2016 E.D. 52 MEETING
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center
Albany, New York
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016:
NYSUT E.D. 52 Director Rosemary Catanzariti welcomed all attendees and introduced those NYSUT officers who were present. She also thanked Floyd Cameron, Joyce Smith, and Geralyn O’Reilly for their work organizing the conference sessions.
NYSUT President Karen Magee addressed the group citing the importance of voting down the November 2017 referendum for a Constitutional Convention. Opening the New York State Constitution could threaten retirement security, the right of every student in the state to a free education, collective bargaining, environmental protections, health insurance, and services to those citizens in need of government assistance. She stressed the importance of electing a Democratic President. The new President will be responsible for appointing 3 or 4 Supreme Court justices. She further noted that Republican platforms have consistently worked against the middle class, women, and unions. NYSUT members have the responsibility to make sure to educate those around them (family, friends, etc.) to the issues and to make sure that they are registered and they vote. Members should engage others in the process, educate them, and mobilize them for action. She reaffirmed NYSUT’s and AFT’s strong support for Hillary Clinton because of her work in the following areas:
* PUBLIC EMPLOYEES: fighting for adequate funding for high quality public services; fighting against contracting out and privatization of public services; working to ensure adequate resources for public safety.
* RETIREMENT SECURITY: preserving Social Security and protecting against its privatization; protecting Medicare from privatization and cuts; driving down drug costs for seniors; opposing efforts to raise retirement age.
* VOTER RIGHTS: ending secret unaccountable money in politics; working to overturn Citizens United; establishing automatic voter registration at age 18; expanding early, absentee, and mail voting; establishing a standard of no fewer than 20 days of early in-person voting.
**** View photo album from this meeting http://rc43.ny.aft.org/ed52-meeting-march-8-9-2016-albany click each picture once to enlarge it for viewing. Then click the X in the bottom right corner to move to the next picture. ****
NYSUT Vice President Catalina Fortino reported that on March 22, the Board of Regents will
vote for a new Chancellor to replace Meryl Tisch. A new Vice Chancellor will also be named. One of the three new Regents is a retired Syracuse teacher!
NYSUT E.D. 51-53 At-Large Director Florence McCue reported on proposed resolutions to be forwarded to the Representative Assembly (R.A.):
* Resolved that NYSUT consider assisting Retiree Councils in engaging members in the political process by rebating a portion of the (VOTE/COPE) dollar amount contributed by retirees designated as 999 (not attached to a retiree chapter)
* Resolved that NYSUT work to defeat the referendum for a Constitutional Convention
* Resolved that NYSUT work to preserve and protect Social Security
Florence also emphasized that increased VOTE/COPE contributions from ALL members are vital to NYSUT’s public relations efforts to support retiree interests. NYSUT members who no longer reside in New York are to be encouraged to participate by increasing their contributions to VOTE/COPE as a show of unity.
NYSUT Assistant in Health Benefits Susan Klug gave the following report:
In 2009, NYSHIP/Empire conducted a dependent eligibility audit of the family health insurance plan. It saved them a lot of money, so the state legislature recently authorized another audit. It began with an amnesty period, allowing subscribers to eliminate dependents from their policies. In February 2016, a verification phase was initiated. Letters were sent out to family coverage members requesting official documentation for dependents, including such verifications as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and adoption papers. These documents are to be submitted (to a Texas firm!!) by April 15, 2016. If materials are received later than that date, unverified dependents can be discontinued retroactive to 2016. Members having difficulty complying with these demands should contact NYSUT Social Services at socsvcs@nysutmail.org or call 1-800-342-9810 ext. 6206 and ask for Ani Shahinian.
Susan also reported that Governor Cuomo is trying to eliminate IRMAA reimbursements. This proposal was defeated in previous budgets. Included in the present budget draft is a proposal to freeze part B reimbursements at $104.90 per month. NYSUT’s MAC has a letter online to oppose this. Members are urged to make their voices heard. The good news is that we’ve defeated the governor before and we can do it again. The better news is that state legislators are also on the NYSHIP plan!
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta welcomed everyone and thanked those who participated in the Committee of 100 for their lobbying efforts.
NYSUT Senior Legislative Representative Peter Savage gave the following legislative updates:
* $2.5 billion has been requested in school aid because of the tax cap.
* Statutory changes in APPR are being passed.
* More accountability is being sought for charter schools.
* More funding for teacher centers is being sought.
* NYSUT is opposing back door voucher plans.
* More funding is being sought for SUNY, CUNY, and community colleges.
* Changes in NYSHIP are being rejected.
* Efforts are being made to seek veterans’ pension credits for ANY time served by ANY veteran.
Other points made by Peter were:
* Governor Cuomo wants to require collective bargaining negotiations to be subject to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
* A million dollars is in the proposed budget draft to study issues related to the possibility of a Constitutional Convention.
A short video presentation on the Friedrichs Case was shown. It was put together by the Smithtown Teachers Association and clearly outlined the facts and ramifications of the case. Even though it predates the death of Justice Scalia, it was suggested by several attendees that the video would be a valuable educational tool to share with councils and that perhaps the Smithtown TA could help access it.
