THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
November, 2015
Ms. Jacqui Greadington
EOEA President
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ADVOCACY/NEGOTIATIONS:
I would like to thank all members who have been supportive in letting the Board know that we deserve a contract settlement.
I would also like to thank the other EO units, Secretaries and Attendance Officers Association, Service and Maintenance
Association, Education Support Professionals, and Department Heads for joining in this effort. All 5 Presidents addressed the
Board at the October 13th meeting. It is important to note that although the EOEA is into its second year without reaching a
settlement, some of these other units have been without a new contract for 3, and 4 years.
The implications are great. The cost of living continues to go up. Items like food, gas, electricity, clothing, and tuition
continue to rise. As the cost of living rises, East Orange School District employees are at a standstill.
Our message is simple, we demand RESPECT. There continues to be delays in receiving the information that we have
requested. We just recently learned that the agreed upon December date has been postponed due to the Board attorney’s
Christmas Party. We believe this should have been brought up before we settled on the December date. We, therefore, are
not able to anticipate going back to the table until the middle of January. This date, by the way, has also not yet been
confirmed by the Board’s attorney.
For our new members, you should know that the salaries, benefits, and contract language that protect you and your working
conditions were not GIFTS from the Board. There was a time when elementary teachers DID NOT have a daily prep. There
was a time when you DID NOT receive tuition reimbursement for advanced study. There was a time when there were NO
provisions for Death in the Family. There was a time when there was NO compensation for covering classes. There was a
time when EO teachers PAID the Board to take a personal day; and this is just a partial list. This was an East Orange
teacher’s reality not too long ago. These changes were gained through negotiations between the EOEA and the EOBOE.
When the contract is settled, ALL members will be a part of the settlement. So we need ALL members to help us deliver our
message to the Board.
The EOEA negotiates for ALL members and in times like these we look to ALL members for support. The Constitution of
the United States of America gives us a right to free speech, the right to protest and a right to peacefully gather to express our
concerns. The New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act (PERC) gives us a right to advocate on behalf of all members
and each other. Letting the Board know that we are tired of waiting does not have an impact on the job we do in our schools
each day. As our buttons state: NO CONTRACT, STILL WORKING, ALWAYS CARING.
Our strength and success is in our UNITY. One for all and all for one.
Volume 13, Issue 3
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
November, 2015
EOEA HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE (HSSC) By Keith Hinton II, Chairperson
The HSSC will meet on November 18, 2015 at 9 A.M. in the EOEA office. After the meeting, we will visit Tyson Elementary School.
A summary of issues brought to the attention of the HSSC are as follows:
1. Classroom phones - Parents are able to call rooms directly, by-passing the office and interrupting instruction.
2. What are security guards’ duties? Some guards sit at front desk and watch the monitors.
3. Science labs at Campus are not ready for use. Teachers want to get started and use the area since it is in the curriculum, but work
needs to be done.
4. The capacity at the campus in the cafeteria is still in question. Administration stated blueprints on file should have it. We will look
more into that during next meeting.
5. Computer Upgrade - Every school is wired and ready to go for PARCC. The proof of that being that Renaissance has been going
smoothly so far.
Members please direct building concerns to your Rep and they will channel them to me. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
NEGOTIATIONS By Clarence Osborne, Chairperson
The first mediation session between the EOEA and EO BOE was held on Tuesday, October 20 th. Unfortunately very little was
accomplished at the session. The EOEA Negotiations Team made a concerted effort to bargain in good faith by prioritizing and modifying our
proposals. We shared our concerns with the mediator and had every intention of making headway towards a settlement. However, the Board must
have had another agenda as they presented their entire original proposal package.
One of the first things the mediator looks for is a pared down list of the two sides’ proposal packages, i.e., a short list of the most
important issues from each side. From there the mediator looks for common ground on issues to arrive at a fair and equitable settlement. Apparently
the Board does not want to participate in this process in good faith. As has been reported in previous Negotiations newsletter articles and
Negotiations Updates, the Board’s attorney has refused to supply the Association with information relevant to their proposals. This practice
continues and we shared this fact with the mediator. Needless to say, she was not happy.
The next mediation session is tentatively scheduled for January 14, 2016. I realize this is not what the membership wants to hear. The
EOEA Negotiations Team was ready, willing and able to meet in November and December but the Board’s Team could not, or would not make
their team members available. Therefore, the EOEA membership has ample time and opportunity: to attend Board meetings and other events that
will put pressure on the Board to bargain in good faith, time and opportunity to let the East Orange community know just what is or is not
happening at the bargaining table, and time and opportunity to support the EOEA Negotiations Team.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS By Brian Rock, Chairperson
Elections:
This was supposed to be a sleepy year for New Jersey elections. In some ways it was - we set a record low for voter turnout at around
21%. But regardless of turnout, the outcome was HUGE for us as educators. All of the incumbent legislators that we endorsed were reelected, and four of our endorsed challengers - Bruce Land (LD 1), Eric Houghtaling (LD 11), Joann Downey (LD 11), and Andrew Zwicker
(LD 16) - knocked off incumbents who voted against us on the budget last year. Locally, the five city council people that we endorsed also
won election, and we welcome three new members to the East Orange City Council - Amy Lewis, Casim Gomez, and Mustafa Brent.
