South Orange Maplewood Education Association

Archives for April 2021

Important Pension Information

NJEA recently shared the following:
 
It has been brought to the attention of the Pension Policy Committee that many members are not aware of the need to transfer their pension account when they change districts or job types.
 
Members who fail to make a necessary transfer within the statutorily allotted timeframe may be adversely impacted with regards to pension credit and tier.
 
This flyer outlines what members need to be aware of to maintain active status of their pension accounts.
 
Additionally, NJEA will be hosting another Online Pension Webinaron May 12 from 3:30-5:00.
 
Executive Board
Rocio Lopez, President
Shira Lincoln, Vice President
Phil McCormick, Secretary
Laurie Pham, Treasurer
 
Michelle Rhodes-Soriano, Member Communications

SOMEA is the inclusive union that represents more than 750 South Orange-Maplewood Public School employees, including transportation & maintenance personnel, secretaries, IT specialists, athletic trainers, child study teams, social workers, counselors, librarians, nurses, and teachers.

Update 4/12/2021

Dear SOMEA,
 
As more grades prepare to return to buildings, there are a few things to keep in mind.
 
In the March 16 Court Order, Judge Alper ordered the district to adhere to the sidebar agreement previously made between SOMSD and SOMEA.
 
In addition, the only other resolution SOMEA has come to with the district is the use of air purifiers for rooms without mechanical ventilation. The NJEA approved air purifiers, Medify MA 40, clean 840 square feet every thirty seconds. The fresh air component is still a requirement in all worksites.
 
All other directives-such as return dates, combining cohorts, 3 feet social distancing instead of 6 feet and 5 days of in-person instruction-have not been negotiated with SOMEA.
 
Please contact your building Head Rep and/or PRRC Rep if you find yourself placed in a room without mechanical ventilation, an Odorox machine, and/or an air purifier, and/or lacking the fresh air component.
 
As temperatures begin to warm, it will also be important to remember that air conditioning units without HEPA filters should not be used. If your room temperature falls outside of the agreed upon range, you should request a room change and contact your building Head Rep and/or PRRC rep.
 
In Unity and Solidarity,
 
#IAMSOMEA
 
Executive Board
Rocio Lopez, President
Shira Lincoln, Vice President
Phil McCormick, Secretary
Laurie Pham, Treasurer
 
Michelle Rhodes-Soriano, Member Communications

SOMEA is the inclusive union that represents more than 750 South Orange-Maplewood Public School employees, including transportation & maintenance personnel, secretaries, IT specialists, athletic trainers, child study teams, social workers, counselors, librarians, nurses, and teachers.

Reminder-Please Vote! Ballots are due Thursday

NJEA & NEA Elections

Ballots due by Thursday, April 15

 
Hello SOMEA members,
 
You should have received the 2021 Election Ballot from NJEA, accompanied by a pre-paid return envelope. Ballots must be received by noon on April 15th.
 
The following SOMEA members are running for office:
  • SOMEA President, Rocio Lopez for NJEA Delegate Assembly
  • SOMEA Secretary, Philip McCormick for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA PRIDE Chair, Kristie Thomas for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA Member Communications Chair, Michelle Rhodes-Soriano for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA Building Rep, Sabina Ellis for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, NEA Representative for Ethnic-Minority Concerns, and NJEA Delegate Assembly
Additionally, SOMEA supports Montclair Education Association President, Petal Robertson, running for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer and State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.
 
Members can also find voting information online by going to njea.org/njeaelections.
 
Your continued support is appreciated.
 
Executive Board
Rocio Lopez, President
Shira Lincoln, Vice President
Phil McCormick, Secretary
Laurie Pham, Treasurer
 

Michelle Rhodes-Soriano, Member Communications

SOMEA is the inclusive union that represents more than 750 South Orange-Maplewood Public School employees, including transportation & maintenance personnel, secretaries, IT specialists, athletic trainers, child study teams, social workers, counselors, librarians, nurses, and teachers.

NJEA & NEA Elections

Hello SOMEA members,
 
Please keep an eye on your mail box. You should receive the 2021 Election Ballot from NJEA. This will also be accompanied by a pre-paid return envelope. Ballots must be received by noon on April 15th.
 
The following SOMEA members are running for office:
  • SOMEA President, Rocio Lopez for NJEA Delegate Assembly
  • SOMEA Secretary, Philip McCormick for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA PRIDE Chair, Kristie Thomas for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA Member Communications Chair, Michelle Rhodes-Soriano for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly
  • SOMEA Building Rep, Sabina Ellis for State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, NEA Representative for Ethnic-Minority Concerns, and NJEA Delegate Assembly
Additionally, SOMEA supports Montclair Education Association President, Petal Robertson, running for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer and State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.
 
Members can also find voting information online by going to njea.org/njeaelections.
 
Your continued support is appreciated.
 
Executive Board
Rocio Lopez, President
Shira Lincoln, Vice President
Phil McCormick, Secretary
Laurie Pham, Treasurer
 

Michelle Rhodes-Soriano, Member Communications

SOMEA is the inclusive union that represents more than 750 South Orange-Maplewood Public School employees, including transportation & maintenance personnel, secretaries, IT specialists, athletic trainers, child study teams, social workers, counselors, librarians, nurses, and teachers.