General Meeting Minutes

April 20, 2010

615 15th Street Southwest

Auburn, Washington

The meeting, chaired by Deyanna King and Laurali Larson, was called to order at 5:20 p.m., by Co-president, Laurali Larson.

Minutes of October 7, 2009, General Meeting and November 4, 2009, Special Meeting

Minutes were presented.  It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as presented. 

Motion carried

Correspondence

Cris Cruickshank, secretary, read a thank you note from WAEOP Ways and Means Co-chairs, Pam James and Arlene Ochoa.  They acknowledged AAEOP’s contribution to the basket raffles at the WAEOP Fall Summit.

Treasurer’s Report

Jan Rhodes, treasurer, presented an up-to-date report of AAEOP’s financial status.  The report was filed for audit.

Introduction of Guest

PSE Field Representative, Dave Fleming, was introduced.  Dave was assigned to work with the negotiations team in the absence of Judy Seidmeyer (AAEOP’s assigned field rep).  Dave announced that negotiations with the district will begin in May.

Dave spoke briefly on legislative news (levy equalization, 728, etc.), health insurance funding, and budget reductions.  He noted that Randy Dorn’s recognition/knowledge of actual cost to operate schools has likely had a positive impact at the state level.

Proposed Bylaws Revision

A proposal to change Section 7, Term of Office, of the AAEOP bylaws came before members.  The recommendation included the proposal to elect half the executive board during even years and the remainder of the board during odd years.  Additionally, the proposal addressed the exception for this year (2010), for current officers to serve a three-year term to get us to the even-odd rotation.  The proposed change was reviewed.  It was moved and seconded to accept the bylaws revision. 

Motion maker:  Loretta Kingsolver

Second:  Jonna May

Motion carried

Elections

Positions open for nominations from the floor included:

·        Co-President (for 2010-11, the remainder of the 2009-11 term)

Laurali Larson was elected

·        Negotiations/By-laws committee (two members)

After a tie-breaking vote, Ann Gilbert and Jonna May were announced as members elected

·        Grievance committee (two members) 

Kellee Smith and Sandi Thompson were elected

·        PSE Delegates (up to four members and one alternate)

Deyanna King, Loretta Kingsolver, and Laurali Larson were elected to serve (July 23-25, PSE Convention in Yakima)

It was moved and seconded that AAEOP donate $200 of their PSE rebate to help sponsor a chapter unable to fund a delegate to convention. 

Motion maker:  Cris Cruickshank

Second:  Pam Craft

Motion carried

Negotiations Survey

Negotiations topics (listed in no specific order) were presented for members to rank in order of personal importance.  Ranking one being the highest (most crucial issue), two second highest, and so on, members were asked to rate matters presented to the negotiations committee so the team would be able to effectively bargain with the district for the things that matter most to AAEOP members. 

These ranking sheets were collected and will be used by the negotiations team when bargaining commences in May.

Committee Reports

Awards and Installation Banquet – Pam Craft announced the location (My Spot, by the Transit Station) of the spring awards and installation banquet.  She announced the menu and spoke about the raffle basket that will be available as well as the fun activities planned for that evening.  The first 15 members who get their reservation and payment in will receive an extra ticket for a door-prize drawing.  It was moved and seconded that AAEOP pay $10 toward the meal of each member who attends the banquet. 

Motion carried

Holiday Banquet – The location (Muckleshoot Casino) and date (first Thursday, December 2) of the 2010 AAEOP Holiday Banquet was announced.  The cost will be $20 for AAEOP members.

Professional Development/Workshop – Vice-President, Jonna May, committee chair, announced a professional development workshop.  Thursday, May 27 (in the board room at the district administration building, 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.), Officer Robin McCluskey will present Safety and Identity Theft.

Scholarship – Applications have been reviewed and a report of the winners will be made after June awards assemblies have been conducted at the high schools. 

Good of the Order 

Terri Petersen was introduced to members as Terri Matthews.  Terri was married during spring break!  As soon as paperwork is complete, Terri said, you’ll see her new name coming across your e-mail.

The core committee for the WAEOP Spring Conference Awards and Scholarship Luncheon thanked members for contributing to luncheon centerpieces by donating money to purchase shoes.  The committee displayed a centerpiece and described how the shoes would be distributed to students-in-need across the state.

The raffle basket brought in $64 for the continuing education and scholarship fund.  Sandi Thompson won the drawing.

