NYSUT RA REPORTIn late April, GNTA elected delegates to the NYSUT Representative Assembly (RA) convened in Albany, NY for the annual convention. President Daszenski was joined by fellow Executive Board members Jen Snyder, Joan Greenberg, Patti Crisafuli and Luci Legotti, as well as Jeff Bernstein from the Retiree Chapter, and Rob Jiménez representing the Paraprofessionals. You can learn more about the RA by clicking this LINK, and are invited to read our own delegates reports below.
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Have your NYSUT membership number ready and use this DEDICATED LINK to set up an account, log in and secure this free service! Note: In-service members can add up to five dependents (age 16 or older) to receive their own premium Calm subscription. Dependents can only be added through the calm.com site (not the Calm app); dependents will then receive their own premium Calm subscription. Beware of Fake NYS Retirement
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Sisters & Brothers,
Nothing is more important than the health, safety, and well-being of our members and the students we serve.
As you know, several school districts around New York State have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We want you to know that GNTA is working with the district to make sure you have a safe and healthy workplace, that you are provided with critical and timely information, and that your rights are protected in the event the outbreak impacts our work.
To this end, we have been in close and regular contact with the central administration, and we’ll continue to do so throughout this emergency. This includes working to ensure that the district is following the recommended prevention and preparedness protocols, and that all the necessary emergency plans are in place.
In addition to this, NYSUT, our statewide union, has created a resource page to help you find critical information to protect yourself, your families, and the students in your care. You can find that information at http://nysut.org/coronavirus.
Finally, each of us has an important role to play in preventing the spread of germs, as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control:
The best strategy is to stay informed, follow basic precautions, and reach out to your health care provider if you have concerns regarding the health of your family.
Thank you for everything you do.
In solidarity,
Jim Daszenski
GNTA President
Nothing is more important than the health, safety, and well-being of our members and the students we serve.
As you know, several school districts around New York State have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We want you to know that GNTA is working with the district to make sure you have a safe and healthy workplace, that you are provided with critical and timely information, and that your rights are protected in the event the outbreak impacts our work.
To this end, we have been in close and regular contact with the central administration, and we’ll continue to do so throughout this emergency. This includes working to ensure that the district is following the recommended prevention and preparedness protocols, and that all the necessary emergency plans are in place.
In addition to this, NYSUT, our statewide union, has created a resource page to help you find critical information to protect yourself, your families, and the students in your care. You can find that information at http://nysut.org/coronavirus.
Finally, each of us has an important role to play in preventing the spread of germs, as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control:
- Stay home, and keep your children at home when you or they are sick. This includes symptoms such as fever, cough/difficulty breathing and/or intestinal issues. Keep them home until their temperature is below 100 degrees for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Cough/sneeze into your sleeve (elbow) or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Within your own personal space, clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
The best strategy is to stay informed, follow basic precautions, and reach out to your health care provider if you have concerns regarding the health of your family.
Thank you for everything you do.
In solidarity,
Jim Daszenski
GNTA President
A CALL TO ARMS: WE NEED YOU TO
ATTEND THE BOE MEETING ON MARCH 2
Now is the time.
We need your support at the Board of Education Meeting on March 2nd!
This is the first public presentation of the budget. At preliminary meetings it has been indicated that the BOE is facing a 4.8 million dollar deficit for what they would like to budget and yet they are still unwilling to go to the maximum tax levy possible, which for Great Neck will be 3.6%.
Please support our students and fight for public education in Great Neck!
The current plan is unacceptable and they need to see and hear us!
Our next step is to make a visible statement at the March 2nd BOE meeting at North Middle School at 8:30pm.
We WANT to fill the meeting with 700 GNTA members.
We need your support at the Board of Education Meeting on March 2nd!
This is the first public presentation of the budget. At preliminary meetings it has been indicated that the BOE is facing a 4.8 million dollar deficit for what they would like to budget and yet they are still unwilling to go to the maximum tax levy possible, which for Great Neck will be 3.6%.
Please support our students and fight for public education in Great Neck!
The current plan is unacceptable and they need to see and hear us!
Our next step is to make a visible statement at the March 2nd BOE meeting at North Middle School at 8:30pm.
We WANT to fill the meeting with 700 GNTA members.
BOE APPROVES 2020-21 cALENDAR
GNTA's SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE IS MAKING WAVES and fostering change!
