Executive Board Meeting Notes - 4/13/26

Open Mic Segment:

• Speaker: Ben Morganroth, Chapter Delegate, Brooklyn Technical High School

  • Asbestos Non-Compliance:

    • Audit by NYC Controller Brad Lander revealed 82% of schools are non-compliant with federal asbestos safety regulations.

    • Called for appointment of an “asbestos czar” for AHERA compliance and transparent communication.

  • Staff Lounge Absence:

    • Brooklyn Tech lacks a staff lounge, impinging on collaboration and staff well-being for over 350 staff members.

Approval of Minutes:Mike Sill, Director of Staff:

• March 23 Executive Board Minutes - Motioned, seconded, and approved.

• March 27 ADCOM Minutes - Motioned, seconded, and approved.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

• Speaker: Mavis Yon

  • UFT Spring Conference, Pension Expo, and Men in Education event scheduled for Saturday.

  • AANHPI Banquet on May 22, honoring Leroy Barr and Virginia Aang.

  • AIDS Walk New York on May 17, with a call to donate $1 per member.

DOE Updates:

• Speaker: Tracy Ivanic, Chapter Leader, PS153

  • Raised concerns about preference sheet discrepancies for special education.

• Response: Debbie Poulos, Executive Board Member

  • Addressed issues with DOE’s preference sheet process and urged pushback from chapter leaders.

Tributes and Moments of Silence:

• Speaker: Michael Friedman, At Large

  • Paid tribute to Congressman Elliot Engel, recognizing his contributions and UFT membership.

• Speaker: Dr. Terrain Reeves

  • Remembered Thomas Wright, with a moment of silence in his honor.

District and Union Reports:

• Speaker: Elizabeth Espert, Executive Board at Large

  • Reported on MBO hosted paint nights and their success.

• Speaker: Mindy Rozier, Teacher Center at Large

  • Shared experiences from the 100 Days Address with Mayor Momdani.

• Speaker: Nancy Aromondo, Executive Board at Large

  • Announced upcoming Pension Power Hour sessions in Brooklyn.

• Speaker: Rudolph Bastien, High School Executive Board

  • Highlighted the countdown to the end of the school year and related events.

• Speaker: Adam Shapiro, Executive Board at Large

  • Commended PS188 staff for organizing advocacy meetings with administration.

• Speaker: Mark Collins, Grievance

  • Detailed successful arbitration outcomes:

    • Reinstatement of a paraprofessional in District 79 due to unwarranted termination.

    • Charter school teacher reinstatement with back pay due to unjust termination.

    • DOE’s failure to vacate an arbitration decision ensuring transparency under Article 19.

    • Successful challenge to a wrongful termination under Article 5F for a Staten Island teacher.

Community Initiatives:

• Speakers: Leo Gordon

  • Emphasized ongoing charities for Jamaica and Caribbean communities affected by disasters, including school supplies collection.

Meeting Conclusion:

• Chair: Mike Sill

• Acknowledged the importance of union solidarity and advocacy.

• Motioned and seconded for adjournment.

• Next Executive Board meeting scheduled on April 27.