UFT Executive Board Meeting Notes 10/7/24
Resolution to close schools on Dec 23rd, Holding the city accountable for special education compliance, Addressing paraprofessional vacancies and Election 2024
Marie Kallo shared a heartfelt message about her daughter’s mother-in-law, who is terminally ill with cancer. The situation worsened suddenly, and there was concern about whether her legal affairs were in order. Rashad, a member of the UFT legal plan, quickly arranged for lawyers to visit and help finalize her documents. This brought immense relief to the family, ensuring that her two sons would be taken care of. Marie expressed deep gratitude for the prompt and compassionate support from the UFT legal plan.
October 2, 2024 Minutes Approved
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
President Michael Mulgrew discusses ongoing communication with the governor and challenges within the education system, particularly regarding special education services and upcoming political actions.
1. Communication with Leadership
Constant contact with the governor and other officials.
Ongoing issues related to the recent changes in chancellorship.
2. Special Education Challenges
Acknowledges the difficulties in providing services to children requiring Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT).
Thanks OT and PT professionals for their efforts in documenting cases of children not receiving necessary services.
Critiques the Department of Education’s failure to comply with contractual provisions for OT and PT services, leading to underperformance.
3. Political Landscape
Notes the importance of phone banking and political engagement, especially concerning upcoming congressional races in New York.
Observes varying degrees of competitiveness in local races.
4. Chapter Leader Training
Emphasizes the importance of training for chapter leaders, with high interest from various chapters.
Discusses logistical challenges in accommodating the training sessions.
5. MOSL (Measures of Student Learning)
Highlights the significance of MOSL decisions for school communities.
Discusses the importance of informed decision-making and communication among staff regarding evaluations and student learning metrics.
Stresses the need for teachers to understand the implications of evaluations and data usage.
6. Teacher Evaluations
Reflects on the complexities of teacher evaluations and the desire to reform standardized testing laws.
Warns against returning to past punitive evaluation systems.
7. Current Situation in Special Education
Critiques the handling of special education services in New York City, citing a lack of support and resources.
Emphasizes the urgency to address the service shortfalls for thousands of children.
8. Outlook
Concludes with a note on upcoming events, including a golf outing, and acknowledges the ongoing challenges as they progress through the school year.
Final Thoughts
Mulgrew expresses frustration with the current state of education governance and the impact on students, particularly in special education. He remains committed to advocating for necessary changes and improvements.
Questions
A member inquires about the union's response to Mayor Adams' continued support for Medicare Advantage, especially in light of the union's decision to withdraw support back in June. They express concerns about the implications for themselves and other active members as they approach retirement.
Answer (Michael Mulgrew)
Mayor’s Position: Mayor Adams has not addressed the issue of Medicare Advantage in months and is unlikely to do so.
Union's Stance: The union has clearly communicated its opposition to Medicare Advantage. Mulgrew emphasizes the importance of a lawsuit filed which restricts the mayor's actions regarding this matter.
Union's Unique Position: The UFT (United Federation of Teachers) is currently
the only union that has officially opposed Medicare Advantage, despite other unions' mixed signals.
Collaboration with Other Unions: Mulgrew suggests there is potential to reach out to City Council members who oppose pushing UFT retirees into Medicare Advantage. He highlights the importance of the MLC (Municipal Labor Committee) in any decisions regarding the matter, as their agreement is necessary.
Future Actions: If the issue resurfaces for a vote, the UFT’s stance may encourage other unions to reconsider their positions.
Member Communication: Members are encouraged to discuss the UFT's unique stance with others and to question why the UFT is the only union taking this position.
Conclusion
Mulgrew reassures members that the union is prepared for various scenarios concerning Medicare Advantage and will continue to advocate for their interests. He encourages members to stay informed and engage in discussions with other unions and political representatives.
REPORT FROM MICHAEL SILL
Overview
Michael Sill discusses the ongoing issues related to vacancies for paraprofessionals in schools and the upcoming survey aimed at gathering data on these vacancies.
Key Points
Vacancy Survey
A survey will soon be sent out to collect information on paraprofessional vacancies in schools.
The nomination period for substitute paraprofessionals typically opens in October, primarily to place excess paraprofessionals. However, there is a significant shortage, resulting in unserved students.
Budget and Organizational Structure
The Galaxy table of organization serves as the official budget document, detailing both financial allocations and human resource realities in
schools.
This document includes:
Paraprofessional Section: Lists full-time paraprofessionals.
Per Diem Section: Lists substitute paraprofessionals but does not include names.
New paraprofessionals start as substitutes before being hired full-time, complicating the tracking of vacancies.
Underreported Vacancies
Principals often transfer funds from the paraprofessional section to the per diem section to hire substitutes, resulting in a lack of reported vacancies.
Sill believes the official number of vacancies is significantly underreported due to this budgeting practice.
Need for Voluntary Contributions
Gathering voluntary information about student needs and paraprofessional vacancies is essential.
The system does not provide comprehensive access to individual student mandates, making it challenging to assess needs accurately.
Call to Action
Sill emphasizes the need for collective effort to respond to the upcoming survey to better demonstrate the actual demand for paraprofessionals.
Accurate data collection could reveal that the need for paraprofessionals has historically been greater than reported.