NYSUT Associate Counsel Robert Reilly addressed the group and made the following points:
* NYSUT faces challenges in court, in the legislature, and in the administrative process.
* Present law allows fair share fees for non-union members who benefit from union efforts. Those paying such participation fees receive rebates on political expenses that are not related to the costs unions incur to represent them. Cases like Friedrichs assert that everything a union does is political and therefore there is no such thing as fair share and they shouldn’t have to pay anything.
* New APPR rules made teacher probation 4 years and linked tenure directly to ratings. For tenure, teachers need 3 out of 4 years of “highly effective” or “effective” ratings. They would not be eligible for tenure if year 4’s rating was “ineffective”. Should that occur, districts have the option to extend the probation period.
* Schools performing in the lowest 5% are subject to receivership. Superintendents can demand a receivership agreement, opening up the collective bargaining unit. If the parties cannot reach an agreement in 30 days, the Commissioner can impose one. This agreement can address such topics as length of the school day, length of the school year, professional development, class size, program changes, assignments, and teaching conditions.
* The law blames collective bargaining for the schools that are struggling
* Receivership can abolish all the positions of all the teachers at a school and make them re-apply.
* 100% union membership, VOTE/COPE, and electing a President who will nominate supportive Supreme Court justices are important considerations to fight the so-called “reformers”.
PSC(PROFESSIONALSTAFFCONGRESSOFTHECITYUNIVERSITYOFNEWYORK)CONTRACTSTRUGGLE: PSC REPRESENTATIVES CECILIA McCALL, EILEEN MORAN, AND DAVID KOTELCHUK explained why PSC members have had no contract or raises for 6 years. The PSC is now entering mediation, which will probably delay the contract for another year. The impasse developed because Mayor Michael Bloomberg put a freeze on all city contracts while he was in office. When Mayor Bill De Blasio was elected he settled all contracts, except for firefighters and CUNY. The state legislature pledged support if tuition was raised. It was raised $1500 and funding bills passed both houses. Governor Cuomo vetoed the bill, saying it belonged in the budget process and is asking for another $1500 raise.
THE HONORABLE CARL MARCELLINO, NEW YORK STATE SENATOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, AND FORMER TEACHER OF BIOLOGY FOR 20 YEARS made the following observations in his address:
* Common Core implementation was severely flawed. Curriculum content should be consistent statewide, but teachers should have academic freedom in the presentation of that content.
* Members should join efforts (sign petitions) to block the confirmation of John King as Secretary of Education.
* Education policy should be made by educators. Local control is key. Legislation should be rare.
* The proposed state budget currently totals $150 billion, with $30 billion allocated for education and $65 billion for health. Legislators are working to increase library aid.
* Minimum wage will probably NOT be addressed in this budget.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016:
NYSUT Vice President Paul Pecorale made the following points in his morning address:
* Paul recognized and congratulated conference attendees Cecilia McCall, CUNY PSC representative and winner of the 2016 Sandra Feldman Not For Ourselves Alone Award and Barbara Keilty-Michaleski, Retiree Council 18 President and winner of NYSUT’s Retiree of the Year Award. On behalf of NYSUT, he thanked both women for their hard work and those present applauded their efforts. Formal presentations will be made at the RA.
* Paul also thanked all those present for “establishing the history” of NYSUT.
* Once again, the importance of educating our members on the dangers of a Constitutional Convention was stressed.
* New York State Budget proposals that affect NYSHIP members must be defeated because they could be stepping stones to eliminating rather than freezing reimbursements. This message must be brought to the attention of all NYSUT members, who are then urged to use the MAC alerts on this issue.
* NYSUT is trying to make connections with Florida leaders to give them access to current information and retiree issues. Retiree units have been formed and the organization of this system will continue to be reevaluated and modified according to needs and concerns.
* Paul expects the resolution asking for 999 VOTE/COPE donation reimbursements to councils to pass at the RA. Previously 999 reimbursements went to Retiree Services. That money was used to fund retiree conferences and provide other services to retirees. If the resolution passes, a decision will be made on how to divide the funds among councils. Paul expects that the current budget for Retiree Services will be maintained by NYSUT.
* The Retiree Advisory Council (RAC) has been working on creating a document to help potential retirees and assist current retirees in planning their futures and dealing with the problems and issues of later life. Legal, financial, social, and emotional issues are addressed. RAC members in the audience thanked Florence McCue and Steven Kramer for their input on the legal and financial aspects of the document.
* Senior citizens should make themselves aware of IRS scams.
* There are several cases similar to Friedrichs lined up to be heard by the Supreme Court.
* The NYSUT Executive Board is critically examining the NYSUT budget to establish priorities and assign funds accordingly.
* Paul can always be reached at ppecoral@nysutmail.org or on his personal cellphone at 631-312-0306.
