December 1st Executive Board Meeting Highlights: A Focus on Class Size, Healthcare, Legislative Efforts and District Solidarity
The Executive Board convened and were welcomed back from the Thanksgiving holiday.
Class Size Applications: A Push for Compliance
UFT Assistant Secretary Michael Sill provided an update on the ongoing efforts to manage class sizes. To date, 1,000 schools out of approximately 1,500 have submitted their class size applications. While the deadline is December 3rd , the Department of Education remains flexible, emphasizing a commitment to achieving 100% compliance. This flexibility reflects the collaborative efforts to ensure timely submissions across all schools.
Healthcare Case Update: Awaiting Judicial Ruling
In an update on the critical healthcare case, Carl Cambria reported back on the day’s court proceedings. The case reviews whether city law permits a self-funded health plan. The decision remains pending, and the judge did not rule on the preliminary injunction at this time. The implications of this case are significant, particularly for pre-Medicare retirees, and an update is anticipated in the next executive board meeting.
“Fixing Tier Six in ‘26”
Emily James announced the launch of the “Fixing Tier Six in ‘26” campaign, set to begin with an event this Saturday. This initiative aims to make substantial progress over the coming year, culminating in a major rally scheduled for March 8th in Albany. A series of monthly events, held on the sixth of each month, will engage chapter leaders and members, reinforcing the union’s commitment to addressing tier six concerns.
District Solidarity and Organizing Efforts
District 21 Representative Adam Shapiro reported a strong show of solidarity within the district, with school staff planning to wear black in support of a teacher who faced public admonishment. This symbolic action underscores a collective response to challenges faced within the educational community.
Queens High Schools Representative James Vasquez, highlighted a successful parent conference, which included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. This event, along with multiple tenure celebrations across various districts, reflects the ongoing dedication to fostering supportive and dynamic educational environments.
Legislative Focus: Para Respect Check Legislation and Speaker’s Race
Legislative advocacy remains a priority, as detailed by Vanecia Wilson, UFT Political Director. The focus is on opposing Speaker Adrienne Adams’s efforts to block the Intro 1261 bill, which addresses economic inequality, particularly for women in the workplace. Union engagement in the speaker’s race also saw Julie Menin gaining substantial support, positioning her as a strong contender.
The union’s influence extends to the transition teams of Mayor-elect Zorhan Mamdani and Comptroller-elect Mark Levine, where UFT representation is set to play a pivotal role in shaping future policies.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with an adjournment and reminders for the upcoming executive board meeting on December 8th and the Delegate Assembly on December 10th.