Battles and Victories During the Summer of COVID19 CRAIG DIFOLCO As CSA Kept Steady Pressure on the City In-Person Learning

Sept. 2020 Volume 56, Number 1 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 Battles and Victories During The Summer Of COVID19 CRAIG DIFOLCO as CSA kept steady pressure on the city in-person learning. Since discussions schools. This was in addition to the government over everything from school about a potential hybrid model began 2,000 the city had announced just a Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor safety to staffing shortages to the rights in May, CSA and school leaders had few days earlier that CSA called out Richard Carranza surprised educators, of education administrators. “In my urgently and repeatedly warned of staff- as “woefully short of the over 10,000 parents, and students on Sept. 17 by 35 years as an educator, I have never ing shortages. teachers” that we had estimated were announcing a temporary halt to the witnessed a time of such uncertainty,” Ultimately, the mayor unveiled a needed citywide based on principal reopening of most NYC school buildings. said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. plan to introduce in-person learning requests. It was the second delay to in-person “Yet, the accomplishments of our union across multiple grades, first for 3-K, At the press conference announcing learning that the mayor announced, and throughout the summer and in recent Pre-K schools and District 75 schools the new schedule, Mr. Cannizzaro con- as he said at the press conference, CSA’s weeks serve as another call to unity, and on Sept. 21; for K-5 and K-8 schools on tinued to hold the DOE accountable to advocacy, giving voice to the escalating is a reminder of how our union protects Tuesday, Sept. 29; and for middle and address the staffing crisis. concerns of school leaders, was a key rea- and supports all of our members.” high schools on Oct. 1 . “The 4,500 number is to get son he felt compelled to delay opening CSA first called for a delay in The delay, the mayor said, was to through Sept. 9, with the K-5 group,” once again. mid-August and began asking publicly allow the city to bring on 2,500 addi- he said, after a reporter asked if the The postponement was a culmina- whether our school system would tional teachers to fulfill staffing needs mayor’s announcement of additional tion of a long and contentious summer have enough staff for both remote and at 3-K, Pre-K, District 75, K-5 and K-8 Continued on Page 3 INTERVIEW President’s Viewpoint Straight Talk From Mark Cannizzaro Brooklyn Principal As You Work For NYC’s Children CHUCK WILBANKS Was the pandemic a key During Crisis, CSA Works For You motive for retiring now? Lenore DiLeo-Berner was I went into this year know- n September 2019, we opened our school year. Yet here you are still not principal of MS 51 in Brooklyn’s ing it could be my last. I’m 56 schools to rave reviews from the able to hug friends and shake hands Park Slope neighborhood for years old, it’s my twenty-fifth media, elected officials and, most with colleagues, and still nervous about nearly 15 years. Her long career year as an educator and my importantly, the children and fam- visiting elderly parents. On top of this, has included coaching new prin- fourteenth as a principal. I Iilies we are so proud to serve. Things you continue to find yourselves with- cipals and helping create a diver- had a pension consultation in were certainly not perfect. Many of you out professional clarity, or even a sense sity plan to help better integrate February, and I made up my were hamstrung by insufficient budgets of reality, from above. mind then. Right after that and scant resources, but you managed I can hardly believe the magnitude came the crisis, and it never seemed like the right time to to make an incredibly complex task of our collective personal and profes- ‘The pandemic announce it. But even if there look easy. sional loss, our inability to properly was a part of me that was tee- Then the unimaginable happened. mourn, the residual trauma and the definitely helped tering, the pandemic definitely The year ended with buildings abruptly task of trying to help students come me know it was helped me know it was the shut down because of the worst pan- to terms with their own emotions. right time. demic in more than a hundred years. That we have just reopened some of the right time.’ The city and the DOE responded with our schools under a blended learning Looking back over the an alarming lack of support or clear model is also unbelievable. By the time summer, how has the city guidance. You wanted to do right by you read this, maybe the dust will have the middle schools of District 15. handled preparations for your students and you worried over settled, a miracle will have been pulled She announced in July that she the coming year? off and we will be well on our way to was retiring. On August 21, Mrs. When we started the plan- every aspect of their lives. making it work once again. DiLeo-Berner discussed with CSA ning for blended learning, • • • News Editor Chuck Wilbanks it was such a difficult task. I But Mission Impossible is what I, the arc of her career, the chang- tried to put my heart and soul fter you suffered through that and an advisory group of well-respected ing job of a principal, and how it into it, knowing I was leaving. and somehow made it work, you principals, foresaw and forewarned feels to say goodbye. Continued on Page 9 A expected a more normal 2020-21 Continued on Page 2

