Executive Board Meeting Notes 11/17/25

UFT Paraprofessionals and Officers testify at City Council for Respect Check legislation, Anthem TRO dismissed, D75 grievance arbitration win , new CTE Ai training...

CALL TO ORDER & APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The meeting opened with the approval of the minutes from the November 7^th Executive Board meeting. They were seconded and carried with unanimous consent.

Special Orders of Business distributed: Two items were presented for review and prioritization.

Leo Gordon, Vice President-Career and Technical Education, addressed the board and spoke on the following items:

• CTE Awards Notification: The CTE Awards are scheduled for February 12, 2025. We are using Cvent for nominations, which streamlines the process. The deadline for nominations is November 28th—Chapter leaders are urged to respond promptly. If they face issues with the C-VENT link, email LGordon@UFT.org and SStrickland@UFT.org to address communications gaps quickly.

• Introduction to CTE AI Training: Organized in partnership with Pursuit, this initiative focuses on advanced AI tool development, marking a decisive move toward modern educational tools and pedagogy. We have eight seats available for participants who have used AI previously.

Karen Alford, Vice President- Elementary Schools, addressed the board and focused on the following:

• Legislative Visit Highlights: Held at PS 19, District 24, showcasing wellness and community integration—overseen by NYSEC. NYSEC aims to secure $100 million, underpinning the vital role of community schools, particularly for their cost-effectiveness and in enhancing student attendance and academic growth.

Mary Vaccaro, Vice President-Education, addressed the board and spoke on the following items

• Child Abuse Prevention Course: Approximately 64,000 course completions noted. Continued emphasis on directing those who completed the first part to promptly finish the second. As part of our commitment to ensuring thorough training compliance, we will contact 112 members who still need to complete the training individually to ensure they are in compliance with the state’s requirements.

• MTSS Program Investigations: We have concerns over inconsistent assessment procedures identified across schools.

  • Definition of Tier 3 Instruction: Calls for specialized attention, involving separate, intensive instruction practices to meet educational guidelines—an area targeted for streamlined resolution.

Mark Collins, Director of the Grievance Department, addressed the board and spoke on the following:

• D75 Grievance/Arbitration Success: The case centered on Compensatory Time positions with contrived job titles that bypassed proper approval channels. It also spoke to the fact that the comp time positions, in this case, should have gone through the SBO process, and they did not. After extensive testimony, the arbitrator agreed with our position, solidifying our union’s integrity in protecting members by upholding position definitions and the necessity of SBOs.

Carl Cambria, Director of Negotiations, addressed a recent Anthem lawsuit questioning the contracting processes under the NYCE PPO plan, portrayed mainly as an attempt to obstruct substantive influence on the January 1st objectives. Last Thursday, Judge Frank, heard the case on the TRO and immediately dismissed the TRO.

The case on the merits will be heard on December 1st. However, given how the TRO went, we’re very confident it will continue to be successful.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND UPCOMING UNION FUNCTIONS

Class Size Enforcement: Addressed concerns surrounding failure to keep to designated limits in specialized programs, reiterating commitment to compliance with legislative standards. The DOE has been saying, up until now, that schools should not prioritize downsizing gifted-and-talented classes.

District Efforts: Our members have been collaborating and supporting each other and the communities in which they teach in record numbers. From community engagements, including a Legislative Breakfast held on November 13, 2025, to Friendsgiving events, UFT has been doing the work, raising the bar and rising to the occasion.

• Districts 5 and 6 celebrated with members by having a game night.

• Members in Staten Island celebrated School Related Professionals and the integral work they do in their classes every day, without which we know our schools would not run. Between dinner, music, dancing, and door prizes, which were very popular, everybody had a great time demonstrating effective community bonds.

• Members across boroughs came out to learn how they can provide support to immigrant families. The meetings had a great turnout, and we are looking forward to continuing these information sessions, as we have received overwhelming responses from our members.

• Friday, November 7th, District 21 held a Friendsgiving. We had 187 people show up and collected about 600 canned food items, which we donated to a local food shelter in District 21.

LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT AND COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY

Vanecia Wilson, Political Director, spoke on the following:

On November 13th, the UFT showed up and turned up. We have an awesome paraprofessional chapter. Priscilla Castro is doing an excellent job with her officers; they showed up with the information that was much needed at the City Council committee hearing on Intro 1261. Our President, Michael Mulgrew testified, VP Karen Alford held it down, she had us out there chanting and cheering, and our professionals gave awesome moving testimonies, not only on the steps of City Hall for our press conference, but also inside during the hearing, and I must shout out, I must shout out Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.

@uftny

United Federation of Teachers on Instagram: "The paraprofession…

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

In recognition of the fact that there are people in desperate need, we would like to be able to move very quickly to begin raising funds so that we can support efforts in both Jamaica and Puerto Rico, the following resolutions have been voted on and will be brought before the delegate assembly for a vote

Resolution in support of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

UFT has always stepped up to the plate and stepped in when disasters impact communities. As you know, Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread damage in Jamaica, and the people there need our help. We will be collaborating with AFT to extend disaster relief and will collect non-perishable goods and financial contributions through the Disaster Relief Fund.

Resolution Supporting Student Dignity and Well-Being at Escuela Elementary

This resolution is requesting support for installing critical student shower facilities at Escuela Elementary, addressing fundamental human needs and providing urgent additions to the infrastructure and the school.

Each approved resolution exemplifies the UFT’s responsibility towards global solidarity and local community enrichment. With decisive actions on the agenda for the Delegate Assembly, these initiatives aim to bring timely relief and enduring support.

Adjournment

The meeting concluded with reminders of upcoming events:

• Delegate Assembly – November 19, 2025

• Next Executive Board – December 1, 2025