South Orange Maplewood Education Association

Archives for October 2021

Mental Health Fridays @ Toro Loco

Dear SOMEA members,
 
Now more than ever, we need to find ways to to stay connected. Unwinding from the work week and socializing with other members is one way we can help support each other’s mental health.
 
On Friday October 29th, November 19th, and December 17th, all SOMEA members are invited to gather at Toro Loco. SOMEA will be providing appetizers beginning at 3:30. Members are asked to wear their SOMEA shirts.
 
We hope to see you there!
 
In Unity,
 
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.

Village Green-Recent BoE Candidate Forum

Hello SOMEA members,
 
For many reasons, it is important for membership to know who the Board of Education members are. On November 2nd, three seats are up for election. You may find the attached Village Green article and video covering a recent candidate forum of interest.
 
Former SOMEA member, Suzanne Ryan, moderated the forum. Candidates were asked questions that pertain to teacher retention and salary, Dr. Taylor’s newly signed contract, classroom ventilation, and more. Focus was also given to the Board’s lack of transparency, miscommunication, low teacher morale, and rebuilding trust among staff and community.
 
 
In unity,
 
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.

NEGOTIATIONS NEWS

Hello SOMEA members,
October 7, 2021
 
Impasse has been declared! Your SOMEA Negotiations Team met with the Board this evening. The discussions quickly broke down. We identified salary as a priority after careful review of the other schools in surrounding districts. The Board was not interested in this discussion and offered a settlement of 2%. 
 
Additional information will be forthcoming. Please stay tuned.
 
 SOMEA Negotiations Team
Rocio Lopez – President, CHS
Shira Lincoln – Vice President, Marshall Elementary
Patrice Massung – Negotiations Chair, Marshall Elementary
Cheryl Hernandez – CHS
Pat Hurley – CHS
Lori Martling – CHS
Dallas Duffey – MMS

SOMEA

 
In unity,
 
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.