation manual is lord.

Core works has stopped all reports to principals on teachers; the tool is not mandated it is offered as a resource.

What is a teacher to do? A student runs from room. If you chase your wrong if you don’t chase your wrong. Administration needs more details. Best effort is to notify office that student has left without permission. Really need more information.
Grading policy state law defines failing grade. Complaints from Westside indicate teachers are being directed to consider any grade below 80 failing. Why can’t a simple policy language be followed? Administration will advise principal. Grading policy needs flexibility. One size does not fit all.

Lesson Plans as of two days ago the problem at Ortiz M.S. has been corrected. It is time to grieve these issues. The law is very clear. Principals need to be clued in. When the staff rep cannot get through to the principal then there is a problem.

If you have mandated after school meetings talk to the regional office and the issue should be resolved.

Adjourned at 5:24 P.M.

October 5, 2009 Benefits Consultation Meeting

ON Monday, HFT met with HISD in the monthly Benefits consultation. Of interest to members:

1. HISD is out of flu vaccine. HISD had ordered 10,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine to give to employees at campuses. Since HISD cannot store the vaccine over the months that they scheduled campus flu shots, the vaccine was to come in increments. However, the supplier is now out and cannot deliver the remaining doses. HISD said they have been to about 1/3 of the campuses they had scheduled and will now put the rest on hold until and IF they get the remaining doses. HISD stated that the supplier is not confident that they can get more until well into the flu season. One reason HISD ran out is that the program was more popular and more employees got shots than they anticipated from last years' numbers.

If you have not gotten the seasonal flu shot yet and wanted to get one, I suggest that you find a Walgreens or other outlet that still has the vaccine and get one ASAP. We were told that Kelsey Seybold is out and has a waiting list. So stores that have it now may not have it for long. This may be the best 25.00 you spend this year.

What concerned me is that people could get ill from H1N1, recover and come back to work and catch the seasonal flu while they are still weak and get extremely ill. Having one form of the flu does not give immunity to the other.

2. There was no update from HISD on the H1N1 vaccine and if, how or when that may be given at campuses. Again, if you or family members want this vaccine, I would not wait for campus vaccinations but get it when it becomes available to you.

3. NO HISD On-Site Clinic is open yet and there is no date for one to open. This summer, HISD had proposed to take away lower paid employee's benefits of FSA cards and discounts saying that the on-sight clinics would provide low or no cost care for these employees. HFT and HESP (our sister unit for cafeteria, custodial, and bus drivers) fought this and won. Now that HISD has not opened ONE clinic and put the plans on hold to open, we are even more happy to have won this battle or employees who cannot afford HISD coverage would have NOTHING!

4. Open Enrollment for Benefits is Nov. 3-18. Begin thinking about your plan and how it has worked for you and your family this year and changes you may want to make. Then be sure to make any changes before the deadline.

Submitted by: Joanna Pasternak, HFT Representative