Horseheads Teachers' Association
2018 Election Newsletter
Special Edition
Please take a moment to read the information below regarding the candidates for the upcoming Horseheads Teachers Association elections. Each candidate was asked to submit a photo and respond to the following questions. Candidates were limited to a total of 750 words for answers to #3 through #5. If a candidate profile doesn't appear, it is because that candidate did not respond to the editors inquiry by the stated deadline.
- Subject area/building
- # of years of experience/# of years at in the Horseheads District
- Prior HTA experience, offices held, committee participation
- Your top three priorities if elected to this position
- Additional information, recognition, honors, awards or accomplishments
Election Dates
Executive vote: June 7, 2018
Building Representative vote: June 12, 2018
------President------
Vote for ONE
Jamy Brice-Hyde
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!
My name is Jamy Brice-Hyde and I am running for HTA President. I have spent 18 years in Horseheads Central school district as a Social Studies teacher in the High School. I believe in our union with all my heart and soul. Eugene Debs said, “When I rise it will be with the ranks, and not from the ranks.”
I have actively served my union over the past 17 years in the following capacity:
• Former HTA Secretary 4yrs.
• Building Representative for 15 years, proudly served 3 presidents
• Committee of 100,
• NYSUT Endorsement Committee,
• AFL-CIO Endorsement Convention
• RA Delegate and Alternate Delegate
• In-Service committee, Former Chair
• APPR Committee
• Elections Committee, Former chair
• Political Action Coordinator for 6 years
• NYSUT Policy Council
• NYSUT Social Studies Content Area Committee
• NYSUT Civil and Human Rights Committee NYSUT Women’s Rights Subcommittee
YOUR Voice Matters!! The U and I in UNION is what makes US STRONG! I am asking for your vote to help me lead this union to become a vibrant responsive union where each member feels supported by their union. A union respected in the community for our engagement in uplifting our profession and supporting our students. A union that is more responsive and transparent to our members’ needs and concerns. A union that affects positive results from policymakers in Albany and Washington! I bring to the HTA my experience with national and state level unions and policymakers that provide me with the skills and ability to take the HTA to a completely new level of member engagement and community involvement. The LAP team has improved our visibility in our community. We have the most incredibly talented group of educators in our region. It is time that each member of our union feels respected, supported and uplifted by their union. It is time to for us to organize to insure the complete restoration of the Horseheads School District. It is time to raise our teacher voices and get teachers and their students what they need.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS! I have a plan to make sure our union is listening to our members.
We are in this together! I care about your concerns and issues. Your Union will respond.
I will hold monthly Presidents chats in each building as well as Presidents meetings with building administrators.
We will build a more collaborative union allowing for more member engagement in decision making through committees.
Together we will develop a union support system in each building to decrease the stressful work environment so many of our members are experiencing.
I promise to keep you informed of everything that affects the conditions of your work with weekly updates.
Provide members with contact information for all Officers and Building Representatives.
Provide opportunities for the voice of members of the HTA to be heard at National Representative Conventions of the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association
I spend every day advocating for public education and uplifting our profession below are a few of my accomplishments:
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)/BAT Facilitator of the Quality of Work Life Team since 2014 facilitated the Quality of Work Life National Survey resulting in legislative language (Booker-Bennet Amendment) for Title II Funding for Workplace Studies in the Every Student Succeeds Act 2015 signed by President Obama in December of 2015. Completed our 2017 Quality of work Place study along with National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety. Currently negotiating with legislative sponsors in Congress for National Healthy workplace Legislation https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/2017_eqwl_survey_web.pdf
https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/worklifesurveyresults2015.pdf
Testified to the USDOE in January of 2016 on Title I implementation of the ESSA. I was one of three public school teachers testifying nationally. https://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/speakerlistdcmtg1112016.pdf
Listed as Contributor to the Governors Common Core Task Force shared statistical data on the impact of Implementation of Common Core on teachers and their students. https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/NewYorkCommonCoreTaskForceFinalReport2015.pdf
Co-Author of Amicus Curiae Brief on behalf of Classroom teachers across the country in the Fredrichs V. CTA Supreme Court Case which was affirmed. http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/supreme_court_preview/briefs_2015_2016/14-915_amicus_resp_BrittanyAlexander.authcheckdam.pdf
Presenter at the AFT TEACH Convention 2015 can be see here at 15 minutes into the presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7SdPZmC8-Q&index=16&list=PL-T5PpTCIN8CED4yAExxOMEqzKjcKTUQz
Gave a Speech to the General Assembly of the AFT National Convention in July of 2016
See page 5 https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/conv16_afterwords_day4.pdf
Presenter of a Workshop at 2017 AFT TEACH CONVENTION: Quality of Work Life in Education and Educators Well Being (See page 20) https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/teach2017_program.pdf
HTA MEMBERS VOICES MATTER! VOTE BRICE-HYDE FOR PRESIDENT!
