Highlights of the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) meeting held May 10 and 11, 2007, at Barnett House, in Edmonton.

Jerome Ell

1. Approved a plan to lobby provincial politicians regarding the Association’s position on the unfunded liability of the teachers’ pension plan as well as the concerns of teachers regarding insufficient education funding allocated in the recent provincial budget.

2. Adopted a series of six recommendations for the consideration of the 2007 Annual Representative Assembly (ARA), which, taken together, reflect the ATA’s objective of achieving a fair, reasonable and lasting solution to the unfunded liability of the teachers’ pension plan.

3. Approved a resolution for the consideration of the 2007 ARA arising from the external review of governing structures and responsibilities.

4. Approved a media campaign to raise awareness of the inadequate education funding in Alberta and to motivate public support for increased funding for public education.

5. Approved a plan to develop proposals and materials to support a campaign to build support and solidarity among teachers new to the profession.

6. Prepared a resolution for the consideration of the 2007 ARA calling upon members to decline participation in any online testing programs associated with the Computer Adaptive Assessment project.

7. Approved the formation of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Council.

8. Determined that representatives of this new specialist council will be eligible to attend the Specialist Council Seminar at Summer Conference 2007.

9. Approved a revised frame of reference for Grande Prairie Public School District No. 2357 teachers’ Economic Policy Committee.

10. Amended Administrative Guidelines to clarify that release time provisions for elected members of PEC provide for compensatory time.

11. Directed the preparation of a mediation process, in consultation with solicitors, to assist in the resolution of disagreements between or among elected members of Council.

12. Directed the preparation of a disputes resolution process, in consultation with solicitors, to assist in the resolution of disagreements between or among elected members of Council.

13. Received the report of a hearing committee regarding a teacher accused of one charge of unprofessional conduct in failing to treat a student with dignity and respect. The teacher pleaded guilty to the charge and the hearing committee accepted the plea of guilty. The teacher’s actions were deemed to bring dishonour to the teaching profession and the hearing committee assigned the penalty of a severe letter of reprimand.

14. Heard the appeal of a teacher to have the Association pay her legal fees in a total of 10 separate requests. In each instance, Council declined.