UFT Exec Board Meeting Notes 9/15/2025
President's Report, Class Size Update, Para Professional Development, Legislative Update, District Reports
United Federation of Teachers
Executive Board Meeting Minutes September 15, 2025
Call to Order & Approval of Minutes
The meeting opened with the approval of the September 8th minutes. A motion was made, seconded, and carried without objection. With little business left over from the prior week, the meeting proceeded quickly to reports.
Grievance Department Report – Mark Collins
Chapter 683 Grievances: Members denied Chapter 683 positions had their grievances filed, with arbitration dates underway. Approximately 60 arbitration cases will be addressed over the next three weeks.
Class Size: The city currently has about 1,100 oversized classes across 173 schools, though only 11 schools are chronically out of compliance (123 classes total). Collins emphasized this is a dramatic reduction from years past, when oversized classes numbered in the tens of thousands.
Salary Step Placement: Through the efforts of borough offices and payroll grievance filings, it was discovered that employees returning after a break in service were improperly denied two annual raises. In one case, the DOE had assigned “December 31, 9999” as a placeholder anniversary date, preventing progression. The matter was taken to arbitration which the UFT won and now ensures correct placement and retroactive pay for impacted members. Members are encouraged to check their payroll portals for irregularities.
Ratification Bonus Grievance: A significant arbitration victory secured the $3,000 contract ratification bonus for employees on terminal leave in June 2023 who were initially excluded. Testimony from Carl Gambria, Mike Sill, and President Mulgrew proved decisive. Over 100 retired employees will now receive this payment.
Collins credited his staff, especially Sierra Jorgensen and Crystal Richburg, for their persistence and success.
Class Size Implementation – Mike Sill
Mike Sill reported on staffing and compliance:
Of the 3,700 class size positions, about 3,450 have now been filled, with progress continuing.
The challenge remains with Q-status appointments and programming inefficiencies, particularly in secondary schools.
Long-term, the DOE must be pressed to invest in school construction (via SCA) to address space shortages.
President’s Report – Michael Mulgrew
President Mulgrew outlined priorities for the year ahead:
Consultation with Chancellor: The first consultation is scheduled for tomorrow, with class size and paraprofessional shortages at the forefront. Mulgrew warned that DOE’s numbers will underreport shortages, and UFT will push City Council to act before December.
Instructional Policies: Current concerns involve the implementation of MTSS, where DOE continues to slip in additional paperwork demands outside the main document. Mulgrew stressed this “quiet war” must be addressed immediately.
Labor Relations Shakeup: DOE’s labor relations staff has been reshuffled, with directives to facilitate solutions rather than create conflict.
Politics & Elections: The governor recently endorsed UFT’s candidate, generating both support and media backlash. Mulgrew reaffirmed the union’s focus on city council and mayoral races, stressing that elected officials must act decisively, not merely posture.
Upcoming Meetings: Executive Boards were scheduled back-to-back due to calendar conflicts. Members were reminded that the Delegate Assembly on September 29th will focus on healthcare issues.
Question Period
Adam Shapiro raised concerns about assistant principals occupying large offices while service providers and special education classrooms operate in cramped spaces. He suggested a survey of chapter leaders to collect data and potentially coordinate citywide operational complaints.
Debra Poulos responded, noting that operational complaints on space are possible. She urged chapter leaders to file when appropriate and confirmed she would discuss the survey proposal with Leroy Barr.
Nancy Aramondo questioned new practices around time cards, with some schools requiring members to return to flip cards.
Mike Sill committed to investigating, emphasizing that any change in practice requires union consultation.
Mark Collins explained the historical background of timekeeping, noting that schools must create procedures in “mutuality” with staff.
Zakkhia Hall asked when principals would receive release guidance for the September 29 Delegate Assembly. Leadership confirmed guidance would appear in the Principal’s Weekly and be redistributed directly to members to ensure compliance.
Ariella Arroyo praised the first paraprofessional professional development workshop but noted it was oversubscribed and the timing conflicted with some school schedules.
Mindy Rosier-Rayburn (Teacher Center) responded that adjustments to timing and capacity are under review. Over 1,200 paras participated across boroughs.
Charles DiBenedetto asked for clarification on COVID leave.
Mike Sill clarified that COVID is now treated like any other illness—no special leave days remain. Absences can be self-treated (no documentation) or medically certified (doctor’s note required and note does not need to specify what the visit was for). Positive COVID tests alone are not sufficient for certification.
District Reports
Mary Vaccaro (via report): Over 1,200 paraprofessionals attended the first Teacher Center para workshop, with six more sessions scheduled.
Rashad Brown: Announced the launch of two new professional committees:
The School Librarian Committee, meeting this week to select leadership.
The Student Committee (German-American Committee).
Priscilla Castro: Reported over 1,500 paraprofessionals attended the new hire professional development series.
Dr. Terraine Reeves (Murrow HS): Shared successes in securing DOE funds, including a renovated planetarium and greenhouse. His school also renamed facilities in honor of two late staff members.
Legislative Report – Vanesia Wilson
Staten Island led the first canvassing effort with 25 participants, joined by Brooklyn members in solidarity. One conversation with a skeptical member led to a change of heart after thoughtful advocacy, highlighting the power of member-to-member organizing.
The Bronx is scheduled next for canvassing on September 27.
Phone banking has officially launched, with registration available via the UFT GOTV page.
Wilson reaffirmed the importance of active participation during this quiet but critical election season, noting the governor’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani.
UFT Phone Banking and Canvass Dates and Registration
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with reminders of upcoming events:
Delegate Assembly – September 29, 2025 (focus: healthcare)
Next Executive Board – October 6, 2025