Hether Gillette
Hello, this is Hether Gillette. I teach eighth grade math at the Middle School. I have been teaching in the District for eighteen years and am the current HTA president. I served as a building rep for two years, vice president for two years, president for six years, representative assembly delegate for eight years, New York State retirement delegate for seven years, negotiations team member for two contract negotiations, graduate of the NYSUT LAP program, currently serving on the NYSUT Policy Committee, NYSUT Retirement Committee and the SED Professional Learning Team.
I have been happy to serve as the HTA president for the past six years and would be honored to continue to serve the membership in this capacity. I am proud of the gains we have made as an organization. We have increased member participation, built relationships with community partners and local unions, instituted transparent bargaining and empowered our members as ambassadors to increase communication and information sharing. If re-elected, I will continue to work with the HTA officers and executive council to represent the needs and interests of all HTA members. I will continue to attend and participate in NYSUT conferences, rallies and forums. I will continue to represent our members at Board of Education meetings and budget workshops. I will continue to work with the LAP team and the HTA PR coordinators to keep building our brand within the district and the community, increase political activism, and increase communication and unity within the HTA.
Thank you for your support the past six years. I ask for your vote to continue in the role as HTA president for the next two years.
Thank you. ~ Hether
------Vice President------
Dora Leland
My Fellow HTA Members,
I am honored to be nominated for the position of Vice-President. I have been a Social Studies teacher for 28 years, 16 of those years at Horseheads Middle School. I have served as a building Representative for the Middle School for 8 years prior to my role as Vice-President. It has been my privilege to serve as Vice-President for the past six years. In that time, I have worked closely with the other HTA officers as well as with the Executive Council. I believe that we have made great strides in that time, but there is still much work to do.
As Vice-President, I have attended monthly labor management meetings. In these meetings, concerns brought up in executive council meetings as well as by individual members were discussed with Central Administration. I have also served on several district committees such as the Mentoring committee and APPR committee. The concerns and ideas of HTA members are important to me and I will ensure that your voices are heard.
I have served as the LAP (Local Assistance Program) Coordinator for HTA. This was a grant that I helped to write and implement. It is a program offered by NYSUT that helps to empower a local by providing training and much needed funds to implement objectives that the team feels would strengthen their membership. This program has helped us to make substantial gains as a union. I feel we now have a positive presence in the community. As a local, we have been more politically active and aware and our communication is vastly improved, with our website, Facebook Page and Twitter feed.
Although we have grown tremendously as a local, I believe there is still much to accomplish. Three goals I have for HTA are to continue to increase member engagement, increase our political activism and awareness and lastly, to increase our presence in the community. I would like HTA to connect with other NYSUT locals to achieve common goals. Additionally, I would like HTA to become more active in collaborating with other area union organizations. I feel this is a critical time for labor unions in NY and the nation as a whole. It is imperative that we work together to preserve the rights and protections that were so hard earned, especially at a time when they are constantly under attack.
I feel I can help HTA make these connections. I am the NYSUT Political Action Coordinator. In that position, I regularly communicate with other local presidents in our region. As the newly elected President of the Chemung-Schuyler Labor Council, I communicate regularly with representatives from various labor unions in the Southern Tier. Communication and collaboration, to me, are the key to growing and strengthening our union.
As your Vice-President, I promise to continue to work diligently to represent and support our membership. I believe we have a group of amazing professionals with many different perspectives and ideas. It would be my privilege to represent you as your vice-president.
In Solidarity,
Dora Leland
------Treasurer------
Brandon Johnson
I have had the honor of serving as your treasurer for the past eight years. During that time, I have accomplished the following:
Worked with NYSUT staff to overcome a $36,000 debt in funds that were owed to NYSUT by the HTA prior to my taking office.
Established an efficient payroll system for the officer corps of the HTA.
