Back to School / Back to work!

Posted: 
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
I hope that you have enjoyed your summer. Spending time with family and friends, or simply rejuvenating from a long school year is something we all value and deserve.          
 
The LUT office has been very busy this summer. We have moved! Gina Murphy, our office manager, has been working tirelessly on setting-up our new home at LMEC. It looks great. Please come visit your new office anytime!
 
Your LUT officers supported you over the summer in many ways. We've met in July to discuss the upcoming school year, attended training's, and continue to correspond with central office staff, Nassau NYSUT and other local union leaders on your behalf. Even though we have moved, our Union's phone number remains (516) 796-5660. Please call anytime, for any reason!
 
Our APPR Committee met on July 15th and discussed with administration the new teacher evaluation reforms. This committee is faced with the daunting task of negotiating a fair plan for our members with even more unrealistic demands from the State. Fortunately, we continue to have a solid working relationship with the District and both sides continue to negotiate in good faith. A future meeting is planned and we continue to wait patiently for more guidance from NYSUT.
 
We are excited to announce that we have entered into a relationship with UCOMM Communications. UCOMM is a public relations consulting firm specializing in communications for organized labor, non-profits and movement oriented business.  We believe they will help us in many ways.
 
They are in the process of constructing a new LUT website designed to promote you as educators. They will help LUT create a 'brand' to receive the public recognition you all deserve. They have already visited some of our schools in June and took photos of members in action. Look for UCOMM's photography staff in September, as we will be arranging more visits through your building representatives.
 
This new website will also provide a new medium for our newsletter, executive board meeting minutes, up-to-date news feeds on issues relevant to educators and will provide members easy access to information and forms regarding their union benefits.
 
They will help us use 21st century technology to communicate instantly with membership including email and text blasting. In addition, they will provide support with public relations and local campaigns.
 
Our new website www.levittownteachers.com will launch in October and we need your help! You are the Union and your involvement is imperative!
 
Please look for a flyer in your school mailbox. We are requesting information including updated email addresses and cell phone numbers. We are aiming for 100% participation! This will help us communicate with each other more efficiently and provide you with important information in a timelier manner.
 
Look for future email blasts from our PAC/Vote Cope Vice President, John Lipani, and Corresponding Secretary/Newsletter Editor, Joe Romano. They will provide you with more important information as we anticipate the launch of this new endeavor.
 
I look forward to serving you as your new Union President.