UFT Executive Board Meeting Notes - 5/31/26
Updates on the Paraprofessional Respect Check and next steps for the UFT's newly expanded 750-member Negotiating Committee.
Executive Board Meeting - June 15, 2026
The Executive Board convened its last meeting of the school year on June 15.
Approval of Previous Minutes
The board approved minutes from the 3 following meetings. The June 1st minutes were approved unanimously without discussion. The June 5th AdCom minutes were also approved, though discussion arose regarding a non-substantive wording change to one resolution. The change, which involved adding a missing word to the final “whereas” clause, was made at the last minute in response to feedback from AFT. Board members were assured that this modification preserved the resolution’s original intent.. The June 12th AdCom minutes were similarly approved without opposition.
President’s Report: Summer Planning and Key Initiatives
President Mulgrew opened by noting that the organization is preparing for the summer season while maintaining the momentum built throughout the year. The focus remains on supporting chapters and advancing union priorities.
Para Respect Check Progress
The president announced that a meeting is scheduled for the following day at City Hall specifically to address this matter. Notably, this represents the second such meeting in less than four days, indicating the urgency and intensity of negotiations. The costing of the legislation is complete with the City Council and City Hall. The president emphasized this agreement cannot be used against the union in future collective bargaining negotiations. The president stressed that the city must bear the costs resulting from its previous actions in collective bargaining. The goal is to finalize the respect check by the end of June or July.
Negotiating Committee Expansion
The Negotiating Committee has grown substantially to over 750 members, which the president characterized as “massive.” This expansion means that the negotiation process will require careful coordination and clear prioritization. The committee is scheduled to meet on June 24th to discuss priorities and concerns. Following this meeting, the board will reconvene in September and October to compile all proposals into a comprehensive negotiating platform. The president emphasized that with such a large committee, individual chapters must build strong cases for their specific needs. While money and compensation are understood as baseline expectations, chapters need to articulate what specific items are most critical to their members.
School Calendar and Regional Exams
A brief discussion arose regarding high school regional exams and graduation scheduling. The president made clear that regional exams cannot be moved or cancelled. While schools have the choice regarding graduation timing, the exam schedule is non-negotiable.
End of Year Status
With only eight days remaining in the school year (excluding Friday, which is a day off), the board is in the final stretch. The president noted the focus is on wrapping up the year strong.
Recognition of Accomplishments During the 2025-2026 SY
The president took time to recognize and thank all board members for their exceptional work throughout the year. Beginning in September and continuing through June we have achieved what the president described as “massive accomplishments.” Special recognition was given to the work on the Fix Tier Six campaign, which required a significant lift.
President Mulgrew also acknowledged the often-invisible work that board members do on behalf of their chapters and members. This includes constant support—addressing administrator concerns, personal issues, and the myriad challenges that members face. The president emphasized that this work, combined with the board’s efforts to move the union forward, represents the true value of the board’s service.
Summer Wishes
President Mulgrew wished all board members a phenomenal summer and noted that he would see most of them multiple times throughout the summer months. The final message was simple but heartfelt: relax, enjoy, and take care of yourselves. With that, the meeting concluded, and members transitioned to an informal gathering.
The following corrections are being made to the July 1, 2026, Executive Board minutes:
School Safety Crisis at Long Island City High School
Theodora Kapodistrius, Chapter Leader representing Long Island City High School on the High School Executive Board from Queens, brought urgent attention to serious safety incidents plaguing his school. Over the course of just two months during the current school year, the school experienced two separate incidents involving loaded firearms that were confiscated on school grounds—one in January and another in March.