Reestablished our tax exempt status with the IRS.
Kept our information up to date with NYSUT Member Records.
Attended numerous workshops on managing union finances.
Submitted a budget to the Executive Council for approval each year and ensured that the budget has been followed as closely as possible.
Assisted members with questions regarding tax information and membership.
Worked with the Local Action Plan team to establish a budget that can be sustained after our funding from NYSUT has ended.
I have always worked hard to be accessible to all HTA members and assist all members in a timely fashion whenever necessary. I thank you for trusting me with the HTA’s fiscal responsibilities and I hope that you will choose me to continue to serve the interests of the HTA in the future.
------Secretary------
Vote for ONE
Pam Doren
Subject area/building: Social Studies, High School
Number of years of experience/ number of years in the Horseheads District: Finishing my 12th year!
Prior HTA experience, offices held, committee participation: I have been an active member of HTA since I started at Horseheads. I have been a Building Representative for over 5years, and served as Public Relations Chair for 2yrs. I serve on and chair the HTA Election Committee, assist with the School Board Elections and serve on the HTA Scholarship Committee. As a Building Representative I attend monthly meetings with the principal to share ideas from the larger membership with administration as well as attending the monthly HTA meetings. I have volunteered at the NYSUT phone bank for important reminders like Budget votes, Con-Con, and volunteered with Family Fun Day since 2013. Recently, I became part of the Ambassador program to inform members about the Janus case and how membership may be effected.
Your top priorities if elected to this position: I think the Secretary is an important communication link between the officers of HTA and the larger membership. Especially now we need improved and regular communication within our union and access to information. I'd like to start each year with making sure everyone has access to the contract, especially if we reach a new agreement by June 30th, and who the Building Reps are and when meetings are scheduled.
Kelly Schrage
My name is Kelly Schrage, and I am running for re-election as your HTA Secretary. For those that do not know me, I have been teaching for 16 years in the Horseheads District at Big Flats Elementary. My husband has been teaching at the middle school for 19 years, and my two sons attend schools in the district.
Over the past five years, I have had the honor of serving as your HTA Secretary and being on the Executive Council. During that time, members have been kept current on union information through detailed minutes of Executive Council meetings, the sharing of the Treasurer’s Reports, and the distribution of informational emails. While serving as Secretary, I have supported our union and members by being a HTA Ambassador, participating in numerous events such as NYSUT Union Leader training in Elmira, NYSUT Southern Tier Regional Spring Leadership Conferences in Otsego, the BOE candidates’ endorsement committee, past nomination committees, forums, rallies, HTA Happy Hours, the yearly new teacher & building rep trainings provided by NYSUT, VOTE-COPE contributions, assisting the Big Flats building reps as needed, and giving an elementary voice to MOAs. I have volunteered and represented the HTA at the Strong Kids Safe Kids tent, handing out school supplies at various open houses, attending BOE meetings, and participated at the Komen Race for the Cure on the HTA team.
I am running for reelection for Secretary to continue to serve our union. If reappointed I will continue to be an active part of the HTA union and a voice for elementary teachers. This voice will be vital as the district looks to modify the elementary school day and make decisions about how to change the elementary work day. Please consider my experience and dedication when voting for HTA Secretary. I respectfully ask for your support and vote so I may continue to serve you.
------Representative Assembly------
Vote for TWO
Jamy Brice-Hyde
I am asking for your Vote for Representative Assembly delegate. I would be honored to represent the Horseheads Teachers Association as a delegate at the next NYSUT Representative Assembly. I have extensive knowledge and understanding of the political process of the RA. In the past I served on the NYSUT Policy Council, NYSUT Human and Civil Rights committee and currently serve on the NYSUT Social Studies Committee. Serving our statewide union has given me a deep understanding of all the issues our union can positively impact locally as well as nationally. I am a political education activist, fighting daily for our profession. I am well connected to NYSUT members and leaders from across the state and will be able to forge coalitions if needed to create positive change in our statewide union. I also spearhead a national committee on the Quality of Work Life of Educators with the AFT in conjunction with the BATs, an education Advocacy group in which I serve a leadership role. Our team is influencing national policy from the research and survey our committee has conducted. In 2016 when President Obama signed ESSA our team's amendment was included. Currently we are creating a coalition for national healthy workplace legislation. I have conducted press and radio interviews advocating for the teaching profession and the conditions of our work. I have been a lobbyist for HTA/NYSUT in Albany for the past 10 years and have served my union as building rep, Union Secretary, Political Action Coordinator Liaison. I am a Unionist foremost and a political junkie! The role of RA Delegate will allow me to use my political skills to help make our union more member friendly and politically powerful in order to secure a future for our profession and most importantly a strong public education for our children.