On January 13, 2020, over twenty Great Neck professionals gathered to discuss issues related to socio-economic disparity in our school community. Colleagues had the opportunity to share resources, discuss issues related to this disparity, and brainstorm possible solutions to the challenges we face as we support the students in our district.
If you'd like more information about GNTA's Social Justice committee, click here.
If you'd like more information about GNTA's Social Justice committee, click here.
SWD CERTIFICATION workshop update From NYSUT nassau regional office
Teachers with SWD certification must meet certain new requirements in order to maintain their certification. Among the new requirements is completion of certain courses. The Nassau regional office is arranging with NYSUT’s ELT to provide the Autism, DASA and Violence Prevention courses to assist teachers in fulfilling these certification requirements.
Two dates have been arranged for the AUTISM course:
February 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nassau RO Conference
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15191&I=3380590
March 31 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nassau RO Conference
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15191&I=3380595
Please inform your Special Education teachers who are affected by the new SOCE requirements about this opportunity as soon as possible!
Teachers who cannot attend on either date should be aware they can take this ELT course online for a fee of $70.
We are working on dates for the other courses and will inform you as soon as the registration sites are ready.
Two dates have been arranged for the AUTISM course:
February 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nassau RO Conference
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15191&I=3380590
March 31 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nassau RO Conference
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15191&I=3380595
Please inform your Special Education teachers who are affected by the new SOCE requirements about this opportunity as soon as possible!
Teachers who cannot attend on either date should be aware they can take this ELT course online for a fee of $70.
We are working on dates for the other courses and will inform you as soon as the registration sites are ready.
New York state retirement prep
See the memo below (two pages) and make sure to visit the retirement page of our website here! Remember, these resources are provided as a courtesy; GNTA is not in the business of retiring advice of any nature!
THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO GNTA CONSTITUTION OVERWHELMINGLY PASS
Yesterday, the GNTA put revisions to Article I and Article III of the GNTA Constitution, to the general membership for a vote. Both revisions passed overwhelmingly, with the following vote tally:
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ARTICLE I
YES 311
NO 1
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ARTICLE III
YES 315
NO 1
Thanks to all members who cast their ballots yesterday. And a special thank you to all BRCs for facilitating the elections at the building levels, and Linda Gitman and the GNTA election committee for counting and authenticating the ballots.
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ARTICLE I
YES 311
NO 1
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO ARTICLE III
YES 315
NO 1
Thanks to all members who cast their ballots yesterday. And a special thank you to all BRCs for facilitating the elections at the building levels, and Linda Gitman and the GNTA election committee for counting and authenticating the ballots.
GNTA SUMMER HOURS at the cottage
REMEMBERING OUR HISTORY: THE NORTH SYRACUSE TEACHER STRIKE OF 1976
Fellow unionists:
We just completed our 47th Annual Representative Assembly (RA), where we celebrated our strength and reaffirmed our commitment to building an even stronger and more united union.
Lately as I’ve been traveling around the state you may have heard me talk about and use the phrase “NYSUT’s next 50 years”. At NYSUT, we’re busy planning for the future, but we are also taking time to reflect on the sacrifices our members have made over the last four decades.
To borrow from an old proverb, I like to say, “I am standing in the shade of trees I did not plant.” Those that formed this great union almost 50 years ago put down strong roots. These roots have enabled us to weather our most recent storms and come out stronger.
As we look around our country, we see educators who’ve been on strike from West Virginia to Los Angeles. For our newest members these strikes may seem foreign, but they built the foundation of this great union.
During my remarks at the RA, I showed a video highlighting one strike in particular: the North Syracuse strike of 1976, led by our recently departed sister Sylvia Matousek. Not only did she serve time in prison defending our right to organize, but that strike actually resulted in the death of one of their members. The strike was a watershed moment in the fight for educators in New York, as captured in this tremendously moving video. I strongly encourage you to share it with your members now and again in September when our brothers and sisters return from summer break.
I remind you of our roots, our founders, lest we forget where we came from and what it took us to get here. It is a story of sacrifice: of the blood, sweat and tears of our foremothers and forefathers. It is a sacrifice that enables us all to sit in the shade of this great union today.
We aren’t going to take anything for granted. And we’re going to continue to grow stronger. Thank you for everything you and your colleagues to do support our movement and your communities.
