UFT Executive Board Meeting Notes 11/18/24
Exec Board approves formation of election committee, resolutions on teacher voice and equitable funding and resource allocation for CTE pass.
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Executive Board Meeting Notes 11/18/24
Open Mic Period
Matthew Labanka's Personal Journey: Labanka, a UFT member and music teacher in /queens, shared his personal journey, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and community in education. He also promoted his play, "Communion," which explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of community.
New York Health Act: Kate Connor spoke about impact of the incoming presidential administration and how a national universal healthcare plan is now not a possibility. From her perspective this should renew calls for the NYHA. Her views differ from that of the union where the total cost of the NYHA on UFT members must be considered (and part of Delegate Assembly resolution(s) in the past.).
Reports
Richard Mantell, VP for MS/ISÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Thanksgiving Event for Homeless Children: The union is hosting a Thanksgiving event for 220 homeless children, providing them with a meal, activities, and new coats. Donations of coats, hats, gloves, mittens and/or monetary donations continue to be collected. (Donate Here)
Janella Hinds, VP for Academic High Schools:
Future in Focus Event, The UFT, in partnership with the New York City Central Labor Council and the Building and Construction Trades, hosted a Future in Focus event at Lehman College. Over 1,200 students had the opportunity to learn about various labor unions and potential career paths.
College Fair: The UFT hosted its second college fair of the year at BMCC, attracting over 2,500 students. The fair provided information about CUNY, SUNY, private colleges, and technical colleges.
Karen Alford, VP for Elementary Schools
Holiday Toy Drive: The union launched a holiday toy drive to provide gifts to children in need. Members were encouraged to donate toys to support this initiative. (Donate Here)
Grant Awards: The UFT secured $285 million in grant funding from the School Construction Authority to support various school improvement projects. The funds from this grant will be used to upgrade schools with new facilities, technology, and learning resources. Specific projects include robotics labs, smart boards, science labs, libraries, and technology upgrades.
Question Period
Nancy Aromando asked what is to be done when false information is put out online about members and staff. The chair stated if this is about what happened last week, it wasn’t true, and asked Aqeel Williams to speak to this. Williams spoke of being a caregiver to his 81 year old mother, and an elderly individual with Alzheimer’s. The matter in question misattributed things to him, took things out of context and screenshots had names redacted, making it appear that it came from Williams.Â
Reports from Districts
Charles DiBenedetto: Tenure celebrations for Brooklyn high school teachers. Spoke about OSHA certification at Edward R. Murrow High School and participants are now certified to train others.
Sean Rotkowitz: SI Parent Conference: The union organized a successful parent conference in Staten Island, covering topics such as special education, college financial aid, and online safety.
Adam Shapiro: The annual UFT Mets game is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Ticket sales will open soon, and there will be a raffle for first pitch and first catch.
Raul Garcia: Functional Chapter Member Weekend: The meeting acknowledged the success of the recent functional chapter member weekend, which provided valuable training and networking opportunities for members.
Upcoming Chapter Leader Weekend: The upcoming chapter leader weekend was discussed, with a focus on maintaining the high standards set by the previous event.
Professional Development for 15-Year Professionals: The union is offering specialized training for 15-year professionals to enhance their skills and leadership abilities.
Joseph Usatch: HS students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Albert Shanker College Scholarship, applications are open
Cynthia Bennett: The success of a recent professional development event for school nurses, which was well-received by attendees.
Legislative Report, Vaneica Wilson, Legislative Director
2024 Elections: The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 2024 elections. Expressed thanks for the collective efforts of the UFT members in phone banking, door-knocking, and other political activities.
Future Activism: The union committed to continued political engagement and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collective action to address issues affecting educators and students.
Special Order of Business
Election Committee: The executive board approved the formation of an election committee, with members appointed to oversee the upcoming 2025 UFT Leadership elections.
Resolution in support of Teacher Voice in the Use of P-12 Curricula: Fazia Khalid motivated this resolution which passed emphasizing the importance of teacher voice in curriculum decisions and the need for a more teacher-centered approach to curriculum development.
Resolution to Ensure Equitable Funding and Resource Allocation for Career and Technical Education Programs: Resolution passed calling for equitable funding and resource allocation for career and technical education. Leo Gordon motivated this resolution and spoke about the potential negative impacts of recent policy changes on CTE programs, including DOE spending on recruitment of CTE teachers has removed the same for decades, and the discrepancy in funding where schools with CTE programs are receiving much more funding than CTE specific schools with CTE certified teachers.