Congrats to our winners! Thank you to all of the candidates. Thank you to all of our volunteers.(Please see our list of volunteers on our Nuts and Bolts page.) Thank you to all of our members who came out to vote.
Vice President (1) Eileen McGarvey-137 Phil Rucci-118
RA Delegate (3) Billie Dolan -111 Phil Rucci - 108 Kevin McAllister - 105 Ann Robertson -101 (alternate) Michael Star - 99 Allison Waskiewicz - 98 Matthew Robertson - 49
Re-Vote RulesHighlights When Voting at all sites will begin at 3:00pm and end at 3:30 with the exception of IYP will begin at 2:30 and end at 3:00pm. Where Site and Rooms CTE- I dining Room St. Matthew’s- Therapy Room; 1st floor Irvington- H-012 Tappan Hill- Gym Rye Lake Campus- Conference Room Pocantico Hills- Karen Walker’s Room IYP- NJ1 You may vote at whichever site is most convenient for you. How
There will be 2 lines at each site
A-L and M-Z
Identify yourself to the volunteer at the sign in desk
Sign your name
You will be handed your ballot
Mark your ballot and place in ballot box then exit the voting area.
Attention BTA Members. Taking into consideration the great feedback that we received from our members and in an effort to be fair and equitable to all members, the Election Committee has determined that due to the nature of a re-vote and the current time restrictions, the BTA Constitution and by-laws will allow us to open the following sites for the re-vote on Wednesday:
Center for Career Services
Rye Lake Campus
Tappan Hill
Irvington
Pocantico Hills
St. Matthews
IYP
Please note that this decision does not guarantee that these sites will be open for future votes. After the election, the decision to open these sites will be reviewed by the Election Committee, Executive Board, Representative Board, and Constitution Committee.
Please also note that voting at these sites will not cover the MOA vote, which must occur after deliberation and discussion at the General Meeting at RLC on Wednesday. MOA packets have been mailed to your homes and you should be receiving one shortly. We are working around the clock in order to make this happen for our members. Specific rules for the re-vote will follow. Thank you for your feedback, support and patience.
Election update 5/16/19
Thank you all for voting this past week. It is great to see that we have so many members that take an active role in voicing their opinions about issues that affect us as union members. Thank you to all of the volunteers who made it possible. Thank you to the Executive Board, Representative Board, Constitution Committee and Election Committee who worked so hard to open up Tappan Hill as a voting site. After the announcement of the date and time for the re-vote some dedicated members took the time to contact the Election Committee to ask questions and in some cases raise concerns. As a committee we fielded numerous phone calls, emails, text messages and in some cases went out to discuss member concerns in person. We are glad that you took the time to explain your concerns as it has helped us to gain a better understanding of the issues that each site faces during elections. Please understand that we have heard your concerns and are working to come to a solution that is fair and equitable for all members. We are working as you read this to come up with a solution that meets our members needs, meets the requirements of our by-laws and that we can logistically accomplish. We hope to have an update for you tomorrow.
PS. If you know of a member who does not subscribe to our text list please assist them so that they can receive the most up to date information.
Important Election update! 5/15/19
After counting the votes, there was a tie for the position of Vice-President. Each candidate received 107 votes. In addition, a discrepancy was found between the number of people who signed in and the number of ballots received at Tappan Hill. Furthermore, a discrepancy was also found between the number of people who signed in and the number of ballots received at CTE.
As a result of the tie a run-off election will be held. Due to the existence of discrepancies we have determined that in addition to the position of Vice-President all contested positions will be placed on the ballot.
The election will be held in the Rye Lake Campus gym, by written ballot, between 3 and 3:30pm, prior to the General Meeting on Wednesday May 22nd.
Updates to follow.
