One order of business for convention delegates was to elect the union’s leadership for the next two years.

AFT president Edward J. McElroy, secretary-treasurer Nat LaCour and executive vice president Antonia Cortese were re-elected to the union’s top offices. Delegates also elected an executive council of 39 vice presidents that includes seven new members.

Newly elected members of the council are: Shelvy Y. Abrams of the United Federation of ­Teachers (New York City); Michelle Bodden of the United Federation of Teachers (New York City); Linda Bridges of the Texas Federation of ­Teachers; Ken Brynien of the New York State Public Employees Federation; Eric Feaver of Montana’s MEA-MFT; Judy Hale of AFT-West Virginia; and Stacey Caruso-Sharpe of the New York State United Teachers.

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After spirited debate, delegates approved a per capita dues increase. Effective Sept. 1, the per member per capita dues will increase from $13.20 to $13.95 a month and will rise to $14.70 per member per month effective Sept. 1, 2007.

“We need additional resources to properly pursue a number of important organizing opportunities,” AFT president Edward J. McElroy said in urging delegates to support the dues increase proposed by the AFT executive council. “At the same time, we must continue to provide the excellent services upon which our members rely.”

A related bylaw change increases the amount that will go into the AFT Solidarity Fund as well as the amount the national union passes on to state federations that set up similar funds.

The AFT Solidarity Fund was overwhelmingly approved by delegates to the 2002 convention as a necessary political action resource to increase the union’s financial ability to fight against ballot initiatives and referenda that undermine public services and workers’ rights as well as to better enable state federations to support candidates for state-level office who have demonstrated support for the union membership’s issues.

Effective Sept. 1, the amount going to the Solidarity Fund will increase from 67 cents to 80 cents and then to $1 on Sept. 1, 2007.

The amount going to state funds will increase to 30 cents in ­September (a 5 cent increase) and to 40 cents next year.