January 12, 2026 Executive Board Meeting Notes
Healthcare Rollout, Fix Tier 6, School Surveys, Defending Social Security and Medicare, Political Endorsements
LeRoy Barr call meeting to order
Open Mic Period
Carolyn Rabiner (Tenured Teacher, Visual Arts & CTE, High School of Fashion Industries) reported escalating retaliation following union activity, including three APPR complaints, one unresolved Step 2 grievance, and a sudden rating downgrade from “effective/highly effective” to all ones. She cited an anonymous investigation lacking due process and questioned why her Step 2 grievance remains unapproved.
Ben Russell (CTE Teacher, Photography; Union Delegate, High School of Fashion Industries) described receiving disciplinary letters based on vague, anonymous student statements containing fabricated allegations. He noted retaliation after supporting Rabiner, including a punitive observation, and stated that a Step 2 hearing—owed seven months prior—has not been granted, effectively shielding administration from accountability.
Ann Looser (Former Chapter Leader, High School of Fashion Industries) highlighted a pattern of similar cases and noted that grievances filed by multiple chapter leaders have not received Step 2 hearings. She requested clarity on grievance procedures and expressed concern about members being “railroaded,” including prior discontinuances.
Sean Ahearn (Retired Teachers Chapter Delegate) raised a resolution passed over one year ago opposing co-pay increases. He noted that PPO members were promised no co-pay increases for five years, but Medicare-eligible retirees’ co-pay status remains unresolved. He requested the resolution be brought to the Delegate Assembly for deliberation and vote.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from December 8, 2025 (Executive Board), December 12, 2025 (Ad Comm), and January 9, 2026 (Ad Comm) were approved unanimously.
Reports
Michael Sill reported on Chapter Leader Training held January 11-12, attended by approximately 150 chapter leaders, over half newly appointed since September 2025. Feedback indicated highly engaging and informative sessions. Chapter Leader 3 training is scheduled for March. He noted strong mayoral and chancellor support for class size reduction initiatives.
Geoff Sorkin (Healthcare) reported on the January 1st NYCE-PPO implementation. The union staffed 25 representatives on January 1-2 to handle emergency/urgent care inquiries. Initial call volume was manageable (65 calls on Day 1; 85 on Day 2, compared to Emblem Health’s 3,000). Current inquiries focus on benefit design and pharmacy transitions from Express Scripts to Private Therapeutics. Ten expert representatives from Emblem Health and United Healthcare will provide one-on-one counseling at union headquarters at the 1/14/26 Delegate Assembly.
Michael Freeman announced the passing of Nadra Haywood, a school counselor at Pathways to Graduation who retired in June 2025. She lost her husband in May and passed away in December, leaving two children who lost both parents within six months. A moment of silence was observed.
District Reports highlighted tenure workshops and celebrations across boroughs:
Danny Rodriguez, Bronx: Tenure workshop with superintendents; Three Kings Day event collected record toy donations for a women’s shelter.
Charles DiBenedetto, Brooklyn: Over 200 members attended tenure workshop; 120+ members celebrated receiving tenure; grievance department secured stipulation of settlement for extended lockdown compensation at Edward R. Murrow and FDR High Schools.
Uptown (Manhattan): 10-year tenure celebration; District 5 & 6 Three Kings celebration raised $460 for UFT Disaster Relief (Puerto Rico/Jamaica); Coquito-making event scheduled January 23.
Ariel Arroyo: Pension Workshop was held January 21st, 4 p.m., Brooklyn Borough Office, featuring Tom Brown, Assistant UFT Treasurer.
Nancy Aramondo, SRP Awards Brooklyn Awards December 19th event celebrated over 200 members and awarded SRPs.
Emily James, Tier 6 Campaign: First day of action January 6 was successful; 2/6 day of action will focus on personal stories; Albany rally scheduled March 8; Zoom meeting 1/13 to prepare.
African Heritage Committee: Annual awards dinner-dance February 6, 7 p.m.–1 a.m., Antoine’s, $135/person; recognizes members and awards scholarships.
Rosemary Thompson, School Counselors Conference: 22nd annual conference March 28, 2026; theme: “Compassion Meets Action.”
Brad Alter, Jewish Heritage Committee: Two-part “Hidden Voices” training on Jewish Americans in U.S. history (in-person and virtual options).
Sheryl Pender, Secretaries Chapter: Seminar January 28-29, 4–5 p.m., virtual format.
Seung Lee, Asian American Heritage Committee: Origami event held January 19; immigration workshop scheduled January 29.
Aqeel Williams, District 9: Town hall with new Chancellor Kamar Samuels; Muslim Educators’ Celebration of Lights, Saturday, noon–3 p.m., Queens office (henna, food, photo booth).
Legislative Report
Vanecia Wilson reported that Queens and Bronx held successful legislative receptions in December. The new NYC City Council was sworn in January 7; Speaker Julie Menin was elected. UFT began meetings with Paraprofessionals and Borough Coordinators on January 8 to hold elected officials accountable to commitments. Annual UFT legislative reception in Albany scheduled January 26, where state legislative priorities will be released. Lobby day scheduled March 16 (UFT’s birthday); Tier 6 rally March 8.
Special Orders of Business
Resolution: UFT Organizing Campaign to Defend Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
Sterling Roberson presented the resolution as a union campaign—not merely a press release—requiring member education, rapid response networks, online and in-person action plans, and local/national advocacy. Sean Ramos requested clarification distinguishing MAGA Republicans from other Republican union members, noting that DOGE cuts prevent online Social Security applications and threaten disabled individuals’ access to support. The resolution passed unanimously.
Seven NYSUT Resolutions
Rashad Brown presented resolutions addressing: (1) “Hands Off Our Schools” campaign against federal Title I funding threats; (2) protecting play and experimental learning; (3) protecting students from ICE detention; (4) supporting WNBPA pay equity; (5) opposing dismantling of U.S. Department of Education; (6) targeted support for new CTE educators; (7) union-led defense of immigrant students, families, and staff. All seven passed.
Resolution: Ethical Survey Administration and District Support
Vincent Corletta called for surveys to include all school titles with job-relevant questions, enforcement of ethical procedures, and DOE intervention when teacher-principal trust scores fall below thresholds. She recommended coaching, professional learning, mental health supports, and staff assistance with clear timelines. Tracy Ivannik suggested surveys be distributed to chapter leaders to ensure anonymity and safety. The resolution passed.
Special Election Endorsements (February 3, 2026)
Vanecia Wilson presented endorsements for three state seats:
Assembly District 36: Dianna Moreno (Queens County Democratic nominee; strong labor, immigration, and education advocacy background; opposes charter/privatization of school space)
Senate District: Eric Botcher (labor and education advocate; LGBT rights supporter)
Assembly District 74: Keith Powers (former city council member; advocate for paraprofessional chapter)
Both motions—to accept endorsements and to make special elections the first item on the next Delegate Assembly agenda—passed unanimously.
Next Meeting
January 26, 2026