In solidarity,
Andy Polotta
We just completed our 47th Annual Representative Assembly (RA), where we celebrated our strength and reaffirmed our commitment to building an even stronger and more united union.
Lately as I’ve been traveling around the state you may have heard me talk about and use the phrase “NYSUT’s next 50 years”. At NYSUT, we’re busy planning for the future, but we are also taking time to reflect on the sacrifices our members have made over the last four decades.
To borrow from an old proverb, I like to say, “I am standing in the shade of trees I did not plant.” Those that formed this great union almost 50 years ago put down strong roots. These roots have enabled us to weather our most recent storms and come out stronger.
As we look around our country, we see educators who’ve been on strike from West Virginia to Los Angeles. For our newest members these strikes may seem foreign, but they built the foundation of this great union.
During my remarks at the RA, I showed a video highlighting one strike in particular: the North Syracuse strike of 1976, led by our recently departed sister Sylvia Matousek. Not only did she serve time in prison defending our right to organize, but that strike actually resulted in the death of one of their members. The strike was a watershed moment in the fight for educators in New York, as captured in this tremendously moving video. I strongly encourage you to share it with your members now and again in September when our brothers and sisters return from summer break.
I remind you of our roots, our founders, lest we forget where we came from and what it took us to get here. It is a story of sacrifice: of the blood, sweat and tears of our foremothers and forefathers. It is a sacrifice that enables us all to sit in the shade of this great union today.
We aren’t going to take anything for granted. And we’re going to continue to grow stronger. Thank you for everything you and your colleagues to do support our movement and your communities.
In solidarity,
Andy Polotta
SIGN MY UP: NYSUT SUMMER WORKSHOP SCHEDULE -- free for members!
The 2019-20 GNTA Calendar is HERE!
NYSTRS DELEGATE ELECTION RESULTS
The new nominated delegates/alternates have been entered into the NYSTRS for the delegate election year 2019. This term is for two years.
The new Delegates/Alternates are:
Frank Bua/Patricia Crisafulli
Jeffrey Bernstein/Cindy Pavlic
Jennifer Snyder/Madeline Dressner
Luci Legotti/Lisa Hammond
This election is administered by the district, not GNTA. For more information about the delegates and the annual convention, check out or retirement page on this site for unofficial info, or head to your own NYSTRS account for the real deal.
The new Delegates/Alternates are:
Frank Bua/Patricia Crisafulli
Jeffrey Bernstein/Cindy Pavlic
Jennifer Snyder/Madeline Dressner
Luci Legotti/Lisa Hammond
This election is administered by the district, not GNTA. For more information about the delegates and the annual convention, check out or retirement page on this site for unofficial info, or head to your own NYSTRS account for the real deal.
NYSUT HOSTS EARLY CAREER SOCIAL!
VOTE-COPE: your CONTRIBUTIONS are critical to support pro-education politicians and policies!
EMPLOYER 2019-20 PENSION COSTS TO DROP
Welcome news for New York public schools and the taxpayers who fund them: Pension costs are expected to drop about 17% for the 2019-20 school year.
At the January meeting of the NYSTRS Board, the System’s Actuary estimated that the employer contribution rate (ECR) for the 2019-20 school year will be 8.86% of payroll, down from the 10.62% rate to be applied to 2018-19 payroll. The final rate will be adopted by the Retirement Board at its July 31 meeting.
Contributions associated with the estimated 8.86% rate will be collected in fall 2020, but employers are alerted well in advance to assist with budgeting.
The ECR is determined annually through an actuarial valuation of NYSTRS’ assets and liabilities. These contributions have been collected without fail throughout the System’s history, keeping NYSTRS among the best-funded and most-secure plans in the country. The plan’s funded ratio is nearly 100% - well above the national average of 73%.
However, the Actuary also noted that because investment returns are a major component of ECR calculations and recent returns have been lower than expected, future ECRs will likely be higher. In an administrative bulletin to NYSTRS-participating employers announcing the estimated 8.86% rate, school officials were cautioned to keep this in mind when developing future budgets.
Over the past 30 years, investment income has accounted for 85% of NYSTRS’ income. Member and employer contributions made up the other 15%.
At the January meeting of the NYSTRS Board, the System’s Actuary estimated that the employer contribution rate (ECR) for the 2019-20 school year will be 8.86% of payroll, down from the 10.62% rate to be applied to 2018-19 payroll. The final rate will be adopted by the Retirement Board at its July 31 meeting.
