Mulgrew presses state lawmakers to “fund our future”

UFT President Michael Mulgrew testified at a Jan. 28 state budget hearing that in a year where our students, educators and families have been traumatized by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state must not reduce its support for New York City public schools. If the decrease in state aid during the current fiscal year is combined with the proposed reduction in the upcoming fiscal year, the state will have reduced its contribution to New York City schools by $1.5 billion over two years. Mulgrew said the proposed reduction in state school aid comes after the state’s share of the New York City education budget has continuously shrunk over the years from a high of nearly 50% in 2009 to a new low this year of around 36%. Mulgrew noted increased federal aid for city schools from COVID-19 relief legislation that should have supplemented state school aid has instead been used to supplant it. Mulgrew called for a real and meaningful increase in state school aid in the final state budget, which must be passed by April 1. To pay for that increase, the UFT called for a billionaire's wealth tax, an ultra-millionaire's income surcharge tax, a "pied-a-terre" luxury real estate tax and an increase in the state’s corporate tax rate. Mulgrew also advocated for state funding for the UFT Teacher Center, United Community Schools, the Positive Learning Collaborative and affordable child care. Challenging state lawmakers to step up for our public schools, Mulgrew said, “This cannot be our legacy in COVID. The $2.1 billion in federal education funds for New York City must reach New York City schools. All of it.”

Read the testimony

DOE submits teacher evaluation plan to state for approval

New York State law requires that teachers be evaluated each year using a research-based method, a standardized rubric and measures of student learning. Last spring, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order to waive that law for the 2019-20 school year, but he declined to issue a waiver for this school year. So we are being held to the state law for teacher evaluation even though we are already halfway through the school year and our members have so much else on their plates. School districts across New York State had to submit plans by Feb. 1 for teacher evaluation for the 2020-21 school year. The DOE submitted its evaluation plan by the deadline. The UFT’s goal in its talks with the DOE was to make sure the evaluation plan reflected the unique circumstances and challenges facing teachers this school year. Teachers deserve a fair process and a fast and simple way to challenge a rating if a principal is not following the correct procedures. Details about the plan will be released once the state approves it.

UFT and the city discuss middle school reopening

We have made clear to the city Department of Education that the city does not currently have the capacity to conduct randomized weekly testing of 20 percent of staff and students in every school if middle schools were to reopen. We must have that level of testing in place in every school to keep our school communities safe. The city is working on a plan to increase its testing capacity. Until the city shows us that plan and convinces us that it has the resources in place to successfully implement it, we cannot reopen middle schools safely.

Federation of Nurses/UFT members ratify contract

Federation of Nurses/UFT members who are Licensed Practical Nurses with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York overwhelmingly ratified a two-year contract in which the union made no concessions while achieving a salary increase and negotiating regular consultation meetings with the employer. The contract went into effect on Feb. 1 and runs through January 2022. “We have achieved another on-time contract protecting our pensions and obtaining good economic and working conditions,” said UFT Vice President Anne Goldman, who leads the Federation of Nurses. A key provision of the contract preserves the pension benefits of current employees and guarantees that these benefits will be extended to new hires. The deal includes two 3% raises, the first effective on Sept. 1, 2021, and the second on July 1, 2022. Each member will see at least a $3,300 salary hike over the life of the contract.

Join our We Feed NYC fundraiser on Feb. 13

We are nine days away from our big We Feed NYC fundraiser to support local community-based food pantries. You won’t want to miss our four-hour lineup of entertainment and enrichment, hosted in part by 107.5 FM’s “Dr.” Bob Lee. Chef Philip DeMaiolo will show you how to cook a hearty meal for a family of four for under $20. The president of Body Sculpt New York, Vince Ferguson, will give you his expert fitness tips. Wellness maestros from MYNDSET will help you with healthy eating and mindfulness and self-care techniques. Drag Queen Story Hour will inspire a love of reading and diversity in children. There will also be student performances and music. Throughout this exciting event, you’ll have the opportunity to help feed New York City families in need. Attendance is free, but we hope you will support this vitally important cause with a charitable donation. Unable to attend on Feb. 13? You can donate to this worthy cause. You’ll receive a We Feed NYC tote bag with a donation of $100 or more.

Register now