MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY
ROYAL
OAK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
October 4, 2001
President Kardon called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. in the Keller Middle School Cafeteria.
I. Tentative Calendar Agreement
The proposed calendar changes were presented.
II. MESSA Presentation
Kay
Robinson presented information about the changes in MESSA coverage
that occur this year. Ms.
Robinson answered questions related to the following topics.
· The changes in the prescription co-pay were discussed. The co-pay increased from $2.00 to $5.00.
· Prescriptions will be filled with the generic equivalent of the drug for the $5.00 copay. If the brand name drug is received and the patient’s doctor did not specifically indicate that only the brand name drug may be given or if there is no generic equivalent, the copay is still a $5.00. In any other case, an additional $5.00 will be charged for the brand name medication.
· If anyone has questions concerning MESSA coverage, the number for MESSA is 1-800-292-4910.
· Mail order prescriptions program works for prescriptions that are taken on a regular basis. If you use this service, you can get a 90-day supply of the drugs for a $2.00 copay.
· Long-term disability is based on salary. The disability will be either $5000/month or 66.67% of the salary/month whichever is less.
· The disability must be present for 90 consecutive days before the leave can start. The person must be under a doctor’s supervision during this time.
· For first two years, must have a doctor’s letter stating that the disability exists. After two years, the disability must prevent the patient from working at any job for which their training and education level would qualify.
· Once a member has gone on disability, MESSA will waive the health insurance premium for a 24-month period. The dental and vision premiums are not waived.
III. Kim Pino discussed the cafeteria plan for pre-payment of unreimbursed medical expenses, childcare expenses, and medical premium payments.
IV. Membership Issues
· The issue of IEP meetings occurring during planning time was raised. This should not be happening. Planning time is the time when teachers work on curriculum and instruction.
· The concern was raised regarding how minority students are being recruited and minority teachers are not being hired to represent the changes in the diversity of the school population.
· Concerns were raised about how teachers of split-level classes are required to meet all of the benchmarks of all students in the classroom.
· TTI computers are not being distributed to new teachers who replaced the teachers who have retired.
· Concerns were raised regarding TRTs not providing lesson plans prior to teaching lesson in the elementary classes.
Jacquie Williams moved to adjourn the meeting. Marcia Rauschendorfer seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Marcia Rauschendorfer, Secretary