Closing Inspiration

Paulette Sebolboro spoke of laughter being “the best medicine” for the heart and soul.  She shared that, like others, she often receives an e-message that causes her to chuckle, cry, or just say, “whoa!”  In considering Take Your Child to Work Day, staff at Paulette’s worksite suggested parents/guardians be encouraged to demonstrate, for their children, the importance of arriving on time; respecting others; being diligent and completing tasks; and working until the end of your shift (until the bell rings).  Additionally, staff members feel students need to understand how limited they will be if they cannot read, ignore the instructor (boss), harass others, fight or argue, and/or leave materials critical to completing work at home.                     

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m., by Deyanna King.

Minutes prepared by Cris Cruickshank

Special Meeting Minutes

November 4, 2009

602 West Main Street

Auburn, Washington

The special meeting, chaired by Deyanna King and Debbie Strand, was called to order at 5:17 p.m., by Co-president, Debbie Strand.

Public School Employees Field Representative, Judy Seidmeyer was introduced to speak about the district’s Emergency Flood Team.

In order to be better prepared to deal with student and staff needs in the event of flooding due to issues with the Howard Hanson Dam, the district has begun putting together a team of employee volunteers to respond to student and staff needs.

The district team of volunteers, being drawn from all employee groups, are asked to be available (should they sign up and be trained) 24/7.  A handout from Judy outlined information about compensation, waiving contractual rights to seniority assignments, L & I coverage, the district’s liability insurance, etc.  The handout, dated October 29, 2009, stated:

Auburn School District Emergency/Flood Volunteer Team (ASDEFVT) provisions that have been discussed to-date with employee group leaders and the District:

1.   The term “volunteer” is not a job description, but rather is an indication of an individual whom wishes to participate in the ASDEFVT.  Individuals will provide contact information as an indication of opting into participation in the ASDEFVT.

2.   As this is a “volunteer” emergency team, a contract waiver will be needed—no contractual seniority or grievance procedures will be permitted by or between bargaining unit members and ASDEFVT members.

3.   Contractual wage and hour provisions will be followed—regular time, overtime, holiday time, etc., for ASDEFVT members.

4.   The Auburn School District (ASD) will cover employees on the ASDEFVT with contract provisions for L & I.  The ASD with also carry the burden of liability for employees performing the volunteer work of the ASDEFVT.

5.   The ASD will provide training for ASDEFVT members/workers.

6.   No negative evaluations/repercussions will occur to those employees who do not volunteer for the ASDEFVT.

7.   No employee will be expected to work if they cannot attend due to the flooding situations.  The ASD wants to make sure employees and their own families are safe.

8.      Per Tim Cummings, perfect attendance contract provisions will be amended to include no penalty for inability to work due to emergency flood conditions.

A sample of the opt into form, to participate in the ASDEFVT, was attached to the handout.  Judy cautioned AAEOP members about some exuberant supervisor distributing forms prior to presentation and approval of bargaining groups.  She said it is important that people who wish to sign up do so on the flood-team form provided by the district.

The ASD will provide training (date to be determined) to staff members who sign up to serve on the ASDEFVT.  They do not want employees to worry about their own property and/or family—they want staff to take care of their own “stuff” first in order to be most effective on the job.

Volunteer positions may include, but not be limited to, providing communication between buildings, supervising students, assisting people in evacuating, etc.

On the matter of storing school/student records (to be safe from flood waters), a directive to have records a few feet off the ground was provided to Cascade and Dick Scobee (the schools anticipated to be most affected by flooding) office professionals.  Due to the possibility that flood water could rise significantly higher than a few feet, it was recommended that office professionals communicate with their building administrator, the need to have records stored in a secure, off-site location.  Judy specified asking the building administrator to assist in, or make, arrangements for warehouse staff to pick up and store records.

Debbie Strand called for a vote of AAEOP members to accept or decline an agreement with the district regarding the emergency team. 

The vote carried (unanimously) to accept the districts outlined ASDEFVT plan.

Good of the Order 

Judy Seidmeyer thanked the association for the birthday card.

Pat Jensen distributed reservation flyers for the AAEOP Holiday Banquet and encouraged all AAEOP members to attend (December 3, at the Muckleshoot Casino).

The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m., by Debbie Strand.

 
Minutes prepared by Cris Cruickshank

General Meeting Minutes

October 7, 2009
615 15th Street Southeast
Auburn, Washington

The general meeting, chaired by Deyanna King and Debbie Strand, was called to order at 5:15 p.m., by Co-president, Deyanna King.

