PEA Minutes – May 16, 2007
Pasadena Educators Association had their first Legislative/Rewards dinner Wednesday, May 16, 2007.  PEA President Claudette Thomas called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm.  She introduced special guests, Mrs. Sherrie Matula who is a candidate for House District Seat 129, and Mr. Shane Riddle, TSTA staff.  For more information about Ms. Matula’s campaign check her website SherrieMatula.com.

Shane Riddle, TSTA staff, discussed the Social Security Fairness Act that will affect education employees, Police, and Fire personnel.  He urged all members to contact US Senators Hutchinson and Cornyn for their support of the Social Security Fairness Act.

PEA proposed changes to their bylaws and constitution to align with TSTA.  Patrick Hernandez, Vice President of PEA, discussed the reasons for the changes and copies were passed out.  After handing out the copies, a motion was made by Dardon Ann Hayter and seconded by Phyllis Freeland to accept the constitution and bylaws as written.  There was discussion from the floor.  Dardon Ann Hayter made a motion to close discussion and Joyce Forlenza seconded it. The vote was taken and it was unanimous to close discussion.  The motion to accept the constitution and bylaws as written was voted on by the members.  The motion passed with one dissenting vote.

The legislative action alert was discussed and it was stated that PEA needs to update the members’ telephone numbers and addresses.  Ms. Hayter reported that a form would be emailed to all members to update their information.  The members were directed to send the information to Phyllis Freeland, Sam Rayburn HS, as quickly as possible.

Voter registration forms were passed out and everyone was encouraged to have addresses changed if needed and to register anyone that needs to register to vote.

Teresa Phillips won the door prize of a TSTA/NEA backpack/rolling cart.  Loretta McCarthy won the second door prize of a TSTA/NEA polo shirt. 

The PEA officers were presented with flowers for their hard work, dedication and support of all the members this year.

Patrick Hernandez made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm and Dardon Ann Hayter seconded it.

PEA Minutes—September 11, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Phyllis Freeland, Secretary and Treasurer of PEA.  Ms. Freeland introduced the PEA officers and explained that Claudette Thomas, President of PEA would attend the meeting late. 

Ms. Freeland proposed a change in the PEA Consitution and Bylaws.  Since there was no copy of the Constitution and Bylaws, the exact wording was not available.  A motion was made to table the proposed change until every one present at the meeting could see the exact wording. 

Patrick Hernandez, Vice President of PEA, talked about membership.  He reported that there were about 700 members in PEA/TSTA/NEA.  He also informed the members that TSTA would be willing to do recruiting on individual campuses if the members wanted them to do that.  Please contact Patrick Hernandez or Claudette Thomas if you would like TSTA to visit your campus and recruit.

Mr. Hernandez announced that Sam Blackman, TSTA Representative, would be available to conduct a workshop on Chapter 37 (Removing a Disruptive Student from Class) or on Your Rights as an Employee. 

Mr. Hernandez has recruiting materials if anyone needs any.  He is located at Fisher Elementary.

Ms. Freeland submitted the PEA budget for the 2006-2007 year.  Lauren McElhannon made a motion to approve the budget.  Jim Jordan seconded the motion.  The 2006-2007 PEA budget was approved unanimously. 

Ms. McElhannon discussed the upcoming November 2006 election.  She explained that TSTA has five major races in Harris County that are being targeted to win.  A win would help education members to have a majority of pro-education votes in the Texas State House of Representatives.  Also, this is needed to help stop HB1, which will take all power from local authority and give all control of schools and education to the State.  One of the candidates is our own retired PEA member, Sherrie Matula.  There will be block walking in Clear Lake in the near future.  It was decided by Ms. Freeland to share this information with the PEA Officers and decide if a committee was needed to help disburse information about the November 2006 election.

Mr. Hernandez made a motion to refund the local PEA dues to all Association Representatives, PEA Officers, and PEA Directors.  Ms. Freeland explained that this refund would signify PEA’s appreciation for their service.  AR’s will be undergoing reorganization and training.  The motion was seconded by Gerald Parker.  Motion was passed unanimously. 

The next meeting was scheduled for October 9, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. at Sam Rayburn Teaching Theater.  Meeting was adjourned by Phyllis Freeland at 5:32 p.m.

Many thanks to Willie McIntyre for recording the minutes for Phyllis Freeland!
 

PEA Minutes—February 14, 2006

The PEA meeting was called to order by Dardon Ann Hayter, President of PEA, on February 14, 2006, at 4:40 p.m. at Southmore Intermediate.  Drinks and Valentine candy were served to the members in attendance.

Ms. Hayter reported that she has sent to every AR the ballots for Regional, State, and National HoD delegates.  Please notify Ms. Hayter if you did not receive any ballots. 

The PEA Officers have been meeting with Dr. Schneider and Kirk Lewis voicing your concerns and discussing solutions.  Discussions have centered on Chancery, Discipline, Performance Pay, Substitutes and Sub finder, Transportation, and email accounts for all PISD employees.  Please notify any officer if you have any questions or concerns. 

If you are having any problems at your school, please notify Ms. Hayter immediately.  Delay in reporting problems can be the difference between day and night. 

Ms. Hayter announced that for National HoD all Texas Delegates will be asked to contribute $150 to $200 to NEA Children’s Fund.  The PEA delegation to National HoD has contributed 100% to the NEA Children’s Fund in the past and will be expected for the 2006 National HoD in Orlando, FL.  Ms. Matula reminded the members that almost all expenses are paid with PEA funds for Texas delegates; therefore, a $150 to $200 donation would not be an unreasonable request. 

On February 18, 2006, there will be a TSTA Rally in Austin.  The Austin and San Antonio Education Associations will be attending.  Since there is minimum activity at the Capitol at this time, PEA members will not be attending.  There was a suggestion that in April (when it would be effective) to attend one day during the special session.  If PEA does attend one day in April, all members will be notified and invited to attend. 

Sherrie Matula thanked all PEA members for all the cards, flowers, thoughts and prayers when her father died.  The PDAS workshop was cancelled due to her father’s illness.  She announced that there will be another workshop scheduled soon and all members will be notified and invited to attend. 

Sherrie also wanted to remind all members that she will be running for a political office and needs all PEA member’s support so that we will have a representative for Education and for the school children. 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. by Dardon Ann Hayter.

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