January 26, 2026 Executive Board Meeting Notes
Fix Tier 6 Update, District Reports, Divisional Events, Alex Pretti Vigil and Officer Vacancy
Meeting Brought to Order - LeRoy Barr
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes from January 12, 2026, were presented. A motion to approve was seconded and passed without opposition.
Officer Reports
CTE Conference and Awards Highlights, VP for CTE, Leo Gordon shared updates on the CTE Impact on Achievement Conference, which was successfully conducted online, drawing over 200 participants. Additionally, Leo shared insights into the CTE Awards, noting that 41 of the 51 awardees had confirmed their participation, while chapter leaders will receive invitations to this event.
VP for High Schools, Janella Hinds unveiled two upcoming gatherings: the “Future in Focus” event on February 6, 2026, at Bronx Community College, and a college fair on March 27, 2026, at SUNY Maritime.
Paraprofessional Chapter Chair, Priscilla Castro reported on the successful District 75 Paraprofessional and Functional Chapter Training at TWA, despite inclement weather.
VP of Elementary Schools, Karen Alford drew attention to the 18th Annual Early Childhood Conference scheduled for April 25, highlighting keynote speaker Dr. Meisha Porter and Congamoves, as well as the presentation of the Abe Levine Award to Amy Craine, of the Richmond Pre-K Center, Cohort B.
VP of Middle Schools, Rich Mantell wrapped announced the Middle School Conference on February 7th, featuring eight workshops on diverse topics, including classroom management and Tier 6 reform.
District Reports
Rudolph Bastien broached the subject of remote learning on Tuesday January 27, to which LeRoy stated that the City had announced that schools would be open.
Faiza Khalid announced an upcoming Tier 6 day of action on February 6th in Manhattan and at the District 5 Office.
Mavis Yon discussed the African Heritage Committee’s annual dinner dance scholarship event, also on February 6th.
Elizabeth Espert, shared the success of Uptown UFT’s Coquito event, which raised nearly $300.
Nancy Aromando announced several Brooklyn initiatives, including informational sessions on pensions, tenure workshops, and welcoming events for new members.
Shameeka Hunter detailed the UFT’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration trip to Charleston, South Carolina, from June 18-21.
Rashad Brown discussed the impending Black History film series, set to launch on January 29 and continue throughout the month of February, with a focus on themes from Gullah culture to systemic injustices.
VP of Education Mary Vaccaro highlighted the success of the Center for School Improvement’s AI conference and announced additional weekend study sessions to aid educators in passing the New York State education test, available in all five boroughs.
Information about the Muslim Educators Association’s “Festival of Lights” event, attended by numerous UFT members, was shared by Seung Lee.
Tier 6 Campaign
Emily James provided an update on the Tier 6 campaign, gearing up for its “Make It Human Day” on February 6th, with reminders being sent to campaign leaders and members.
Resolutions
Vanecia Wilson reported on the postponement of early voting for a special election due to inclement weather, with resumption scheduled for the following day, and mentioned an upcoming vigil for the late Alex Pretti. The board also passed a resolution in solidarity with AFGE Local 3911’s memorial vigil for Alex Pretti, as introduced by Janella Hinds.
Officer Vacancy
The executive board declared a vacancy for the position of Secretary, with nominations expected at the February 9 meeting and, if necessary, an election on February 23rd.
Closing
The meeting was adjourned. The next executive board meeting was announced for February 9.