Executive Vice President: Eileen McGarvey:I have been an active BTA member for 14 years. I am a member of the IEP/Technology Committee and the Mentor Selection Committee. I am running for vice president to achieve greater diversity in viewpoints within the executive board, and increased transparency in decisions affecting us. Our members don’t feel engaged or connected for many reasons, including a perception that concerns aren’t adequately heard and addressed. Finally, we now have a disappointing contract that suffocates members’ ability to keep pace with the cost of living, much less get ahead of it. Together, we need to focus on achieving positive change.
Phil Rucci (Incumbent):It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your BTA Vice-President. During my tenure we have achieved great accomplishments, including fair contracts for both certified staff and Aides. I currently serve on 4 committees and continue to strive to have our members treated fairly and with respect. I meet frequently with administration to help resolve issues before they affect our membership. My mission is simple: Continue to serve our members and strive to achieve a solid future for the organization and union. I ask for your vote in this election to protect the BTA in these turbulent times.
1st Vice President of Aides: Emily Nachshen:My name is Emily Nachshen also known as Ms Em. I have been with BOCES for several years as an Aide and for many years as a rep in the union. I have been Vice president of Aides for 5 years. I am happy to work for my members and to help them out with all their needs including providing representation in working situations. I am accepting the office of Vice President of Aides with your confidence and respect. Ms Em
2nd Vice President of ALC: Keith Mattos:Keith had been a teacher in the Incarcerated Youth Program for the past 10 years. In this time he has taught science as well as many other classes. He has been an educator in the ALC program for the past 8 years helping students to achieve their HSE certifications. He has been a team leader, and has been involved as the union’s ALC representative for 3 years. He also plays an active role in Albany for the past 3 years in BOCES Lobby Day.
Teacher Aide Representative: Tarik Curry:Thank you for the nomination. I've worked in Boces with the TSPDD and Aim programs for about 16 years. I'm also on the Response Team and the Basis Task Force. With all the highs and lows, the things I've learned, and the friends I've made from working here; I wouldn't have changed a thing. I do the best I can to do right by people in any situation and being a union rep will be no different. If elected, I will do my best to be a team player. Once again, thank you for the nomination.
RA Delegate: Michael Star:My name is Michael Star and I am running for the Representative Assembly position. My involvement with our Union has been extensive and ongoing. I have served in the capacity of a Teacher’s Rep and on the Audit, Negotiations, and Constitution Committees. I am vocal on BTA issues that can improve communication and the strength of our union. As a member of the Constitution committee (and prior to that) I lobbied successfully to add a third voting site for this year. I believe I’d be a good candidate for this position and am asking for you to come and vote!
Allison Waskiewicz:I began my career in 2008 as an aide and am presently a teacher assistant. On numerous occasions I have also worked in the capacity of a teacher providing the opportunity to work at numerous sites throughout BOCES. Presently I serve on the Pocantico Technology and PBIS Committee as well as the BTA BASIS steering committee. Over the past couple years I have participated and volunteered for many activities in an effort to learn and assist our members. As an RA Delegate I would strive to represent BOCES and the BTA in bringing issues to the attention of NYSUT as well as our local and state leaders. Billie Dolan:When human beings experience illness, trauma or other life stressors that result in low vision or blindness, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is to help children find healthy perceptions of themselves while teaching them and other school professionals how to support the student in reaching their academic goals. In addition to a 23 year teaching career, I am currently a BTA Representative and a Political Action coordinator and serve as a delegate for the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body where I have been active in bringing the issues that challenge and support our union to the forefront.
Retiree Delegate: Billie Dolan:When human beings experience illness, trauma or other life stressors that result in low vision or blindness, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is to help children find healthy perceptions of themselves while teaching them and other school professionals how to support the student in reaching their academic goals. In addition to a 23 year teaching career, I am currently a BTA Representative and a Political Action coordinator and serve as a delegate for the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body where I have been active in bringing the issues that challenge and support our union to the forefront.
Candidate Flyers
The following ads are the opinion of the candidate and do not necessary reflect the views or opinions of the BTA. The candidates are solely responsible for content of the ads.