These victories, especially the hard-fought ones in Republican leaning districts 11 and 16, are the direct result of hard work by NJEA
members who volunteered their time to work on campaigns. We made phone calls, we knocked on doors, and we drove people to the polls.
We made a difference.
I want to send a special thank you to the members who came out to the EOEA Office on November 2 for our Get Out the Vote phone
bank. We’re building our organizational potential here in East Orange, and we’re ready for an exciting two years of politics as we help select
our next President and our next Governor.
Digital Organizing:
I’m excited to announce that East Orange and Essex County will be piloting a new digital organizing initiative this year. We’ll be
paving the way for the rest of NJEA as we test out a set of digital tools called “Action Network.” This will allow us to more effectively
contact, organize, and engage members around political issues.
You’ll hear a lot more about this in the next few months. But to be effective, I need your help. I’m looking for one person from each
building - other than the Rep. - to be a lead organizer and part of our local Legislative Action Team. E-mail me (brianrock.nj@gmail.com) or
talk to your Rep. if you’re interested.
Supreme Court Update:
Our pension case from last June is still pending before the Supreme Court. The Justices will consider whether or not to accept the case
at their conference on Friday, November 13. Their decision on whether or not to hear the case should be announced the morning of Monday,
November 16.
Volume 13, Issue 3
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
November, 2015
GRIEVANCE REPORT By Priscilla Burke, Chairperson
Hearings/Settlements
A grievance was filed by the Association regarding Staff Meetings at EOCHS. The Association believes that a longstanding practice between
the EOEA and the EOBOE was being violated. The Association is happy to report that the Staff meetings have been returned to Mondays at
EOCHS.
Present Grievances
1. A grievance will be filed on behalf of a teacher who was recommended for appointment to an extracurricular activity and was removed in
response to an unfounded complaint. It has been moved Level IV.
2. A grievance will be filed that an administrator did not have a post conference with several teachers after observations were done.
(EOCHS) The administrator is no longer in the District, however, the Association is still seeking a resolution that is acceptable.
3. A complaint procedure violation grievance will be filed on behalf of a teacher who received memorandums immediately following a
complaint of a parent. The member did not have an opportunity to resolve the complaint informally. (Tyson Elementary) It has been moved to
Level III. The Administrator had been absent but is now back in the district.
4. Grievances were filed on behalf of two members who have lost their increment. Hearings at Level II were held. No written response from the
Administrator has been received. We are requesting to move to Level III. (MBG)
5. A hearing was held on behalf of a member who has complained that her administrator was continuously implying that certain students, who
were inclusion or may need to be in inclusion, be looked at and addressed. These students had IEP’s which clearly stated that they were
supposed to be in a regular setting, yet she was continuously questioned about what could be done if the students were experiencing difficulties
(with disregard of the IEP status). The Association grieved that the administrator was in violation of the Special Education Regulations, which
are very clear and unambiguous about following the student’s IEP. The member began to experience difficulties after refusing to address
anything other than what was allowable under federal law. She subsequently was transferred. A Grievance was filed that memoranda of a
derogatory nature be removed from the teacher’s file. The administrator had been absent but is now back in the district full time. It has been
moved to Level III and will be scheduled. (Bowser).
******If you have concerns about your workload or caseload please contact the Association we can only resolve issues when they are brought
to our attention********
Get involved--your benefits are at stake here! SOLIDARITY!!!!!!!!!
P.R.I.D.E. By Ericka Currie, Chairperson
Bring Your Parent(s) to School Day
Members are invited to collaborate with parent liaison, PTA/PTO, to
invite parents to school to pick up their child’s report card or for a day
of conferences. There is a $100.00 allotment for light refreshments to
be served to parents. Please acknowledge refreshments are
compliments of EOEA. Please note - No refunds will be given for
purchases made at SAM’S CLUB or WALMART. Original receipts,
flyers acknowledging EOEA, and official EOEA sign-in sheets should
be sent to Ericka Currie at Louverture or EOEA no later than
December 1. Please indicate the school and payee with receipt(s). You
must display your table signs.
