December 16, 2010

CONNETQUOT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
ADDRESSES RETIRED TEACHERS

Ronkonkoma, NY --- Loretta Powell, President of the Connetquot Teachers Association, met with members of the Connetquot Retired Teachers Association (CTRA) at Captain Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore, NY, on December 16. Members of the CTRA meet several times each year to keep up with school district news, and catch up with old friends and colleagues.

Powell talked to the members about progress made this year by the CTA in protecting teachers’ working conditions and benefits. She also cautioned members to stay involved in education decisions by local, state and national legislators. The CTA President assured the retired teachers of the organization’s commitment to protecting the rights, not only of current teachers but, of retired members who built the foundation of the organization. Powell reminded the members that Connetquot was one of the very few teacher unions not to give back any benefits, and actually produced a contract with improved compensation.

CTA insurance contact Richard Thomas reported on the status of current insurance benefits, as well as discussions in Albany and Washington which could affect those benefits in the future. Thomas answered several questions and provided a contact number for members to use for further inquiries.

CRTA President Marilyn Dygus-Aitken discussed pending legislation in support of teacher rights and also encouraged members to remain vigilant of legislators’ plans to protect, or alter, teacher contracts.

CTA President Loretta Powell (2nd from left) was welcomed by members of the Connetquot Retired Teachers Association at their December meeting (L-R: Julia Arena (CRTA membership), Loretta Powell, Marilyn Dygus-Aitken (CRTA President), Trudi Manley (CRTA Secretary), Florence Hymes (CRTA Treasurer)