FLOYD CAMERON, Manager of Retiree and Social Services was asked to address the group to clarify questions about NYSRTA (New York State Retired Teachers Association). NYSRTA is a statewide organization that charges a fee for membership. Currently it has 18-20,000 members. NYSRTA is separate from NYSUT. NYSUT cooperates with NYSRTA on political and lobbying issues. They are struggling and want more cooperation with NYSUT. NYSUT will continue to meet with them and cooperate to halt the Constitutional Convention. NYSRTA has requested NYSUT retiree lists. Districts must be made aware that NYSRTA is NOT NYSUT and districts should not release retiree information to them. NYSRTA also represents retired superintendents and administrators. NYSUT will continue to work with NYSRTA whenever it can, but there will NOT be merger with NYSUT. NYSUT will look into the possibility to sending a letter to district superintendents telling them not send personal information lists to NYSRTA.
DAVID KEEFE, Trustee and Vice President of the NYSTRS (NYS TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM) Board reported that the Retirement Fund is still well-funded and remains in the top three funds in the country. At the April board meeting they analyzed and predicted returns for the future. Although the first quarter of the year’s stock market performance was disappointing, there is no immediate cause for concern. It is expected that investments will still return 7.5%.
STEPHEN ALLINGER, NYSUT Senior Advisor to Karen Magee, spoke about the 2016 Presidential election, making the following observations:
* All of the Republican candidates have come out with multi-trillion dollar plans, most of which benefit the wealthy.
* The most moderate of the Republican candidates, John Kasich, ran through a law to end collective bargaining in his state (Ohio).
* Stephen worked in New York City with then Senator Hillary Clinton to maintain Title 1 funds for special needs students and students living in poverty, addressing their educational needs and health issues. She worked without publicity, secured funding, and also called for a fight against vouchers.
* Failure is not an option for defeating Republican candidates.
* There is a chance Democrats can regain control of the Senate.
* Stephen gave the following resources for those interested in a more detailed analysis of the present political situation:
o the webpage Real Clear Politics
o the Roper Center, which will tell how specific groups voted in 2012
o the Princeton Election Consortium, which called all races 100% correctly
o 538.com
PAUL WEBSTER made an appeal for participation in the First Books Program, which provides free books by the truckload to Title I schools. Detailed information about this group can be found at www.freebooks.com .
MARY FRAN GLEASON, NYSUT Manager of Publications and Design, suggested areas of NYSUT United that welcome article submissions and photographs from members. Photos submitted for publication should be routed through retiree groups to identify the members, dates, and locations, as well as any relevant details. The sections of NYSUT United that are most relevant to retirees are Retirees in Action, Locals in Action, Kudos, and Voices (where commentaries are published). Kara Smith is the Editor of Retirees in Action and the contact person for submissions. She can be reached at ksmith@nysutmail.org or by calling 800-342-9810 ext. 6281
To submit obituaries for any NYSUT member, contact Andrew Watson at http://awatson@nysutmail.org or call 800-342-9810 ext. 6277. Be sure to include date of death and retiree chapter, as well as any pertinent details. If possible, the deceased’s family should be informed before publishing.
TERRY McSWEENEY, NYSUT Assistant in Research and Educational Services made the following points in her presentation:
* The ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) has established different pathways to high school graduation. These were approved by the Board of Regents in January 2015. Students still need 22 credits and must meet all course requirements in their chosen field (arts, humanities, science, technology, engineering and math, languages other than English, or career and technical education). Since the Global History Regents was the one that prevented the most graduations, students can now substitute one Regents to take its place. More detailed information can be found at www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/multiple-pathways Students with disabilities can pass Regents exams with a 55 and get a local diploma
* Pearson questions will be used on the 2015-2016 assessments. Under terms of the Questar, Inc. contract which replaces Pearson, New York State teachers will be involved in the development of the new assessments. Over 600 teachers have volunteered to participate in the testing process.
* The final Integrated Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regents will be given June 1, 2016. After that exam, Common Core exams will be given.
* All math modules will be updated in the coming months. Translated modules are now posted in Spanish, Arabic, and simple Chinese.
* The final recommendations of the governor’s task force on Common Core Learning Standards are:
o Overhaul the Common Core and adopt locally-driven high quality New York education standards.
o Establish a transparent and open process where standards are periodically reviewed by educators and content area experts.
o Provide educators and districts with flexibility to develop and tailor curriculum to meet the needs of their individual students.
o Require the State to create and release new and improved curriculum resources which educators can adapt to the needs of their individual students.
o Engage educators, not a private corporation, to drive the review and creation of State standards-aigned tests in an open and transparent manner.
o Reduce the number of test days and test questions and provide ongoing test transparency to parents, teachers, and districts on test questions and student test scores.
o Ensure that State tests account for different types of learners, including Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners.
* Chapter 20 of the Laws of 2015 requires the Commissioner of Education to conduct a review of the learning standards that includes input from education stakeholders, which must be completed on or before June 30, 2016. Application forms to participate as a stakeholder may be found at www.nysed.gov/aimhighny
* School boards will be able to terminate probationary teachers without regard to their APPR rating, beginning with appointments as of July 1, 2015.
* InterestedmembersshouldbecomefamiliarwiththeinformationfoundontheSEDwebsite. Some of the topics include details about the ESSA, accountability, teacher evaluation, and registration requirements for educators.
Submitted by Barbara Smith, RC17