UFT Executive Board Meeting Notes 10/21/24
Opening
The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting.
President Michael Mulgrew thanked his team for their efforts on the successful Strides walk-a-thon.
Reports
Chapter Leader Training: A successful weekend focused on chapter organizing and using new contract provisions.
School Consultations: The UFT is pushing back on the Department of Education (DOE) regarding:
Mandatory use of specific curriculums (math and literacy) with limited modification options for teachers.
Unrealistic pacing calendars.
Pressures from administrators to disregard curriculum modifications and follow the curriculum exactly, potentially impacting teachers' observations.
Special Education: The UFT is planning to meet with the State Education Department to address concerns about special education services.
Coalition for a Living Wage (COLA): Negotiations for a COLA increase will involve collaboration with other labor unions.
Halloween: The UFT anticipates sending out information to schools regarding potential safety concerns due to Halloween coinciding with a Friday off.
Member Concerns
Leo Gordon (High School): Raised concerns about potential consequences for teachers who modify curriculum due to limitations in the pacing calendar. The UFT is aware of the issue and will defend teachers who are harassed for following the contract.
Janella Hinds (Academic High School): Announced upcoming events:
"Women United Walking Together" for breast cancer awareness.
"Future and Focus" event to expose students to unionized careers.
Book study group on "Push Out" to discuss racial disparities in school discipline.
Other Announcements
Karen Alford (Elementary Schools): Provided recaps of successful UFT events:
Members loved the Broadway show outing with a post-show talkback.
"Divine 9" events highlighting historically Black colleges and universities and featuring local elected officials.
United Community Schools receiving a grant for school security improvements.
Edward Calamia (High School): raises concerns about the ongoing contract negotiations between the Professional Staff Congress (PSC) and the City of New York. He points out that many students from their union go on to attend CUNY, and the PSC is not being treated fairly in the negotiations. Calamia emphasizes the importance of fair negotiations for teachers, faculty, and students, particularly in light of the "Bloomberg rhetoric" of running public institutions like businesses.
He proposes a conference or meeting to bring together representatives from different unions to discuss education and collaborate on strategies to support students and ensure fair treatment for all employees.
Leroy Barr acknowledges the ongoing contract negotiations and confirms that his union has been actively involved in supporting the PSC. They have been working together as members of UFT to share strategies and provide assistance. Barr emphasizes the importance of solidarity among unions and their commitment to doing what is best for their members.
In addition to supporting the PSC in their negotiations, Barr also mentions their efforts to educate students about union life and encourage their future involvement. He believes that by involving students in unions, they can ensure a strong future for the labor movement.
Chapter Leader Training: A successful training focused on chapter organization and using new contract provisions.
School Consultations: The UFT is pushing back on the Department of Education (DOE) regarding:
Mandatory use of specific curriculums (math and literacy) with limited modification options for teachers.
Unrealistic pacing calendars.
Pressures from administrators to disregard curriculum modifications and follow the curriculum exactly, potentially impacting teachers' observations.
Special Education: The UFT is planning to meet with the State Education Department to address concerns about special education services.
Coalition for a Living Wage (COLA): Negotiations for a COLA increase will involve collaboration with other labor unions.
Halloween: The UFT anticipates sending out information to schools regarding potential safety concerns due to Halloween coinciding with a Friday off.
Member Concerns:
Dental Plan: There is a draft proposal being reviewed by UFT consultants and benefit specialists. The UFT Welfare Fund is excited about creating something special for members.
Paraprofessionals (Paras): The DOE numbers for vacancies seem unrealistic. The UFT is conducting a survey to gather more accurate data and is pushing for systemic changes to improve hiring practices.
School Based SBOs (SBOs): There were some technical issues with deadlines and parent notifications, but the UFT is working with the DOE to ensure approved SBOs are implemented.
Announcements:
Pride Phone Banking: UFT's Pride at Work chapter is hosting a phone banking event on October 30th.
Tenure Celebration: The UFT held celebrations for educators who received tenure.
District 20 News: District 20 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new middle school and a tenure celebration.
Chapter Leader Roles and Responsibilities Training: Brooklyn held a training for new chapter leaders.
Tenure Workshop: District 15 held a workshop for educators approaching tenure.
SBO Report: Data on the number of SBOs completed in the previous school year was presented.
Asian American Heritage Committee Event: The committee partnered with several high schools to host an event.
Press Conference for Hybrid Network Providers: The UFT held a press conference to support network providers impacted by High Bridge closing.
Legislative Report:
Early voting starts on October 26th.
Phone banking opportunities are available through borough PACs.
Buses are available to transport members to rallies and events.
A Women's March is happening on November 2nd in Washington DC.
Special Order of Business:
The UFT Officer Election Guide was presented and approved by the Executive Board.