Executive Board Meeting Notes - April 27, 2026
State Budget, Class Size Law and Capital Plan, District Reports and Upcoming Events
Executive Board Meeting Minutes - April 27, 2026
Open Mic:
No attendees opted to speak when prompted.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from the executive board meeting held on April 13th were presented to the members. A motion for approval was made and seconded, with the minutes receiving unanimous approval.
The minutes from the Adcom meeting on April 17th were unanimously approved following a motion and seconding.
President’s Report:
Political Landscape: Discussed the current challenges in the legislative and educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in the upcoming NYSUT Representative Assembly.
State Budget: Reported that State budget is stuck at the moment. Lots of talk and no movement. Without a State budget city cannot plan
Class Size: Finally having real conversations with the DOE about capital plan. Every school has submitted for class size this year. We know that there is still space in places available.
Retention Check: Will be coming on May 1st which is also May Day. Date is not a coincidence.
Upcoming Events:
Mayday Mobilization: Scheduled for May 1st at Washington Square Park, highlighting solidarity and advocacy in labor issues.
Meet and Greet at Staten Island Borough Office: Hosted by Tom Brown on May 6th, aims to provide information and answer questions on our pensions
Middle School Awards Night: Recognizing outstanding students on May 7th at 4 PM, fostering encouragement and pride within our middle school community.
Family Daycare Providers Awards: May 8th at 6:15 PM, celebrating the dedication and impact of daycare providers.
Academic High School Awards: Scheduled for May 15th at 5 PM at the UFT.
AIDS Walk NY: Planned for May 17th at Central Park, with the meet-up point at the Bandstand at 8:30 AM.
Brooklyn New Member Meet the President: An opportunity for new members to network on May 19th at McMahons, 4 PM.
UFT Asian American Heritage Committee Banquet: Scheduled for May 22nd at the House of Joy, 28 Pell Street, celebrating Asian American heritage and contributions.
Queens UFT Family Day: Announced for June 6th, promoting an exciting day of union solidarity and family fun.
Question Period:
Melody Anastasiou, Executive Board at Large, raised concerns about the school calendar, specifically expressing the need for reintroducing a half-day on the last day of school. This would facilitate classroom organization and transition efforts for staff. The response highlighted legal constraints with the current state-mandated instructional days, leaving limited flexibility for changes in the near future.
Reports from Districts:
Pat Crispino (District 79): Shared the heartbreaking news of two students who perished in a recent Bronx fire. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the young girls.
Karen Alford (Elementary Schools): Recapped the success of the Early Childhood Conference, highlighting interactive learning sessions, including themed gardens and karaoke, which fostered both professional development and community spirit among educators.
Mary Vaccaro (Education): Reported on the “Let’s Talk About It” event, which involved 580 middle school students in social-emotional learning activities, underscoring the collaboration with non-profits to enhance student well-being.
Faiza Khalid (District 5): Discussed the UFT’s successful Uptown Eid Celebration with over 100 attendees, featuring community-building activities like magic shows and henna. Also shared successes from the canvassing event for UFT-endorsed candidate Carl Wilson.
Nancy Aromando (Executive Board at Large): Acknowledged strong attendance and participation in Tom Brown’s pension meeting as well as SBO training sessions.
Ashley Rzonka (Executive Board at Large): Encouraged participation in NYC Denim Day, scheduled for the last Wednesday in April, promoting awareness and support against violence and celebrating body autonomy.
Additional District Representatives: Shared a range of activities and events including wellness workshops, trivia nights, poetry slams, and cultural celebrations.
Key Announcements:
Rashad Brown emphasized the importance of active participation in the upcoming AIDS Walk, urging members to contribute to the cause, aiming for school-wide engagement and monetary support.
Michael Mulgrew reminded members that, as part of the union’s financial planning and contractual agreements, teachers will receive a $1,000 check on May 1st, coinciding with International Workers’ Day.
Legislative Update:
Report from the legislative breakfast noted successful engagement with city council members through discussions on UFT programs. Urged continued support and awareness for the special election in Council District 3, advocating for candidate Carl Wilson.
Motion to Adjourn:
The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion, followed by reminders about the upcoming advocacy trip to Albany.
Next Meeting: May 4, 2026