The Paterson Education Association

The Professionals for Effective Action Political Committee

October 15, 2018                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local PAC endorses candidates for board of education
Applauds candidates’ respect for educators and collaborative mindset

 
PATERSON-   The Professionals for Effective Action Political Committee, the independent political action committee of the Paterson Education Association (PEA), announced its endorsements for the open one-year and three-year Paterson Public Schools board of education seats. After hosting a thorough screening process that took place over several days in mid-October, the seven-member committee, comprised of individuals from various positions, schools, and departments in the Paterson school district, voted to endorse the following candidates:
 
One-year term:                                              Three-year term:
 
Mr. Vincent Arrington                                    Ms. Oshin Castillo
Mr. Richard Pichardo                                     Mr. Manny Martinez
                                                                             Ms. Nikma Redmon
 
All potential candidates were invited to participate, but it was the ones who were well-versed in the struggles that Paterson public school employees face and the valuable role a strong union plays in addressing these struggles that made an impact on the committee.  Ultimately, the committee chose to endorse those who, in his or her own way, expressed a desire to support and collaborate with the PEA to continue to find ways to improve the city’s schools and provide the best education possible for Paterson’s students.
 
“The PEA is proud to endorse candidates that are committed to working collaboratively with, not against, its members,” declared PEA President John McEntee. “Whether it be respecting our desire for a fair and equitable contract or supporting the permanent appointment of Ms. Eileen Shafer, who has brought a long-overdue stability and positive outlook to this district and its employees, these men and women understand that the foundation of our schools are the professionals who tirelessly work within them.   
 
Elections for these open seats will be held on November 6.

AFLAC (PEA Approved) Vs. Colonial

The District is advertising open enrollment for health benefits.  The District’s communication was sent out via the District email server.  Members that wish to make any changes listed in the District’s communication should adhere to the timelines and information set forth in the memo.

After reviewing the District’s communication, the Union has again noticed that Colonial Life is being allowed to sell their insurance products to our members.  You may recall that last school year we strongly suggested that employees NOT purchase any products from Colonial Life.  We took this position because these insurance products MUST be vetted and approved by the Union.  Colonial Life has NOT been vetted, nor have they been approved by the Paterson Education Association.  

Ironically, even after many warnings, some of our members elected to ignore the Union’s advice and purchased s Colonial Life Insurance product. To that end, we are now providing legal consultations for some of these members that feel they have been bamboozled by a Colonial Life insurance product.  More than that, however, the Union will be in PERC in October fighting the District’s decision to allow Colonial access to our members. 

We can not stop our members from purchasing a Colonial Life Product.  However, we feel that it is our responsibility to provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Buyer Beware!

John McEntee, Jr., President

On October 2, 2018, P.E.A. president McEntee sent a letter to PPS Superintendent Eileen Shafer regarding health benefits.  At your convenience, please take a look at Mr. McEntee’s letter.

Health Benefit Letter To Superintendent Shafer

The PEA Office