Contributions associated with the estimated 8.86% rate will be collected in fall 2020, but employers are alerted well in advance to assist with budgeting.
The ECR is determined annually through an actuarial valuation of NYSTRS’ assets and liabilities. These contributions have been collected without fail throughout the System’s history, keeping NYSTRS among the best-funded and most-secure plans in the country. The plan’s funded ratio is nearly 100% - well above the national average of 73%.
However, the Actuary also noted that because investment returns are a major component of ECR calculations and recent returns have been lower than expected, future ECRs will likely be higher. In an administrative bulletin to NYSTRS-participating employers announcing the estimated 8.86% rate, school officials were cautioned to keep this in mind when developing future budgets.
Over the past 30 years, investment income has accounted for 85% of NYSTRS’ income. Member and employer contributions made up the other 15%.
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
One of GNTA's greatest strengths is the compassion, commitment, and dedication our membership demonstrates in their daily work with children and their families. As part of our LAP initiative we are interested in creating opportunities for members to engage in activities that support our values of equality, equity, and making a difference in the lives of others.
In order for us to begin this venture we need to know what you are passionate about. Please take the time to complete the attached survey.
https://goo.gl/forms/Pik1OxPnxBqs0vKv2
In Solidarity,
Social Justice Committee
Jennifer Snyder (Chair), Maddie Dressner, and Joan Petralia-Greenberg
One of GNTA's greatest strengths is the compassion, commitment, and dedication our membership demonstrates in their daily work with children and their families. As part of our LAP initiative we are interested in creating opportunities for members to engage in activities that support our values of equality, equity, and making a difference in the lives of others.
In order for us to begin this venture we need to know what you are passionate about. Please take the time to complete the attached survey.
https://goo.gl/forms/Pik1OxPnxBqs0vKv2
In Solidarity,
Social Justice Committee
Jennifer Snyder (Chair), Maddie Dressner, and Joan Petralia-Greenberg
BiG changes to empire plan in 2019
From the files of "don't shoot the messenger," The Empire Plan has adjusted some of the copay fees that we pay out-of-pocket, and raised the level of our combined annual deductibles. Happy New Year.
Some key changes to note:
In-network doctor's visit now has a $25 copay.
In-network urgent care visit now has a $30 copay.
Emergency Department visit now has a $100 copay.
Enrollee combined annual deductible $1250, per dependent.
Please read the bulletin below to find out all the details.
Some key changes to note:
In-network doctor's visit now has a $25 copay.
In-network urgent care visit now has a $30 copay.
Emergency Department visit now has a $100 copay.
Enrollee combined annual deductible $1250, per dependent.
Please read the bulletin below to find out all the details.
EST. RANGE DOWN FOR FOR 2019-2020 ECR
Dinapoli: Tax cap set at 2 percent
Property tax levy growth for local governments with fiscal years that close on Dec. 31 will be capped at 2 percent for the 2019 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This figure affects the tax cap calculations for all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10 villages.
"For these local governments, allowable levy growth will be 2 percent for the first time since 2013," DiNapoli said. "Despite the possibility of increased tax revenue, municipal budgets will still be vulnerable to rising fixed costs and potential federal funding cuts. Local officials should proceed cautiously when crafting their spending plans for next year."
The tax cap, which first applied to local governments in 2012, limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2 percent with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap.
During the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years, municipalities with a fiscal year ending on Dec. 31 had their levy growth capped at less than 2 percent.
For a list of allowable levy growth factors for all local governments, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/realprop/pdf/inflation_allowablegrowthfactors.pdf
Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state's 145,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.
"For these local governments, allowable levy growth will be 2 percent for the first time since 2013," DiNapoli said. "Despite the possibility of increased tax revenue, municipal budgets will still be vulnerable to rising fixed costs and potential federal funding cuts. Local officials should proceed cautiously when crafting their spending plans for next year."
The tax cap, which first applied to local governments in 2012, limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2 percent with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap.
During the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years, municipalities with a fiscal year ending on Dec. 31 had their levy growth capped at less than 2 percent.
For a list of allowable levy growth factors for all local governments, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/realprop/pdf/inflation_allowablegrowthfactors.pdf
Find out how your government money is spent at Open Book New York. Track municipal spending, the state's 145,000 contracts, billions in state payments and public authority data. Visit the Reading Room for contract FOIL requests, bid protest decisions and commonly requested data.