Minutes of April 23, 2009 Meeting

Minutes were presented.  It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as presented. 

Motion maker:  Deonna Steffy

Second:  Marilyn Jenkins

Motion carried

Approval of 2009-10 Budget 

This agenda item was moved up in order to have line item information available at the time discussion and decisions about the holiday banquet took place.

It was moved and seconded to accept the proposed budget for 2009-10.

Motion maker:  Deonna Steffy

Second:  Jonna May

Motion carried

Committee Reports

Insurance – Ann Gilbert, committee chair, spoke on the committee’s effort to find any possible way to reduce health-care costs for AAEOP members.  Without demographic information, new groups are quoted high and after a company has claim history on the group, rates may change in subsequent years.  The committee has been looking at dental coverage that is better and less expensive than WDS (Washington Dental Service).  United Concoria offers a three- or four-tier plan so subscribers are able to find coverage that most suits their need.

Audit – Laurali Larson reported that everything is where it should be and Jan Rhodes (treasurer) has done a great job.  The 2008-09 budget was audited and Jan filed the AAEOP report with the IRS (officially closing the 2008-09 books).

Holiday Banquet – Deonna Steffy announced the location (Muckleshoot Casino) and date (December 3) of the AAEOP Holiday Banquet.  She revealed holiday BINGO as the featured activity and a drive for Toys for Tots (with local fire fighters attending dinner and accepting the toys).  There was discussion about ways to increase member participation in this function and a suggestion of a “hardship” scholarship supported by member donations and a prize for first-time attendees.  Deonna invited members to contact her or a member of the banquet committee with ideas for getting more members to attend the banquet.  Deonna worked diligently with casino staff to lock in the best rate possible for this event.  It was moved and seconded that current AAEOP members pay $15 toward their meal and AAEOP will pay the balance.

Motion maker:  Laurali Larson

Second:  Denise King

Motion carried

Professional Development/Workshop – Vice-President, Jonna May, chairs the workshop committee.  She requested that members interested in helping please sign up to serve on the committee.

Fundraising – Pam Craft (committee co-chair) made a last call for people to purchase a raffle ticket for the spa/pamper yourself basket (that included a gift certificate for a ballroom dance lesson).  Each meeting attendee received a gift certificate for a complimentary spinal exam and first adjustment (from Green River Chiropractic).  Pam announced that at least 20 vendors have confirmed participation in AAEOP’s Shop ‘til You Drop event (November 13, 4 to 8 p.m., in the commons at Auburn Riverside High School) and encouraged members to promote the event with flyers, word-of-mouth, or any other method to get shoppers to the event (not only to provide a supportive showing for vendors, but also to assure a sizeable deposit to the continuing education and scholarship fund).  Chico Bags (first introduced at the April 2009 meeting) were passed around for members to examine and the pre-order form for bags was made available. 

A list of committees was made available for members to sign up.

Adoption of Revised Bylaws 

The proposed changes were reviewed.  It was moved and seconded to accept the revised bylaws. 

Motion maker:  Ann Gilbert

Second:  Gay Gilder

Motion carried

Good of the Order 

Results of the on-line survey for input for the negotiations team were made available.  Deyanna announced that there were between 45 and 50 responses, a great number, to the survey.  There was discussion about the topics on the list (including how longevity is calculated, clarification that asking for office professionals to be “off the playground” would be equivalent to “off detention duty, intramurals, and/or lunch supervision” at the middle schools, and pooling benefit dollars) and members were urged to contact a member of the negotiations team to share input on a topic of interest for contract negotiations.

Debbie Strand and Deyanna King reminded members to sign up to serve on a committee.

The raffle basket brought in $77 for the continuing education and scholarship fund.  Laurali Larson won the drawing.

Closing Inspiration

Paulette Sebolboro spoke of how common it is to get caught up in the frenetic or crazy happenings of the beginning of a year, forget to take a lunch or break, and bite off more than we can chew (or be given more than we can chew).  Without “office fairies” to come in and take care of our work overnight, Paulette share the perspective of a wise old wolf.  The wolf says, “If you bite off more than you can chew. . . then chew it.”  Paulette handed out packs of chewing gum that included a sticker with the old wolves’ words.                                                                                                      

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m., by Deyanna King.

Minutes prepared by Cris Cruickshank