Union Minutes 2025-2026

Milford Federation of Paraprofessionals
Union Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2025

Call to order @ 4:17 pm
Secretary — Jody Reading of the minutes from 9/11/25
Accepted by Heather F and 2TM by Robert B
Treasurer — Collean Account balances.. Checking $15,790.63 savings $ 20,016.70

Vice President — Gail.. 140 Paras, waiting on paperwork on 4 new hires. Asked that the reps
talk up our contract and what people are interested in. We need to be united and strong. Reps need to help and share information. Paras hired after 2014 — need your voice because it means
no severance upon retirement.
Accepted by Jaime S and 2TM Robert B

President — Ted
Stimulus was received for the HAS
Sick leave as of Oct 1* now able to use up to 5 days (ex. If child, parent needs dr procedure or
family illness.
Discussion on sick days bank, CT paid leave Act and will check on how the process is done.
HRA question was asked when do we get it and get a portion till you hit Max. If collecting SS
cannot use HAS
HAS gets taxed upon retirement unless you roll it over.
Asked for input for negotiations/contract/interests. Paras to receive google form to fill out.
Need to buckle down for our contract as to not lose anything this time
Receiving a 2.5% raise. Collean is doing the numbers of pay increase vs medical insurance
increase
Liz (AFT) filed intent to negotiate w/Bd of Ed, We would be ready in December, need reps to
push members to “look” at the contract for input.
Classroom safety needs to be looked at and addressed. Ann M said to press charges and file a
report if attacked.
Ted made a call to say safety of paras needs to be addressed

Need to get paras that do not attend meetings to fill out the google form re: negotiations and
turn it in by Dec 1“
1* negotiation meeting is Dec 3" w/Liz
Laura B asked if anyone looked at other districts contract, Ted said yes a couple used West
Haven as an example.
Judy S — said other paras are interested can we chose who to help lead
How to help “seasoned” paras re: steps
Looking for sub committee if anyone is interested in voicing about our contract.
Reminded paras to check their personal emails
What would we like to do for Fundraiser, ex. Boys and Girls Village etc
BLDG REPS:
East Shore — Heather Personal time how much upon retirement
Harborside — Robert — Safety of paras not being acknowledged. Para was hospitalized for neck
and brace for foot. Lead teacher in that class is out.
Ellen C — West Shore short staffed, adding more jobs to the paras
Discussed where to put a memorial bush for Trish Fike
Shout out — Ed Greenbaum for writing a kids book
Raffle winners — Deb G, Sari, and Melody K, Dawn E and Heather F
Next meeting February 19, 2026

Meeting adjourned @ 5:26 pm

Milford Federation of Paraprofessionals
Union Meeting Minutes
February 19,2026

Call to order @ 4:19 pm
Secretary – Jody - Reading of the minutes from November 13 th meeting
Accepted by Deb G and 2 nd by Heather F
Treasurer – Collean - Account balances. Checking $15,514.80, savings $20,017.04
Accepted by Heather F and 2 nd by Becky T

Vice President – Gail.. 144 Paras, 3 “new” We have had some leave and new ones added.
Thanked Deb, Teddy Jr and Vicky for hard work and dedication working on the committee. We
had a lot of interest in people wanting to join in, and we opened it up to everyone. We thought
we were going to have to make a sub-committee, but we have stood strong with these 3
members and our Board working on contract together.
Also, a special thank you to Ted, who works tirelessly with a lot of issues behind the scenes that
people do not see. He is genuinely here for all of us and puts in a lot of time helping everyone,
whether its handling calls, emails or going to meetings to support co-workers. Thank You Ted!
Remember to send your shout outs, we all work hard every day. Let’s celebrate one another’s
work or personal accomplishments.
Accepted by Deb G and 2 nd Teddy Jr

President – Ted
Had 1 st negotiation yesterday and worked very hard on the language of our current contract.
Both sides exchanged proposals
We have a number of changes to propose. They were going to meet and discuss our proposal.
My opinion, everything we are working on for safety, to be in line with teachers, custodians,
secretaries etc. Our contract is vague in some areas, also proposed changing the van drivers
job description. Don’t care how long it takes to get what we want! Will go to arbitration if needed.
( Ted Read the opening statement from yesterday)
Voted on a fundraising for Purple Pantry
Becky to contact Sue Brown and get back to Jody if needed.
Reserve date Thursday May 21 st for end of the year celebration. Asked reps to see if anyone is
retiring.

BLDG REPS –
Calf Pen – Ted Jr said still short staffed, they have a long term sub for the special ed teacher.
Mathewson – Laura said cant discuss a current issue, 2 new paras transferred
Orange Ave – Shelly said very short staffed

Laura asked with 5 paras who should get the CC, Ted said to rotate.
Deb G – 4 cards sent out for Sunshine
Ted will send emails to principals re: food collection for Purple Pantry (collect for month of
March)
Raffle winners Christine Wilson, Sue Laffin, and Theodore Boynton Jr

Meeting to adjourn
Accepted by Heather F and 2 nd Pat T
Next meeting May 14,2026
4:15 Parsons Board Room
Meeting adjourned @ 5:11 pm