Unified Support Association Standing Committees
The Standing Committees are the operational heart of our Association, serving as permanent groups dedicated to managing the union's essential, ongoing business. Each committee is composed of members who focus on a specific, vital function – such as finance, negotiations, communications, or member support.
They perform the detailed work, research, and planning necessary to keep our union running effectively and to make informed recommendations to the Executive Board and general membership. Below, you will find a complete list of our standing committees and their specific responsibilities.
Shelly Ackendorf, Sick Bank Administrator
Finance and Budget Committee
Chairperson: Barbara Reinagel, Treasurer
The Finance and Budget Committee is responsible for the financial oversight and strategic planning of the Association. Its primary duties include thoroughly studying the organization's financial matters, arranging for a yearly independent audit of the Treasurer's accounts, and providing financial advice to the Executive Board. A key function of this committee is to prepare the Association's annual budget, which is presented first to the Executive Board for recommendation and then to the membership for final adoption. The committee consists of three to five members appointed by the President for a three-year term. To ensure focused financial management, the Association's Treasurer serves as the chairperson, and no other elected officers are eligible for membership.
Grievance Committee
Chairperson: Christopher Auge, Vice President
The Grievance Committee serves as the primary body for addressing and resolving formal complaints, disputes, and potential contract violations raised by members. The committee is led by the Vice President, who acts as chairperson, and operates with oversight from the President. Its structure ensures balanced representation, as it is composed of members from both the North and South regions who serve for three-year terms.
Operationally, the committee meets prior to each Executive Board meeting to conduct its business and makes decisions based on a majority vote of its members. To ensure full transparency and communication, the Vice President attends all Executive Board meetings for consultation with Association leadership.
Members:
North Region:
- Lead Rep - Open seat
- Open seat
- Open seat
South Region
- Denise Waterman, Lead Rep
- Casey Twichell
- Open seat
Health Insurance Committee
Chairperson: Carey Casillo-Young, President
The Health Insurance Committee is a specialized body within the union dedicated to overseeing all aspects of our members' health benefits. Its core purpose is to serve as both a central resource and a powerful advocate for the membership. The committee meticulously reviews and monitors the details of all employer-provided health insurance plans, analyzing everything from coverage levels and network access to premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They work to ensure that members' interests are protected, advocate for the best possible benefits during negotiations, and serve as an educational resource to help members understand their complex plan options and navigate the healthcare system effectively.
Liaison Committee
The Liaison Committee serves as the formal, high-level communication channel between our union's leadership and the BOCES administration. This committee, which is composed exclusively of the union's Elected Officers, meets quarterly with administrators to foster a productive relationship. The primary purpose of these regular meetings is to discuss and address matters of mutual concern, work together on strategies for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and ethical workplace, resolve potential issues before they escalate, share important updates, and ensure that the perspectives and interests of our members are effectively represented at the highest levels.
Membership Engagement Committee
Chairperson: Denise Waterman, Southern Lead Representative
Here is a professional description of the Membership Engagement (Social) Committee:
The Membership Engagement Committee plays a vital role in building a strong, connected, and active union community. Its primary mission is to foster a greater sense of camaraderie and belonging among members by creating opportunities for them to interact in relaxed, positive settings outside of the workplace. The committee is responsible for planning, organizing, and hosting various social events and activities throughout the year. By bringing members together, the committee helps to strengthen personal and professional relationships, which in turn builds the solidarity and unity essential for a more engaged and effective union.
Members:
North Region:
- Kristen Knab, Northern Area Rep
- Open seat
South Region
- Open seat
- Open seat
Negotiations Committee
Chief Negotiator: Carey Casillo-Young, President
The Negotiations Committee is the body exclusively responsible for representing the entire membership during the collective bargaining process. Its primary function is to prepare for and conduct all formal negotiations with the employer to achieve a fair and comprehensive collective bargaining agreement, also known as the union contract.
To ensure broad and equitable representation, the full committee is composed of all Association Officers, the Grievance Committee Chairperson, and two general members from each of the Northern, Central, and Southern Areas. From this larger group, a specific seven-member Negotiations Team is formed to conduct the direct, at-the-table bargaining. This team is led by the Association President, who serves as the Chief Negotiator. The other six members are chosen from the committee to ensure balanced perspectives, specifically consisting of three 10-month employees and three 12-month employees.
Nominations and Elections Committee
Chairperson: Ashley Hastings
The Nominations and Elections Committee is an independent body responsible for overseeing the integrity and execution of the Association's entire democratic election process. It is composed of five members appointed by the President for a three-year term; to ensure impartiality, no current Association officer may serve on the committee.
The committee's duties begin with nominating individuals for office, with that slate being sent twenty (20) school days before an election. The committee also facilitates the member-driven nomination process, where any candidate can be added to the ballot by submitting a petition signed by ten (10) members at least fifteen (15) school days before the election. The committee then prepares and circulates the final, revised ballot to all members at least five (5) days prior to the election. Finally, the committee is responsible for conducting all balloting procedures, impartially investigating any disputes that may arise, and making formal recommendations for resolution to the Executive Board.
Sick Bank Committee
Chairperson: Shelly Ackendorf, Administrator
The Sick Bank Committee is responsible for the vital administration of the Association's Sick Bank, a shared pool of donated leave designed to support members who are facing serious health situations and have exhausted their own paid time off.
The committee's primary function is to formally review all member requests for the use of Sick Bank days and make recommendations for approval, strictly following the guidelines and stipulations outlined in the Contract. This committee is composed of the Sick Bank Administrator and two members appointed by the President, who each serve a three-year term.
Digital Technology Committee
Chairperson: Christopher Auge, Vice President
The Digital Technology Committee manages all of the union's technology, including running our official website and social media outlets, as well as creating digital marketing materials. The committee also handles our internal tech needs, like managing digital meetings and providing IT support.
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