SHAKE-UP INEQUITY PROTECTIONS Amid Reopening Charters, as Private CSA General Counsel: New, Chaos, Departures Companies, Get Piles Of Important Agreement Has At Top Of DOE 4 Covid Relief Money 5 Your Back 7 2 CSA NEWS Sept. 2020

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Amid DOE’s Chaos,

Council of School Do What Adds Up Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Move Forward With Your School’s Community In Focus. By Mark Cannizzaro 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 Continued From Page 1 ance from above – such as it is – and Fax: (212) 962-6130 www.csa-nyc.org when the city came up with its hybrid attempt to implement it. But do not plan. In order to serve all the kids who sacrifice the trust you have built with President we’d be welcoming into our build- your students, their families and your Mark Cannizzaro ings, plus all who would be learning hard-working staff. Those looming Executive Vice President remotely, we’d need thousands more above you may need to be humored, Henry Rubio teachers than we had. To add to our but they are not the ones you ulti- First Vice President mately need to please. Most of them Rosemarie Sinclair angst, there was the threat of budget will be gone in 16 months. Keep your Treasurer cuts and layoffs. I think we can agree Christopher Ogno that there were no good options. attention on your building and your Secretary Nevertheless, we offered the city school community, which will be the Steffani Fanizzi common-sense plans that would have center of your professional life and the Vice Presidents required few, if any, additional teachers. focus of your concern and, yes, of your Sam Akel Jose Garcia Instead of honoring our recommenda- love, long afterwards. Ramon Gonzalez tions, on Aug. 27, the city tossed a plan I know from years as a school leader Lois Lee Katiana Louissaint in your lap that they could not have that it is easier to say this than to do Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter imagined you would be able to imple- it, but I also urge you to ignore the

