UFT Executive Board Meeting Notes - February 10, 2026
UFT Executive Board Vote Unanimously to Endorse Tom Brown for TRS Trustee, Michael Sill Elected UFT Secretary, Tom Brown Endorsed + Updates: Fix Tier 6 Campaign, Para Respect Check, Class Size Law...
The United Federation of Teachers Executive Board convened on the evening of February 10, 2026.
Michael Sill Elected as UFT Secretary
The Executive Board unanimously elected Michael Sill as the 11th Secretary of the United Federation of Teachers. Sill, who has served the union for nearly 13 years in roles including Director of Personnel and Assistant Secretary, was nominated by Middle School VP Rich Mantell and endorsed by former Secretary Leroy Barr. Sill committed to transparency and accountability, stating he stands ready to listen when corrected. The position of Assistant Secretary is now vacant, with nominations to be accepted at the February 23rd Executive Board meeting.
Tom Brown Endorsed for TRS Trustee Re-election
The board unanimously passed a resolution endorsing Tom Brown for re-election to the New York City Teachers Retirement Board. Brown, who has served 12 years as a trustee and currently chairs the TRS Board, was praised for his 30-year impact on pension reform, including five-year vesting, auto-enrollment for paraprofessionals, and Chapter 551 transfers for OTs/PTs among other titles in BERS. Multiple speakers testified to his dedication, accessibility, and genuine care for members. The resolution advances to the Delegate Assembly for final approval.
President’s Report: Critical Priorities
Tier 6 Reform Campaign
President Mulgrew reported progress on Tier 6 reform following meetings in Albany, emphasizing that the staffing crisis in public agencies makes pension reform essential. “You don’t have a state agency or a New York City agency that is fully staffed,” he stated. The union is pushing for a major registration drive on February 12th ahead of the March 8th rally, with buses already ordered to accommodate demand exceeding projections. The AFL-CIO has made Tier 6 reform a priority, and collaboration with labor colleagues is increasing.
Paraprofessional Salary Crisis
Meetings continue locally with city council members and stakeholders on paraprofessional salaries, though Mulgrew warned “it’s going to get ugly.” The president emphasized that recruitment failures require salary increases, not making other workers pay for shortages.
Critical Issues Raised
Class Size Compliance (District 24)
Tracy Ivanik reported that despite the small class size law, Central is refusing to cap incoming kindergarten, gifted and talented, and dual language classes at 20 students, instead assigning 25 students per class. The school has offered to open additional classes, but the DOE is not responding. This issue will be added to the agenda for the upcoming DOE meeting, with follow-up scheduled for Friday.
TRS Election Announcement
David Kazansky announced his candidacy for teacher member trustee of TRS in the 2025-26 election, calling for a candidate forum and emphasizing that the election must comply with judicial orders and Administrative Code 13-507. His legal counsel is prepared to coordinate with UFT counsel to ensure proper procedures.
District Highlights
District 28: Hosted successful pension workshop with 150+ members on new Roth option
District 16: Mourned the passing of beloved chapter leader Jamel Frazier (PS 627), with 200+ attending her celebration
High School Division: “Make It Human” day of action succeeded; focus now on February 12th registration rush for March 8th rally
UFT Family Day: Fourth annual event at Global Sports Complex aims for 3,000 attendees; puppies available for adoption
American Cancer Society: UFT raised $329,818.91, making it the largest NYSUT local (rest of locals combined: $227,661)
Legislative Updates
Special Election Results (February 3rd)
- AD 36: Deanna Marino (new assembly member)
- AD 74: Keith Powers (new assembly member)
- SD 47: Eric Botcher (new senator)
All three will face June primaries before the general election.
Notable Departures
- Senator Brian Kavanaugh (Manhattan) will not seek re-election
- Senator Mike Gennaris (Queens) will not seek re-election
Call to Action
February 12th Registration Rush
Every member is urged to participate in the registration push for the March 8th rally. This is a critical opportunity to engage members who may never have had union contact before. The Tier 6 campaign represents a fundamental question: can New York continue to recruit and retain the public servants our communities need?
Upcoming Events
February 12: CTE Awards, 4 PM at 52 Broadway
February 12: Registration rush push for March 8th rally
February 13-16: Black and Latino Caucus in Albany
February 23: Next Executive Board meeting
February 25: FBA/BIP workshop (Districts 15 & 20) via Zoom
February 26: Purim Celebration, Brooklyn office, 4-8 PM
February 27: Voces Dominicanos, Queensborough office, 6:30 PM
February 27: UFT Muslim Educators Iftar Dinner, 4:30 PM (open to all members)
March 3: Pension event with Tom Brown, PS 24, Brooklyn
March 8: Major rally (register by February 12th)
May 22: AANHPI Dinner (honoring Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Leroy Barr)