The following email about the clustering process was sent to all social workers and psychologists from Chapter Leader Raul Garcia on April 1, 2022.

I am happy to share the news that this year normal clustering activities will take place in each district with minor modifications for health and safety. I’m writing to fill you in on how the process will work and to strongly encourage you to participate.

What is clustering?

Because of the pandemic, it has been three years since clustering was last conducted in the manner intended, so I know many social workers and psychologists may be unfamiliar with it.

Clustering is the process by which social workers and psychologists help determine assignments in each district for the following school year. Each district holds an election to choose members of a Deployment Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC members attend training, then hold clustering meetings to review data and make staffing decisions. The DOE then posts and fills the vacancies for social workers and psychologists.

Each DAC has up to seven members, and at least four must be UFT members. As the majority group on the committee, we can make valuable changes to our district’s assignments for the upcoming school year. It’s an important process that empowers us as professionals to address the issues we see firsthand in our schools.

How will it work this year?

Here’s what you need to know about clustering this year:

• The DOE will hold in-person elections for DAC members throughout the city between April 4 and 6.
• DAC members will attend training on April 11 and 12. The training will include both virtual and in-person sessions.
• DACs will complete their work between April 27 and May 9. Some districts may cluster before others.
• You can see a pdf of this year’s clustering calendar online.
• You can also read more about clustering in a DOE memo.

Why you should participate

It’s how we make our voices heard as professionals.

All SBST staff should attend their district’s clustering election. This is not just a chance to choose your DAC members or run to represent your district. It’s also an opportunity to share your concerns so your DAC members know what to consider. While there’s no guarantee that the changes you advocate will be made, your chances are much better if you make your voice heard.

You cannot be penalized for participating.

Principals have been provided with the clustering calendar and know that you are allowed to attend clustering activities. If you run into any issues attending your district’s election or, if elected, serving on your committee, please email your supervisor and cc me (rgarcia [at] uft [dot] org (rgarcia[at]uft[dot]org)). For your reference, here is the message principals received in the March 22 Principal Digest.

Your union has fought for this mechanism of member voice.

Historically, the DOE has tried to remove or modify clustering, which would have reduced our members’ participation and voice in the staffing process. As a chapter, we agree that improvements to the process are needed, for example, to fix issues like inaccurate data or a lack of recognition for our work beyond evaluations. We’re willing to work with the DOE to make these improvements. However, we have fought hard against proposed changes to clustering from the DOE that would have disenfranchised our members.

Many of you have emailed me about issues you’ve encountered and ideas you have for needed changes, and I will continue to listen and to advocate on your behalf. But we have another opportunity to make big improvements to our school districts. It starts with showing up at your election.

Thank you for all you do!