Brandon Johnson
I have had the honor of being one of your delegates to the NYSUT Representative Assembly for the past six years. In that time, I have had the opportunity to work closely with both Matt Hill, our Regional Director to the NYSUT Board of Directors, and Rick Gallant, our At-Large Director to the Board of Directors. I have met numerous other local leaders from throughout New York State, building ties with them that help to strengthen the solidarity of our statewide union as well as putting Horseheads on the map as an active and informed local union.
Last year, I was the alternate delegate, but I served in the delegate role when one of our elected delegates was unable to attend the RA.
A delegate to the RA must be able to set aside his or her personal opinions and vote for the best interests of the local union. A delegate must also be someone who is respected within the local union. He or she will be the face of your union that you present to the rest of NYSUT. I have worked hard as an active union member to gain your trust and respect. If elected to the RA, I vow to continue representing your interests and views to the best of my abilities.
I thank you for allowing me to be your representative to NYSUT for the past six years and I hope you will continue to place your trust in me for the upcoming school year.
Dora Leland
My Fellow HTA Members,
I am honored to be nominated for the position of Representative Assembly Delegate. I have been a 7th grade Social Studies teacher for 28 years, 16 at Horseheads Middle School. I have served as a delegate representing Horseheads and NYSUT Educational District 46 for the past nine years. In that time I have faithfully attended ED 46 meetings as well as numerous political action events such as Committee of 100 meetings with local state legislators, “Tell it Like It Is” forums with NYSUT leadership and political rallies supporting fair, representative education. I have also attended all of the annual RA Conventions. At this year's RA, I was elected NEA Alternate State Director as well as NEA delegate. This position will allow me to advocate for our local and state on a national level.
As a delegate, I believe it is imperative to be well informed and connected with issues that impact us as educators. It is of great importance to me to stay up to date with current educational and labor-related issues. As such, I have made continuous efforts to keep abreast of current events via social media, educational blogs, as well as many other outlets. Through this, I have been able to communicate with many teachers and union leaders regarding issues facing their schools. I have also attended many union-sponsored training conferences including the NYSUT Leadership Institute. This has provided me with valuable information that would be important to performing the duties of a Representative Delegate. Additionally, I have been selected by NYSUT to attend the AFL-CIO Leadership Institute this summer. Four people are chosen state-wide to attend this 2 year training. I believe this opportunity will allow me to continue to develop skills and collaborate with union members across New York State.
I have served as the VOTE-COPE Coordinator for the Elmira Regional Office and now serve as the Political Action Coordinator for NYS Senate District 58. I communicate regularly with other local presidents and RA delegates representing ED 46. I believe this communication is critical in uniting and strengthening not only our local, but our region as a whole. Additionally, I was recently elected President of the Chemung- Schuyler Labor council in which I represent HTA and NYSUT. The council is a collaboration of labor unions in the Southern Tier. As President, I have begun efforts to increase communication and collaboration between labor organizations as well as share vital information and concerns of labor with fellow members and the public through the use of social media
I believe this is a critical time, not only for NYSUT, but for our local union and all unions in general. Teachers need a stronger voice in making educational policy and decisions. Our local needs a stronger voice in NYSUT. As a delegate, I will strive to make your voices and concerns heard. I am committed to being an active delegate. It is time that teachers take control of their profession, and I believe that being politically active is a key to achieving that. As your Representative Delegate, I will continue to work to make our voices heard. In Solidarity, Dora Leland
Melissa Schultz
I have been an eighth grade ELA teacher in the district for 15 years. I have been a middle school building representative for the past 8 years and have shared the HTA Public Relations positions with Kathy Sisti for the past two years. As a member of the LAP (Local Action Project) team, I have worked to increase unity and involvement in the HTA and to expand our relationship with the community through an increased number of district events and community service projects. I have attended conferences and seminars from NYSUT and the AFLCIO, which highlight issues facing unions and ways to combat and prepare for those issues. I believe that a strong union is key to protecting our rights as teachers. A strong union also allows us to advocate for our students. As public education and unions face increasing attacks on a national scale, it is important that our voice is heard.
