At the General Membership Meeting on Superintendent's Conference Day, November 7th, HCT President Corey Cohn outlined our union's successes as well as upcoming challenges. A lively discussion arose about FMLA and the changes the district is making in calculating members' leaves. This discussion is ongoing. Cohn also proposed three amendments to the constitution to improve HCT governance now and in the future. Thank you to all who attended the meeting and voted on the amendments. All three have passed. Thank you also to Meg McElroy and Stephanie Sullo for counting the ballots and reporting the results.

Amendment 1: The term for office for Officer/Convention delegates and alternates shall be three years. (It was formerly two years and does not affect the current representatives or officers.)

Amendment passes 337 - 20

Amendment 2: Executive officers will be eligible to receive a raise contingent with the percentage increase dictated by the bargaining units contract that same year. Raises shall take place on alternating years. In the event that there is no percentage increase, the executive board will default to the most recently utilized percentage increase applied in the CBA. (There is no formal language on this currently.)

Amendment passes 342 - 15

Amendment 3: - The executive committee, consisting of the president, first vice president, second vice president, treasurer, and secretary shall come to consensus on issues and memorandums of agreement (MOAs) concerning the HCT and its members. (Current practice is the president may sign off on all MOAs without conference with the executive committee).

Amendment passes 336 - 21

Proposition 1 Passes

Thank you to everyone who voted for this important measure. Please see the message from NYSUT below:

HCT Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest

Island Harvest supports a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as veterans, families, and seniors. Please consider helping HCT reach its goal of $1000. Your contributions will strengthen our community by helping others in need. Even a small amount can make a huge difference in the life of a neighbor who is struggling with food insecurity.

50/50 Raffle to support HCT Scholarship Fund!

See Your Building Rep for Tickets

CASH ONLY

Last day to purchase 12/12

Raffle will be called on 12/13

Thankful Thursdays are back for the month of November. Tell us why you are thankful for a special friend and colleague. You can begin sending messages today. Messages will be shared with fellow HCT members each week.

The HCT is updating its tutor referral database. When a request for a tutor is received, we will contact members on the list who meet the criteria. It is up to the individual teacher to make arrangements as to times, fees and location. We cycle through the lists to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to tutor. Replies must be made within 48 hours so that we can respond to requests in a timely manner. Once we hear back from you, we will forward the parent's phone number and student information.

If you are interested in participating in our tutor referral program or would like to continue tutoring, please complete this short form.

STUDENT LOAN COUNSELING -- NYSUT members can speak with a Cambridge Credit Counseling loan counselor, attend a NYSUT Student Loan Workshop, or visit the Cambridge Student Loan Portal through this helpful resource.

FINANCIAL LEARNING CENTER -- Powered by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, this platform offers numerous articles designed to assist NYSUT members with achieving their personal financial goals and better understand the nuances of insurance, savings, investing, and more.

DEBT COUNSELING -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are eligible to receive a free, no obligation debt consultation with a Cambridge Credit Counseling certified counselor.

NEW MEMBER LIFE INSURANCE POLICY -- New NYSUT members are eligible to receive a free term life insurance policy providing coverage for up to $25,000 for one year, guaranteed renewable at the end of the year.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with a $5,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit (previously, the coverage amount was $1,500 per member)

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with travel assistance services from Europ Assistance that focus on providing coordination services to travelers.

NATIONAL AFFILIATE RESOURCES -- Your status as a NYSUT member provides you with access to complimentary life insurance from the National Education Association, along with an accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit and trauma counseling services from the American Federation of Teachers

Learn more about individual benefits here.

• We know you spend a lot more, but save those back-to-school receipts for the educators tax deduction, which increases to $300 this year. Hit hard by inflation, a recent report says teachers are spending an average of $820.14 out-of-pocket for school supplies this fall.

• The State Education Department has launched a Welcome Back to School Ready To Learn initiative offering health and safety guidance, learning resources and a place to highlight efforts supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.

• Donate to a scholarship fund established by NYSUT and Say Yes Buffalo to honor the victims of the Tops shooting in Buffalo.

• Want to know what the new student loan forgiveness means for you? Are you nearing retirement and concerned about those hidden snags that can slow you down? Perhaps you and your loved one are looking to take the next step with your finances? Explore the NYSUT Member Benefits Financial Learning Center – powered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

• Find out if you qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Hailing a new union-backed law that expands eligibility for thousands of higher ed adjuncts, NYSUT is ramping up efforts to get the word out about Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Any newly retired teacher interested in joining Hicksville Federation of Retired Educators and Retirement Council 19 should contact Bill Lemmey at 917-312-0117. Congratulations!   

Hicksville Congress of Teachers / Hicksville Federation of Retired Teachers

2023-2024 Annual Dues Reminder

If you have not already submitted your dues for this year, we've made it easy. Simply mail your payment of $15 to the Hicksville Congress of Teachers with a note stating retiree dues to the address below. In order to continue your contributory life insurance, excess major medical insurance and any NYSUT or AFT programs you subscribe to, you must maintain your membership in our organization.

If you are 75 years of age or older, your membership is on us! Let us know, and we will update our records.

Email us at Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net with any changes to your contact information.