Executive Director Operations ment. They offered no more than the stuff that doesn’t make sense and just Erminia Claudio traditional two days for you and your teachers to come do what adds up for your building. If you find yourself General Counsel together in your buildings before students would arrive. without enough staff, do the best you can. Everyone David Grandwetter This was unthinkable and CSA aggressively sought more knows that this year will be far from perfect. Turn to time for you to plan. Many of you did the same in open your leadership team, PTA and staff and collaborate Executive Director Field Services letters to the city and the media. on how to proceed until the city provides the needed Sana Q. Nasser resources. Together, you will come up with what’s Field Directors • • • James Harrigan most likely to work for the particular kids in your com- Frank Patterson e won a little extra time, not enough. Then, munity: academically, socially and emotionally. Mercedes Qualls on Sept. 17, when we were right down to the Be sure your superintendent is in the loop. When Assistant Field Directors wire, the mayor finally recognized what we had you go to a staffing or budget meeting with your super- Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, W Mildred Boyce, Laverne Burrowes, been telling him since early September – the DOE had intendent, consider bringing your chapter leader or Dominic Cipollone, Peter Devlin, Kenneth not provided the number of teachers we needed – and he someone from the SLT so they can see what you are up Llinas, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, announced a phased-in plan whereby different grade lev- against. They know that 2 + 2 will never equal 5 and Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, els would return to their schools on different days. they won’t expect you to make it so. If you find your- Dorothy Morris, Beverly Pascal-Miller, You’re trying to do your jobs. Most of you didn’t self faced with a programming grievance you cannot Wanda Soto, Yvonne Williams take any vacation during the summer as you attempted remedy, be honest and petition the DOE together to to make order out of chaos. You did that without rectify. CSA has made it very clear to the DOE and City Grievance Director knowing how many students you would have in your Hall that, without an influx of teachers – who we will Dale Kelly buildings or how many teachers would be available at continue to pressure the city to hire – you cannot com- Assistant Directors Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, which levels or in which subjects. In fact, staff accom- ply with their stated programming guidance. Jermaine Garden- modations are still trickling in. With little guidance, • • • Director of Communications you figured out how to implement safety protocols, Craig DiFolco schedule classes to the best of your ability, and align all or years to come, the social, emotional and economic Director of Political Affairs school staff towards critical goals for this unimaginable effects of the pandemic will touch us in ways we Gabe Gallucci school year. As we move forward, you will do alright if can and can’t imagine. You have tried to anticipate Assistant Director, Political Affairs F Herman Merritt you keep a few common-sense promises to yourself. these effects and figure out how to contribute to salvaging Assistant Director You must stand with your school community and the future for our children. You and your teachers have John Khani share your thinking with them. Be aware of the guid- been heroic in learning new ways of teaching and trying Special Assistant to President to transcend inequities Gary Goldstein in funding, technology, CSA Conference Chair Pierre Lehmuller healthcare and childcare. CSA Historian Beyond socio-economic Manfred Korman situations, you’ve been CSA Retiree Chapter focused on your English Gayle Lockett, Chair Language Learners and Mark Brodsky, Director your students with special needs. CSA NEWS Your union is fighting Editor to protect and support Chuck Wilbanks all school-based and Design Consultant non-school-based mem- Michele Pacheco bers. As you stand shoul- Production Assistant Christine Altman der-to-shoulder with your communities, we stand shoulder-to-shoul- CSA News (004-532) is published der with you. monthly except July and August for $35 per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage Mark Cannizzaro is paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send n Keeping Up The Pressure: Throughout spring and summer, CSA President Mark Cannizzaro provided the city president of the Council address changes to CSA News, 40 of School Supervisors and Rector St., NY, NY 10006. with desperately needed reality checks. Above, Mr. Cannizzaro, right, Chancellor Richard Carranza, middle, and Mayor Bill de Blasio, left, at a Sept. press conference announcing a delay in the re-opening of in-person learning. Administrators. Sept. 2020 CSA NEWS 3 Re-Opening NYC Schools: ELI’s Very Busy Year Contentious Meetings, Legal BY CSA STAFF The pandemic did not slow down the Executive Leadership Institute over the summer and the year prom- Protections, Staff Shortages ises to be a busy one as well. ELI”s (virtual) Summer Institute boasted Continued From Page 1 urged the mayor to delay the reopening and redeployed non-school-based DOE over 4,000 attendees, and offered staff was adequate. “There will be addi- of all schools, but Mr. de Blasio insisted employees. Behind the scenes, CSA had eleven remote workshops. Tessa tional need when we get to the middle on reopening District 75 and buildings been fighting to protect the rights of Zimmerman was guest speaker. The and high schools.” on Sept. 21, along with 3K/PreK pro- education administrators and forcing Advanced Leadership Program for When instructional guidance was grams due to the acute need of those the DOE to retract any assignments Aspiring Principals (ALPAP) kicked finally released to principals at the end students for in person learning. He also before an agreement had been reached. off in July with four days of intensive of August, Mr. Cannizzaro wrote a public said the DOE reported less requests for After a hard-fought battle over several training, with over 45 participants. letter to the mayor and chancellor after additional staffing from those