SITE UPDATES
RETIREMENT: The results of district election for NYSTRS convention delegates have been posted!
Updated 5.10.19
CALENDAR: The GNTA MAY Calendar has been posted!
Updated 4.30.19
ELECTIONS: The results of the contested election for the GNTA EB position of Vice President for Contract Improvement have been posted!
Updated 4.28.19
New Members: The Fall 2018 New Members Bulletin has been posted!
Updated 1.02.19
CALENDAR: The GNTA JANUARY Calendar has been posted!
Updated 12.31.18
BLOG: Read GNTA EB member Luci Legotti's NYSUT RA Report!
Updated 6.19.18
BLOG: NYSUT summer workshops open to GNTA members.
Updated 6.19.18
PAC/IOC: Photos and recollections from the first GNTA Color Day!
Updated 6.19.18
BLOG: The GNTA Celebrates its retirees at Westbury Manor!
Updated 5.22.18
BLOG: The Supreme Court just issued a blow to Workers' Rights, and no, this isn't the JANUS case.
Updated 5.22.18
CALENDAR: The GNTA June Calendar has been posted!
Updated 5.22.18
FORMS: GNTA Retiree/Para forms have been updated.
Updated 5.11.18
RETIREMENT: The results of district election for NYSTRS convention delegates have been posted!
Updated 5.10.19
CALENDAR: The GNTA MAY Calendar has been posted!
Updated 4.30.19
ELECTIONS: The results of the contested election for the GNTA EB position of Vice President for Contract Improvement have been posted!
Updated 4.28.19
New Members: The Fall 2018 New Members Bulletin has been posted!
Updated 1.02.19
CALENDAR: The GNTA JANUARY Calendar has been posted!
Updated 12.31.18
BLOG: Read GNTA EB member Luci Legotti's NYSUT RA Report!
Updated 6.19.18
BLOG: NYSUT summer workshops open to GNTA members.
Updated 6.19.18
PAC/IOC: Photos and recollections from the first GNTA Color Day!
Updated 6.19.18
BLOG: The GNTA Celebrates its retirees at Westbury Manor!
Updated 5.22.18
BLOG: The Supreme Court just issued a blow to Workers' Rights, and no, this isn't the JANUS case.
Updated 5.22.18
CALENDAR: The GNTA June Calendar has been posted!
Updated 5.22.18
FORMS: GNTA Retiree/Para forms have been updated.
Updated 5.11.18
Great Neck Teachers Association
NYSUT, AFT-NEA, AFL-CIO #2686
The Cottage • 343 Lakeville Road
Great Neck, NY 11020
gnteachers@gmail.com • @GNTeachers
(516) 829-9070
NYSUT, AFT-NEA, AFL-CIO #2686
The Cottage • 343 Lakeville Road
Great Neck, NY 11020
gnteachers@gmail.com • @GNTeachers
(516) 829-9070

DID YOU KNOW...
You can get forms for dental, excess medical, prescription drug and other claims by clicking on the INFORMATION menu at the top of this page and then clicking on the "Forms" link?
You can get forms for dental, excess medical, prescription drug and other claims by clicking on the INFORMATION menu at the top of this page and then clicking on the "Forms" link?

WHOM CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT...
GNTA Benefits (excess medical, dental, optical, etc.)
The Dickinson Group, LLC
(877) 347-7225
The Contract, APPR, or My Professional Rights & Responsibilities
Your building’s BRC Chairperson
My Learning Plan or Professional Development
Your building’s BCG Chairperson
Payroll
Maria Martinez
mmartinez@greatneck.k12.ny.us
(516) 441-4029
Human Resources
Kristin Smith, Senior Personnel Clerk
ksmith@greatneck.k12.ny.us
(516) 441-4057
GNTA Benefits (excess medical, dental, optical, etc.)
The Dickinson Group, LLC
(877) 347-7225
The Contract, APPR, or My Professional Rights & Responsibilities
Your building’s BRC Chairperson
My Learning Plan or Professional Development
Your building’s BCG Chairperson
Payroll
Maria Martinez
mmartinez@greatneck.k12.ny.us
(516) 441-4029
Human Resources
Kristin Smith, Senior Personnel Clerk
ksmith@greatneck.k12.ny.us
(516) 441-4057