Mary Ann Sheets
Subject area/building - Librarian/High School
Number of years of experience/Number of years at in the Horseheads District – 8/4
Prior HTA experience, offices held, committee participation – Building Representative
Your top priorities if elected to this position – Ensuring the free flow of communication for all members of HTA; being transparent and proactive in actions; maintaining the integrity and accuracy of information
Additional information including recognitions, honors, awards and accomplishments – I am excited about the opportunity to serve the HTA in this capacity. Thank you for your support.
------Retirement Delegate------
Vote for TWO
Hether Gillette
Hello again, this is Hether Gillette. I am also running for New York State Retirement Delegate. I have served the district in this position for seven years. I would be honored to serve another two year term. As a retirement delegate, I am a representative for all employees in the district eligible to retire under the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS). I participate annually in the election of a teacher representative to the NYSTRS Board. As a delegate, I am a resource for anyone seeking basic information regarding NYSTRS, schedules for NYSTRS seminars and can help guide members in setting up online accounts. I also serve on the NYSUT Retirement Committee to be a more active delegate. Information that I received from being a delegate has been useful in my position as HTA president, as well as a member of the negotiating team. I would appreciate your vote for retirement delegate. Thank you. ~ Hether
Brandon Johnson
Although I accepted the nomination for Retirement Delegate, I have chosen not to run for the position. Although I will still be on the ballot, please choose one of the other worthy candidates.
Dora Leland
My Fellow HTA Members,
I am honored to be nominated for the position of New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) Delegate. I have served as a delegate to the NYSTRS representing Horseheads this past year. I have also been a delegate and/or alternate for the past seven years. As a Delegate to the Teachers’ Retirement System, I have attended the Annual Conference in which information regarding our retirement system was presented.
So, what is NYSTRS? This, from the NYSTRS website, explains the function of the program.
The New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS) was established in 1921 by an act of the state legislature and is the second-largest of eight public retirement systems in New York State. NYSTRS administers the fund from which public school teachers and administrators employed outside New York City receive retirement and ancillary benefits.
NYSTRS directs a defined benefit plan. In addition to a service retirement pension, this includes disability and death benefits; the ability to borrow from member contributions; and, in some cases, coverage for beneficiaries. Payments to eligible members and beneficiaries are guaranteed by law and cannot be reduced under New York's current constitution. Benefits generally take into account factors such as age, years of service, final average salary and tier of membership.
Benefit improvements, such as early retirement incentives, must be enacted into law by the state legislature and governor. NYSTRS is charged only with administering the plan as provided by law.
Each year the System adopts a program of legislative proposals to streamline operations or address certain inequities in benefits. In addition, it provides the legislature with statistical and cost information on bills affecting members.
NYSTRS membership as of June 30, 2014 totaled more than 270,000 active members and nearly 156,000 retirees and beneficiaries.
As a Delegate representing Horseheads, I would consider it my responsibility to stay abreast of current information and news regarding our retirement system and then share that with our membership. I would also act as a liaison between our membership and NYSTRS, directing questions and concerns to the proper avenue. There are many changes occurring in education right now and our Retirement System is not immune to that. It is critical that as members we stay informed and engaged in the process. As your delegate, I would be committed to doing just that.
In Solidarity,
Dora Leland
Julie Stratton
I respectfully accept the nomination for Retirement Delegate. I feel I have much to offer the Horseheads Teachers’ Association.
I am an eighth grade math teacher at Horseheads Middle School and in my sixteenth year of teaching. I am a co-director of our school’s musicals and the variety show as well as a co-advisor to Student Council and serve as the math department chair.
I am very interested in broadening my support for the HTA. The past couple years I have been a building representative and therefore attended the training for this position. I have also attended the spring regional union conference in Cooperstown. At this conference, I have learned valuable information on how to better serve our local union. I also networked with other school representatives, officers, and Labor Relation Specialists. Now I would like to explore the role of Retirement Delegate. Serving as an alternate for this position these past two years has allowed me the chance to receive the NYSTRS newsletters, which I then forward on to my colleagues. I would like the chance to become a delegate where I can attend the annual conference.
I believe in the strength of our union and look forward to continuing the great representation already provided for the members of the HTA.
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