Executive Board Meeting Notes - October 6, 2025

Election Day Update, Special Order of Business: Election Task Force, Child Abuse Training Update, DA Overwhelmingly Approves NYCE-PPO, Strides Walk Updates...

Opening and Approval of Minutes

The meeting commenced with Leroy Barr welcoming attendees to tonight’s Executive Board meeting of the United Federation of Teacher. The first order of business—the approval of minutes from the previous executive board meeting held on September 15, 2025, and Ad Comm minutes from October 3, 2021. Motions to approve these minutes were moved and seconded, with unanimous agreement from the participants.

Executive Reports

Tanisha Franks, Executive Board at Large, provided a report focused on the critical area of certification and credentials within the New York City public school system. She emphasized the importance of educators maintaining current certifications and credentials. Tanisha highlighted the efforts of the certification team, which successfully navigated the complexities of the renewal process, ensuring that by December 2024, out of 2,424 members affected, only 59 were potentially at risk of job insecurity. She applauded the team’s diligence and efficiency in safeguarding members’ professional standing.

Mary Vaccaro, VP of Education moved the discussion towards logistical announcements related to Election Day, which would be conducted remotely. On this day, schools are scheduled to conduct vital training sessions on child abuse. Mary discussed the provision of two-hour training slots, with additional flexibility offered to schools with prior commitments. She detailed the communication plans, including timing and provider-specific requirements, to ensure that participants fully understood the procedures and reaffirmed the importance of these training activities in maintaining safe educational environments.

Rich Mantell, the Middle School Vice President, addressed the crucial issue of anti-bullying efforts in schools. He introduced the annual Anti-Bullying Conference, scheduled for October 23rd, emphasizing the initiative’s relevance in the context of increasing bullying incidents, exacerbated by digital platforms. He also highlighted the Thanksgiving Coat Drive, which aims to provide winter essentials to children in temporary housing. Rich underscored the staggering statistic that 15% of NYC public school students live in temporary housing, urging members to contribute in any capacity to support these vulnerable students.

Servia Silva, Executive Board at Large, brought awareness to the challenges posed by federal funding cuts affecting breast cancer initiatives. She highlighted the fact that the United Federation of Teachers has consistently been a dedicated partner in the Strides Walk, an initiative that underscores our commitment to breast cancer awareness and support. This year, the walk is scheduled for October 19th in multiple locations, including Manhattan’s Central Park, Queens’ Flushing Meadows, and Long Island. Additionally, on October 26th, the walk will extend to venues such as the Bronx at Bay Plaza, Brooklyn’s Coney Island, and Staten Island’s Midland Beach.

In line with these efforts, the UFT participates in raising awareness by celebrating “Pink Day” during the Delegate Assembly. Members are encouraged to share this initiative widely, take photographs, and upload them to promote awareness and solidarity, especially in light of federal funding cuts that impact resources for women’s health and AIDS. Breast cancer significantly affects women’s health, a fact that may sometimes be overlooked. Therefore, it is crucial to use this period as a reminder for everyone to schedule mammograms and stay vigilant about health screenings.

Carl Cambria concluded the executive reports with an update on the transition to the NYCE-PPO healthcare plan, which was recently approved by an overwhelming majority of the delegate assembly, at 78%. He also included that the Municipal Labor Committee voted, with an overwhelming 88% approval for the plan. He detailed a comprehensive communication strategy, geared towards educating individual members about their options and facilitating informed decision-making ahead of the November 1st open enrollment period. Carl’s remarks also included a commitment to monitor the plan’s implementation, ensuring alignment with the agreed terms through active oversight and advocacy.

Question Period

Notably, there was a query directed at Mary Vaccaro about the child abuse training requirements, specifically regarding whether all participants were required to undertake the full training or just the addendum if they had previously completed it with the same provider.

District and Legislative Reports

Sally-Ann Bongiovanni-Famularo, Executive Board at Large, provided an update on the MOSL evaluation process. She informed attendees about updates to evaluation protocols and deadlines, emphasizing that although teachers can be observed prior to their Initial Planning Conferences (IPCs) being signed, those observations cannot be used for their end-of-year evaluation ratings.

Nancy Armando, Executive Board at Large, recounted a successful gathering in District 15, where over 115 members participated, resulting in renewed member engagement and the signing up of new members. Her report also highlighted the success of a Brooklyn mayoral race door-knocking event, which was supported by over 125 members, reflecting proactive civic engagement among the union’s ranks.

Rashad Brown, Executive Board at Large, expanded on upcoming professional committee events, including a series of plays and a State of the LGBTQ Community event.

Patti Crispino, Executive Board at Large, highlighted the L-Y-F-E program. This initiative provides daycare services specifically designed for the children of teenage parents, offering vital support and stability to young families within our educational community. She recounted a recent incident in one site where these pre-K students were in danger; however, in the midst of this event, four paraprofessionals and a teacher protected the students from harm.

Patty remarked that she believes that these educators are “true heroes in my eyes.” Despite the uncertainty and chaos, they clung unwaveringly to the hands of the children under their care, shielding them and ensuring their safety throughout the ordeal. When circumstances allowed, they returned safely into the building, demonstrating unyielding courage and a steadfast commitment to their charges. Remarkably, their dedication didn’t waver; these remarkable individuals returned to their duties the very next day, continuing their work as if nothing had occurred.

Janella Hinds, High School Executive Board, spoke about two important upcoming events. The first event, the Caring Kind Walk, is on Saturday, October 18th, in Central Park. It’s a crucial event for those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, continuing a 40-year partnership with the United Federation of Teachers. Susan Perez encourages all members to participate and show solidarity.

The second event is organized by the Women’s Committee, titled “Hot Topics to Hot Flashes.” This virtual gathering is set for Thursday, October 30th, and is led by Latrice Curry and Victoria Primiano, in collaboration with the NYSUT Women’s Committee. She encouraged everyone to join this meaningful conversation addressing issues related to perimenopause and menopause, which impact many in our community. The symptoms associated with these stages of life can be challenging, and by equipping ourselves with knowledge, we enhance our capacity to offer empathy and support to one another. The event will commence at 4 p.m., and your participation would be invaluable. If you have any inquiries, please contact teamhighschool@uft.org.

Special Business

The meeting’s special business focused on establishing an Election Task Force, as reported by Carl Cambria. This initiative stemmed from previous recommendations by the election committee and aimed to examine the feasibility of electronic, in-person, or hybrid voting methods for the 2028 officer election. The task force’s formation will emphasize inclusivity and representation, involving various slates from the last election to ensure openness and fairness in future electoral processes.

Closing

The chairperson closed the meeting by calling for a motion to adjourn, which was moved, seconded, and carried without opposition.

Next Executive Board Meeting - October 27th.