November
17
ECEA Achieve NJ Domain 4 Professional l
Responsibilities – Appian Way
18
SciPs & DEACS 3 Collaborative Decision Making –
Appian Way, Orange, New Jersey
16-20
American Education Week
26
Thanksgiving Day
December
1
World Aids Day
7
Pearl Harbor Day
10
Human Rights Day
15
Bill of Rights Day
EOEA PRIDE ART CONTEST
SOCIAL By Jennifer Longo, Chairperson
The PRIDE committee is sponsoring an “ART Contest”. This year’s
winning Artwork will be placed on bags and distributed to the
community. We are looking forward to all schools participating. No
entries on paper larger than 9x12. All entries must be submitted to
Ericka Currie @ Louverture or the EOEA office.
The Social Committee sponsored a Happy Halloween Happy
Hour at McLoones in West Orange on Friday, October 30th.
Around 40 members of the EOEA shared companionship, good
food and good spirits. A themed gift basket was given away.
Keep your ears and eyes open for the next Happy Hour.
The committee is also busy planning some new adventures. Stay
tuned!
Volume 13, Issue 3
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
November, 2015
INSTRUCTION & TRAINING By Stephen Laird, Chairperson
November is upon us and the first cycle is ending. I hope that you have taken advantage of the informative workshops offered so far. We
still have many more to come! The Classroom Management: Elementary workshop will be held on Nov. 24th@4pm in the EOEA
office. Sign up to learn about some new techniques!
Administrative walk-throughs have been on going. Please refer to your template so that you are on course for your goals and the goals of
your students. Stay strong through this arduous time; we need all us to get what we deserve. The union needs its members to step up and step
out! Let your commitment to professional development be a reminder to the EOBOE of your dedication to your students and your craft.
Happy Thanksgiving!
MEMBERSHIP By Holly M. Allen, Chairperson
I am currently in the process of compiling a list of
members for each school and confirming emails, phone numbers,
and addresses. Please see your building representative if your
contact information has changed, or you haven’t been receiving e:
mails. Again, please feel free to access your account online at
NJEA.org to update or confirm your information. You can access
your account by typing in your email address or pin (which is
located on your membership card above the date) and your
password is the last four digits of your social security number.
Additionally, some of our new members have been
inquiring about the time it takes for their applications to be
processed. The NJEA was not able to give me a specific length of
time, but they did say that the process tends to be slower in the
fall. Membership fees will be prorated based on your start date.
Thank you for your patience.
Monthly Membership Benefit HighlightsExclusive offer for NJ Education Association- discounted tickets
for DISNEY ON ICE at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ
(November 18th, 19th, and 20th)! Access member benefits online
for more information.
BankMobile is a new member benefit for NJEA members and
families. You can now have all of your banking services available
on your mobile device. The big difference is that BankMobile
does not charge any fees – at all.
 Open an account with your smartphone – using your
driver’s license or state ID.
 Pay a bill by taking a picture of it.
 Deposit a check by taking a picture of it.
 Higher savings interest than Wells Fargo, Bank of
America, Chase, and Citibank.
 57,000 no fee ATMs – STAR network.
 FDIC insured.
 Pay anyone with just their email or cell number.
 Supports the NJEA Hipp Foundation.
NJEA Member Benefits (609) 599-4561 ext. 2222
Visit our website: www.eoeamembers.com
Volume 13, Issue 3
FAST By Carla Hinds, Chairperson
The FAST Committee has thus far had two events. One
event was spear-headed by the Men’s Ministry of Mt. Olive
Baptist Church called “Rights and Responsibilities.” This was an
excellent opportunity for students, parents and other community
members to come together and share concerns with police officers
from the surrounding area. This workshop was well received and
there are plans in the works to do a follow up workshop.
The second event joined the FAST Committee along with the
New Jersey Education Association in sponsoring a
workshop/conversation on “The School to Prison Pipeline.” We
are excited about this venture. Our president, Jacqui Greadington
has addressed the need to effect changes and interventions on all
levels of this Association. The school to prison pipeline is a
figurative title given to acknowledge the issue of mass
incarceration of minorities. This event will encourage real
dialogue, focus and direction as it relates to our schools and how
we might effectively address this issue. It will be held on
Saturday, December 19, 2015 at St. Paul AME Church, East
Orange. A flyer will be generated soon that will detail the other
pertinent information. Please save the date. This is an urgent call
to action! Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The “Next Step” Book Club has begun for this school year.
The facilitator for this club is Pedro Azcona, our member from
STEM Middle/High School. Should you be interested, the club is
“for men only,” please contact him or our EOEA office for more
information.
Our Savvy Sisters Book Club will take on two forms: face to
face meetings and conference calls. Our plan is to begin in
December. More information to follow.
The EOEA INFORMER is the official publication of the
East Orange Education Association
576 Central Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone # 973-672-7331
Fax # 973-672-1194
E-mail: eoea@aol.com
Website: www.eoeamembers.com
Ms. Jacqueline Greadington, President
Mr. Brian Rock, Vice President
Ms. Patricia Landon, Treasurer
Ms. Dawn Nichol, Secretary
Ms. Joyce McCree, Editor
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