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H.E.A. Newsletter
H.E.A.is here for you because you deserve
the best.
Approved for publication by James Pace, HEA President, 3/20/03
Volume 3 - Issue 3 - March 2003
HEA/CTA/NEA
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Executive Board
Jim Pace
President
Gordon Williamson
Vice-President
Jose Madera
Treasurer
Betsy Patridge
Secretary
Vernon Johns
Secondary Director
Scott Johnson
Elementary Director
Jeanne Triska
Director At Large
Rep Council
Karen Barkley
Steve Brenner
Sandy Brower
Doug Coombs
Pat Cook
Claudia Ethun
Jim Garrett
Darin Grebel
D.J. Gregory
Dorrie Hall
Ralph Heller
Margaret Kennedy
Patty Liggett
Ozzie Maenpaa
Ron Magoun
Jackie Marsh
Terry McGrath
John McHenry
Kathryn Mustain
Linda Picht
Chris Pierce
Sarah Pifer
Diana Pruiett
Marcia Rhodes
Yolette Rios
Cheryl Roberts
Christine Robinson
Cheryl Rutledge
Lee Samuels
Rebekah Swanson
Mike Waterworth
Membership Chair
Barbara Bailey
Grievance Co-Chairs
Jim Garrett
Dick Westerhoff
SCSEBA Labor Rep
Blair Thompson
Newsletter Editor
Fran McCullough
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Jim Pace, H.E.A President
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DEFENSE HEARING SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 16
On behalf of the Executive Board, I would like to thank the Reps and the members for all their help in processing over 550 Hearing/ Defense forms. As you know, the scheduled hearing date is set for April 16. If you have not done so already, you should call the sub-line at 244-6093, and schedule a sub. for that day (The code should be "district authorized business" Number 19.)
During the General Membership Meeting, held on March 12, the membership advised the bargaining team, by a margin of over 80%, not to reduce the work year. The next bargaining meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 28.
On May 5 the School Board will be voting to finalize their plan to increase class size and eliminate other vital education programs. We need your presence at the May 5 School Board Meeting! Your attendance at this meeting will be a critical factor to affect change and to preserve class size and other important education programs. The students of Hesperia need you there.
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UPDATE:There will be a VERY IMPORTANT INSURANCE IFORMATION MEETING at: Sultana High School on April 21 at 4:15.
When checking the Newsletter for updates on line, remember to refresh the page.
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CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
By Vern Johns
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Even during this difficult time, the contract continues to guarantee certain rights to the association. Article Three of the contract deals with these rights. Sub articles A through M specifically lay out these rights. Some areas of interest are in Sub articles A, B, E, F, and J.
Sub article A gives HEA the right to use the District mail service to communicate with its membership "without censorship" - as long as certain procedures are followed. Non-derogatory or defamatory materials that are dated, signed by HEA President or his designee, and given as a courtesy to the site principal are OK to distribute.
Sub article B says that HEA has the right to post
| notices of concern on a bulletin board at each site.
Sub article E sets out HEA's right to "consult with the Superintendent or designee(s) regarding changes in policies and/or procedures used in the exercise of the District's lawful operations as they affect unit members."
Sub article F outlines the fact the District should provide "necessary information concerning the financial resources and professional staffing of the District."
Sub article J says that the "District shall furnish HEA with a current seniority list."
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INSURANCE UPDATE
By Blair Thompson, HEA Insurance Representative
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Kathy Sparks, CSEA Representative, and I have been attending meetings of the Board of Directors of Southern California Schools Employee Benefits Association (SCSEBA) this school year. At the first meeting, information regarding last year's claims history and its impact on the JPA was presented. As a group, we did a fairly good job of keeping some insurance costs in check. We also received a draft version of some cost containment proposals for next year. SCSEBA insurance plans compared very favorably with other insurance programs in Southern California. At the second SCSEBA Board of Directors' meeting, we approved some cost containment measures which will go into effect over the next two years.
At the March meeting of the Board of Directors the rate increases for next year were presented. For Blue Cross the increase is 18.8%, for Delta Dental it is 7.3%, and for vision it is 16.0%.
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If the HEA Bargaining Team is unable to make any headway with the District over benefits, this could mean a considerable increase over the $71.27 dollars per month we now pay. I will update the effect of these increases and discuss the cost containment measures in next month's newsletter.
The HUSD Insurance Committee has also held two meetings this year. Cost containment and the JPA's claim history were discussed and voting direction was given to the SCSEBA Board of Directors Union Reps. At the second meeting, presentations were made by CalPERS, High Desert & Inland Employee-Employer Trust, and Southern Counties Employer Employee Trust (SCEET).
The information received will be compiled and presented to HEA members at the end of March or early in April for the membership to make well planned decisions regarding benefits for next year.
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BY THE #'S
By Jose Madera, HEA Treasurer
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The table below indicates the latest figures (updated since HEA general meeting 3/12/03) for expected increases in our benefits. At the general meeting I reported a potential $225.65 tenthly payroll deduction. The new figures indicate a tenthly payroll deduction of $221.28. These calculations are based on zero changes to any of our plan benefits.
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Current
2002-2003 |
Projected
2003-2004 |
| Blue Cross |
593.29 |
704.83
(18.8% increase) |
| Delta Dental |
100.22 |
107.54
(7.3% increase) |
| Medical Eye Services |
12.21 |
14.16
(16% increase) |
| Life Insurance |
9.58 |
9.58
(0% increase) |
| Monthly Total |
715.3 |
836.11 |
| x 12 months |
8,583.60 |
10,033.32 |
| x 657 insurance participants (01-02) |
5,639,425 |
6,591,891 |
| 55 opt-outs (01-02) x 2000 |
110,000 |
110,000 |
| subtotal |
5,749,425 |
6,701,891 |
| less equity distribution from SCSEBA |
-27831 |
(?) |
| less 1/2 of prior year savings (under cap) |
-87746 |
0 |
| Total Premium |
5,633,848 |
6,701,891 |
| Total Premium divided by total insurance participants (712) = ( 657 + 55) |
7,912.71 |
9,412.77 |
| insurance premium per participant |
7,912.71 |
9,412.77 |
| Total Insurance Cost |
7,912.71 |
9,412.77 |
| District Contribution |
7,200 |
7,200 |
| Employee Contributtion |
712.71 |
2,212.77 |
Annual Employee Contribution
divided by 10 months |
71.27 |
221.28 |
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DID YOU KNOW?
By Jeanne Triska
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Recently we heard that the Board was considering a retirement incentive package. If you think this is something you would like to research , following is some information that might help.
STRS Counselor
You may make an appointment with John Crump, to counsel you about retirement. You don't have to be ready to retire to meet with him. His office is located on Hwy 18 in Apple Valley. Call (760) 242-6300 and make an appointment.
| STRS Lock in Option at 55
You may lock in your option during the year you are 55. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. Talk to your STRS advisor about what would be best for you.
Buy Back Years
It may be to your benefit to buy service credit years. The STRS counselor can give you more information about this. Remember the cost is based on your salary now. The sooner you do this, the better.
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CTA/NEA Link
By Scott Johnson
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CTA Home Insurance
CTA members get special rates with A+ Auto and Home Insurance Plus. You get a 10% discount if you have both auto and home
| with A+. If you are interested in a free quote, call (800) 800-9410 or visit their website at www.aplus.com.
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