News

Livestream program commemorates Black History Month

NYSUT’s Many Threads, One Fabric social justice initiative presented an online event this week to mark Black History Month. Hosted by Secretary-Treasurer Philippe Abraham, it focused on the unique struggles underrepresented groups face with regard to mental health and wellness in the United States. Other highlights included award presentations to BHM honorees, testimonials from NYSUT members and artistic expressions from students and community partners.

• You can still get a free BHM poster for your classroom from NYSUT.

Take action! Urge

Today I was informed of the passing of Diana Conroy, our former Assistant Superintendent. Earlier this year many of you signed cards which were delivered to Diana in March 2020. She was both surprised and honored to receive so many well-wishes. Thank you all for demonstrating the caring spirit that binds our Association together.

As you begin the new school year continue to care for each other. That spirit will serve you well as you adapt to the changes needed to teach in the current environment. Celebrate Diana Conroy's life by being the best educator you can be!

Feel free to share your

Due to the school closures, we have cancelled the March meeting. All business will be handled with the Executive team electronically/phone until further notice. NYSUT has shut down all operations until May 15th, 2020 as well.

Our next meeting, April 23rd, 2020, will be via videochat. Look for information on how to participate on the website and via email.

Stay safe at home and keep us informed here if you are having issues that need our attention. 

Questions and Concerns

The New York State Budget does NOT include a merging of BOCES Aid nor Special Act Aid into the Foundation Formula! THIS IS A HUGE WIN FOR NYSUT! Please thank your local legislators for standing strong against this idea once again! :)

Previously:

The governor recently announced that school districts should be prepared to adjust their budgets to account for lost revenue from the state. The passage of the federal stimulus package infused two billion dollars to our state for public education stabilization for both K-12 and higher education. There is no need for these dramatic cuts. Cuts to education

Help us share building level educational successes by submitting your story for the segment "Shared Success" here. 

http://bit.ly/rcgbocesta-sharedsuccess 

AFT would still love to hear from members in our presidential endorsement survey. If you have a moment, please tell your members to text VOTE to 69238 to take a survey about the endorsement process. Standard message and data rates apply.

December 14th, 2019 Event

MSNBC has agreed to host with AFT, on an exclusive basis, the presidential public education forum on Saturday, Dec. 14, in Pittsburgh. Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer have confirmed their participation. It will be streamed on MSNBC’s website, as well as on AFTvotes.org and the

http://rcgboces.ny.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2019-08/welcome_letter-2019.pdf

For the first time in history, New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote at polling locations October 26th-Nov. 3rd, well in advance of Election Day on Nov. 5th, 2019.

Employers have posted a notice in faculty rooms that states that staff may request up to 3 hours of time on Nov. 5th if they can demonstrate that they will not be able to vote on Nov. 5th. 

The response of NY State government has been to open polling locations to allow for early voting. Please take advantage of the early voting schedule to make sure that your vote counts in the 2019 local races! 

To find out where your early voting

NYSUT is pleased to announce the passage of  APPR Legislation (Bill A. 783 / S. 1262) in both the House and Senate yesterday. This bill eliminates the mandate that districts and BOCES use test scores to evaluate teachers. This measure returns collective bargaining rights to the Local and keeps student test scores from being included on students' permanent records.

https://www.nysut.org/news/2019/january/nysut-statement-on-passage-of-l… 

https://www.news10.com/news/ny-capitol-news/ny-lawmakers-pass-teacher-e… 

The

Local student advocates are not waiting until they reach voting age to begin their advocacy for public education and student rights! Their testimony inspired us all to do more and let our voices be heard! 

https://www.nysut.org/news/2018/august/student-activists-offer-hope-for-the-future-of-our-democracy