UFT Exec Board Meeting Notes 1/27/25
NYSUT RA Resolutions Approved, Class Size Reduction Law Implementation, District and Committee Reports, NYHA...
Open Mic Period
Gabrielle Fontes, a 10th-grade English teacher and debate coach. Ms. Fontes shared her personal experience of struggling to access adequate healthcare after a serious knee injury. She emphasized the difficulties she faced with prior authorizations, limited access to specialists, and delayed care. Ms. Fontes argued that the New York Health Act is crucial for teachers and all New Yorkers, as it would ensure access to quality healthcare for everyone. She urged the executive board to respect the previous votes of the Delegate Assembly and endorse the New York Health Act.
Margaret Jones, an Early Childhood Educator described her struggles with accessing affordable mental health care, including high costs, limited provider networks, and difficulties with prescription coverage. She highlighted the increasing pressure on mental health providers to shorten session times, which negatively impacts patient care. Ms. Jones emphasized the need for a system that prioritizes patient care over profits and urged the executive board to support the New York Health Act.
Leah Allen, a special education teacher shared the story of a colleague who had to forego necessary medical care due to the high cost of urgent care. She emphasized that many educators are forced to choose between their health and their financial stability. Ms. Allen argued that the New York Health Act is crucial to ensure that all UFT members have access to affordable and accessible healthcare.
Norman Scott: The last speaker was Norman Scott, a retired teacher who expressed his support for the New York Health Act, drawing parallels to Medicare. He emphasized that member voices should be heard for the full time allotted and nothing less.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from January 6th, 10th, 17th, and 24th were presented and approved without objection.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
A moment of silence was observed to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Reports
Mary Vaccaro: Reported on the success of the recent CSI (School Improvement Conference).
Highlighted the valuable discussions on student engagement across different grade levels.
Mentioned the upcoming presentation by Leslie Yudwin on social justice in early childhood education.
Mike Sill: Provided an update on Chapter Leader Training 3, which had a strong turnout.
Emphasized the success of hiring fairs for substitute paraprofessionals, with 1600 individuals on-boarded but only 600 hired. Urged principals to utilize these available personnel.
Announced that the review of class size funding applications was underway and that many schools had submitted strong applications.
Stated that the distribution of funding would prioritize schools with the highest economic need.
Rich Mantell: announced the City Council's passage and the Mayor’s signing of a bill mandating the installation of solar panels on all city-owned buildings, including schools. Rich emphasized the environmental and societal benefits of this legislation.
Mark Collins: reported on the successful arbitration case for nine nurses wrongfully terminated by NYU Langone Health. The nurses were fired for their perceived inaction during an unexpected childbirth in a hospital hallway. The arbitrator found no just cause for termination, citing insufficient evidence that the nurses were responsible for the situation and criticizing the hospital's assessment of their remorse.
Mark reported on an arbitration case concerning a school's dress code policy that prohibited hats. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the union, emphasizing that established union precedent and DOE policy prioritize teaching effectiveness over arbitrary dress codes. This case highlighted the importance of upholding historical agreements and preventing arbitrary changes to working conditions through handbook
Question Period
Nick Bacon inquired about the status of the financial report presented in April 2024. He asked about the progress on forming a committee to discuss healthcare issues and the New York Health Act.
Mike Sill addressed the financial report: He acknowledged the delay and promised to follow up on its availability. Regarding the healthcare team, he confirmed that the formation of the committee is underway. Mike stated that it will be a multi-faceted group and promised to provide an update on the team's progress and composition.
Shawn Ramos (Executive Board Member), raised concerns about the New York Health Act, specifically:
Cost: He questioned the fiscal advantage of the plan, citing projected cost increases and potential tax burdens on UFT members;
Coverage for Out-of-State Retirees- Shawn expressed concern about the lack of guaranteed coverage for UFT retirees living outside New York State;
Loss of control/input with the limited representation of unions on the governing panel of the New York Health Act, leading to potential loss of control over healthcare decisions. He stated that this issue needs to be addressed and resolved before the implementation of the New York Health Act.
Leroy Barr acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the importance of financial soundness and addressing coverage for out-of-state retirees before implementing the New York Health Act. He cited cost projections of $210 billion by 2031 for the New York Health Act. Leroy argued that the proposed tax increases on the wealthy might not be sufficient to cover these costs, potentially leading to increased taxes for UFT members. He questioned how this increased tax burden would be advantageous for UFT families, especially considering the current premium-free healthcare option. Barr raised concerns about the lack of guaranteed coverage for 6,000 in-service members and one-third of retirees who live outside New York State under the proposed system. Additionally, he questioned the consistency of those who previously expressed concerns about Medicare Advantage now advocating for the New York Health Act, suggesting a potential risk for retirees. Barr pointed out that the New York Health Act would transfer control of healthcare negotiations to a 31-member panel with limited union representation (only three seats for public and private unions).
He questioned the potential influence of private unions, some of which may be controlled by their employers, on healthcare decisions and emphasized the loss of control over the quality of care for UFT members if the union's ability to negotiate healthcare is diminished. Leroy expressed frustration that Senator Rivera, a key proponent of the New York Health Act, has not adequately addressed these concerns.
Barr emphasized that current state law prohibits ICE agents from entering schools without a judicial warrant. The UFT has been actively communicating with the government, including the Attorney General, to reinforce these
District Reports
UFT Vice President Mary Vaccaro spoke about Katie Kurjakovic visiting schools with high immigrant populations to provide support and address concerns. She is speaking with students, parents, and social workers to ensure their well-being and offer assistance. This outreach aims to support students and families who may be experiencing anxiety or fear due to potential ICE encounters.
Rashad Brown provided updates on the Black History Film Series, including upcoming screenings and a live theater performance.
The series kicked off with a screening of "Pre-school to Prison" and a panel discussion.
Upcoming screenings include "Little White Lie" with Lieutenant Governor Delgado, "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross, and "Finding the Story of Ella Baker."
A live theater performance of "The Great Privation" is also scheduled for March 20th.
Melody Anastasiou reported on her experience with her health and the support UFT Welfare Fund provided in successfully getting a specific prescription drug approved for her.
Adam Shapiro announced an upcoming UFT Mets game on Tuesday, May 27th, with tickets soon to be available for purchase.
Committee Reports
Brooklyn: Reported on successful chapter leader training and a legislative reception with over 100 guests.
Manhattan: Reported on a co-reception with Lieutenant Governor Delgado and other politicians, with over 100 members in attendance.
Social Workers and Psychologists: Acknowledged the successful "Clinician Day" and expressed gratitude for the support of the UFT team.
Women's Committee: Reported on a successful video screening and panel discussion on menopause.
Pride Committee: Announced an upcoming meeting on Thursday at 4:00 PM.
New York Arts Teachers Association: Announced a virtual mini-quilt workshop on February 6th.
NYSUT Representative Assembly Resolutions
Several resolutions were presented and unanimously approved for submission to the NYSUT RA, including:
A resolution calling for a fair pension COLA for retirees.
A resolution advocating for increased staffing in special education.
A resolution to ensure equitable funding for career and technical education programs.
A resolution on over-assessment of elementary students, inclusive health curriculum, separation of church and state in education, book bans, and equitable funding for students with disabilities in after-school programs.
Resolution in support of teacher voice in the use of P - 12 curricula