Conclusion
Michael Sill urges everyone to participate in the survey to highlight the true need for paraprofessionals in the city’s schools, aiming to provide a clearer picture of vacancies and advocate for necessary resources.
QUESTION PERIOD
Question from “Kalamia”(?) High School Executive Board Member
Concern: The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene and the need for support and assistance.
Inquiry: What actions are being taken to help affected members, and how can more support be provided, especially given the overwhelming situation for the government amid ongoing elections.
Response from Karen Alford (Vice President, Elementary Schools Executive Board)
Macro vs. Micro Level: Alford notes she cannot address the broader issues but focuses on specific actions at the micro level.
Fundraising Events: Emphasizes ongoing events, including fundraising activities like the golf tournament, aimed at raising funds for disaster relief.
Communication with Affected Members:
Outreach has been made to retirees in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee who have been impacted by the hurricane.
Responses from affected members have been positive, expressing gratitude for the union’s check-ins, even if they do not require immediate assistance.
Ongoing Support: Assures that the union is actively working to provide disaster relief and maintain contact with those in need.
Conclusion
Alford highlights the union's commitment to supporting its members on a personal level and encourages continued engagement in fundraising efforts to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene.
REPORTS FROM DISTRICTS
Karen Alford
Event Announcement: Tomorrow, there will be a discussion featuring elected officials from the "Divine Nine" (Greek letter organizations).
Purpose: Focus on community service and civic engagement among educators and students.
Panelists: Includes Glendon Days, Latrice Walker, Alicia Hyndman, Marquis Harrison, Alika Amprey Samuels, and Lisa Lewis.
Invitation: Encourages RSVPs for participation in the panel discussion.
Aqueel Williams
New Schools: Announced the opening of two new school buildings in District 9.
PS 163: Newly constructed, with the old building to become a playground.
Bronx Debate Academy: New middle school dedicated to the late borough deputy president, Mother Green, marking a significant community milestone.
Ariel Arroyo
Ribbon Cutting Event: Upcoming for Middle School 407 in District 20, which will welcome around 130 new students.
Facilities: Features a themed pool and modern labs, enhancing the learning environment.
Daniel Rodriguez
Phone Banking Success: Bronx high schools held a successful phone banking event, emphasizing turnout for UFT-endorsed candidates.
Library Initiative: Collaborative efforts at Walton High School to reopen a long-closed library, including monthly meetings with chapter leaders and administration.
Outcome: Progress towards hiring a librarian and addressing other facility needs.
Adam Shapiro
Back to School Events: Reports on successful events in District 21, with significant attendance and community engagement.
Quick Resolution: Following safety concerns raised by a chapter leader, a school received prompt attention for needed computer installations.
Servia Silva
Ribbon Cutting: Celebrates the opening of an Olympic-sized pool at Junior High School 45, a result of 10 years of community advocacy.
Community Access: The pool will serve local children without needing to travel far.
Upcoming Events: Highlights various walks for cancer awareness and fundraising efforts, encouraging participation to surpass last year's fundraising total.
Theresa Bello
Brunch Event: Recently hosted a brunch celebrating New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, recognizing her support for educators.
Attendance: Featured leaders from various unions and community organizations, emphasizing solidarity and upcoming electoral support.
Rashad Brown
LGBTQ History Month: Reminds members of the importance of representation and visibility in education.
Poster Campaign: Featuring Marsha P. Johnson, highlighting significant figures in LGBTQ history.
Michael Symon
RTC Phone Banking: Reports on a successful phone banking event organized by the RTC, with strong attendance and participation.
Upcoming Dates: Encourages continued involvement in upcoming phone banking sessions to support candidates.
Conclusion
The reports from various districts highlight significant developments, community events, and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing educational environments and civic engagement. Members are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and support community efforts.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Presenter: Doreen
Highlights:
Recent Events:
October 1st: Tim Walz rally and debate watch party.
October 5th: Labor walking event in Queens.
Acknowledgments:
Thanks to the staff involved, including those working with Senator Stavisky.
Upcoming Activities:
Buses to Pennsylvania (PA) for future events.
Phone bank schedules available at borough offices and on the UFT website.
Voter Registration:
Encouragement for members to register to vote by October 26th.
Closing: Thank you for your support and participation!
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Resolution: Close Schools on Monday, December 23, 2024
Presenter: Sean Rotkowitz
Overview:
Rationale for Closure:
Historical precedent: Schools were closed on December 23rd during the 1985-86 school year.
Financial benefits: Closing schools on this day would save the system money.
Convenience for families and staff: Closure would facilitate holiday and travel plans.
Alternative Plan:
If the chancellor (whether outgoing, incoming, or interim) does not approve closure, propose a shift to remote learning.
Conduct a stress test of the system by having all divisional levels sign on simultaneously to assess the capability of IBM servers.
Conclusion:
Request for support of the resolution.
Thank you for your attention.
MOTION TO ADJOURN:
Noticed and seconded.
Discussion:
Questions, comments, or concerns were invited but none were raised.
Vote:
Motion carried with a unanimous vote.
All those in favor: "Aye."
All those opposed: "Nay."
Conclusion:
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting scheduled for October 21st.
Reminder to enjoy the day off on October 14th.
Delegate Assembly (DA) on October 16th.
Encourage everyone to wear pink on October 16th.
Wishing safe travels to all