Equality March 06/06/21
SOMEA Equality March 06/06/21. Aaron Ralph (CHS Teacher), Amanda Mazzarela (South Mountain Teacher), Jodi Barnhart (SOMS Teacher), Beth Johnson (CHS Teacher)
SOMEA’s Condolences!
The members of the South Orange-Maplewood Education Association (SOMEA) would like to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Columbia High School student who tragically passed away on Sunday night. It is an unspeakable loss. SOMEA hopes that the family will find some solace in the efforts of a school community in South Orange and Maplewood that will not hesitate to be at its side when called upon during this difficult time.
In addition, SOMEA sincerely wishes a speedy recovery to the student who was injured in the same incident.
Negotiations Update 6/5/2021
Your SOMEA Negotiations Team had our first meeting with the Board on Thursday, May 24 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM at which time we reviewed and approved ground rules. We then clarified proposals which were exchanged on May 20th via email.
Our next negotiation session with the Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 10th in which we will begin to discuss our positions on proposals. We have two additional dates scheduled to meet with the Board: Monday, June 21st and July 26th.
We appreciate your support as we work to secure the best possible contract for you, our members.
Meet your 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
WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
In Unity and Solidarity
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.
SOMEA’s Awards
District’s Request for Vaccination Records
Dear SOMEA members,
SOMEA Leadership has consulted with NJEA and has been advised that the district is allowed to request a copy of vaccination records. Receiving the vaccine is a personal choice and the district is not mandating staff be vaccinated. They are requesting proof of vaccination if you have chosen to receive it. If you do not feel comfortable sending this information electronically, you can bring a copy to Human Resources at Central Office. Please reach out to your Building Reps with any questions or concerns.
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.
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.