principals. weeks, CSA’s redeployment agreement ELI will be offering DASA training many private, direct conversations. From the moment the mayor decided with the DOE was finally reached on remotely Nov. 7, Feb. 6, and March “We expected that concerns about to reopen D75 and the other programs, Friday, Sept. 18, just before the Rosh 31. Register on our website. The sufficient staffing would be adequately CSA began to ensure that the city follow Hashana holiday. School Leadership Institute is offering addressed when the chancellor’s team through with its pledge to support the CSAs secured full protection of EA mentoring and workshops for new finally released the essential instructional impacted school leaders. After daily com- rights with temporary redeployment members. Over thirty remote work- guidance that NYC educators have been munications with the mayor, chancellor, into schools. Any deployment of an EA shops will be available during the demanding for months,” he wrote. deputy chancellors, superintendents, and to a school will be to assist with supervi- fall term on a wide range of topics. “Regrettably, the DOE has now created the director of transportation, the DOE sory/administrative duties, any deploy- Detailed information and registration a potential staffing crisis with just two re-issued guidance on paraprofessionals, ment will be to the borough an EA is for all that we offer will be available weeks to go before the first day of school. clarifying that their schedules may be currently working in, and an EA may at ELIPD.org in early Sept. Send ques- We applaud your administration for its staggered, committed to providing addi- request to be assigned to a different bor- tions to [email protected]. focus on science throughout this pan- tional buses, and, most importantly, pro- ough. Teaching will be purely voluntary demic. We ask that you also focus on the vided additional staff to any D75 schools on the part of the EA, and if an EA vol- math.” and 3K/PreK program that requested it. unteers to teach, it may only be in the The difficult task of convincing appropriate area as per their teaching the city of the staffing shortage took Education Administrators credential. All contractual rights includ- Letter aggressive advocacy, constant commu- The city had consistently said that ing salary, seniority and due process will nications, and CSA members standing the 4,500 additional teachers would be continue uninterrupted, and EAs retain Honor Our Colleagues together to voice concerns. CSA had substitutes, teachers from the ATR pool, Continued on Page 6 To the Editor: As a retired NYC high school assistant principal and CSA high school director, I want to Rosa Takes Helm As Education Comissioner thank and congratulate CSA President Mark Cannizzaro for the difficult, BY EMMA KATE FITTES And despite the deep uncertainties surrounding remote teach- but most important, leadership role ing, she sounded an optimistic note about how educators around he has taken urging the mayor and Betty Rosa became the state’s interim education commissioner the state might be able to help each other. “With increased use chancellor to delay in-school instruc- in late August, resigning from her position as chancellor of the of technology, schools will be able to partner to expand their tion until all school staff is properly Board of Regents to replace Interim Commissioner Shannon offerings, including AP and high-level coursework,” she wrote. trained to protect themselves and Tahoe. In taking the job, she became the third interim commis- “A teacher in one school may now be able to connect remotely their students from contracting the sioner since last August. with students in multiple schools and districts, helping to level coronavirus, more school nurses are Rosa said her priorities include providing consistency within the playing field and foster equity in education for our high-need hired, and schools purchase suffi- the department, advocating for more federal funding and schools. cient personal protection equipment. addressing the gap in access to broadband among students. “This Ms. Rosa, a CSA member, served as a bilingual paraprofes- While I, as well as my colleagues, school year will not be a lost year,” she said in an Aug. 28 letter sional, teacher, and principal before becoming a district superin- fully understand and recognize the to educators. “Rather, this will be a year of learning for adults tendent and senior superintendent in the Bronx. She has served importance of returning to in-school and children alike. We are pioneers in adapting how we educate on the Board of Regents since 2008, and as its chancellor since instruction, it must take place in a children within the confines this pandemic has placed upon us.” 2016. safe and protected environment. Unfortunately, as I write this in mid-August, that is not the case. Rallies All Around America –Norm Sherman CSARC Florida Liaison, Solidarity Outreach Coordinator With USA's Teachers’ Post Office Retirement Workers System

n Aug. 25, thousands August 2020 Oof people rallied across Unit Values America on behalf of the US Postal Service. In New York Diversified Equity City, dozens of demonstrators Fund: 101.852 including members of the New Balanced Fund: 16.537 York Metro Area Postal Union International Equity and others representatives of Fund: 10.468 NYC labor unions, gathered on the steps of the Farley Post Sustainable Equity Office to demand that elected Fund: 22.064 officials and Postmaster U.S Equity Index General DeJoy provide at least Fund: 11.387 $25 billion in immediate support for the Postal Service, and International Equity stop and reverse mail slow- Index Fund: 10.561 SEAN MACKELL, CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL down policies. www.trsnyc.org 4 CSA NEWS Sept. 2020

NATION Amid School Reopening Chaos, Labor

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Departures At The Top Of DOE TSA Virus Cases BY CHUCK WILBANKS months at the DOE I have been As cases of Coronavirus in the blown away by the dedication District rose to over 1,500 at the of the team and the leadership beginning of August, the union that As CSA members and their represents Transportation Security staffs struggled to reopen of the chancellor.” Administration (TSA) officers is schools amid a pandemic, sev- She is reportedly taking a job urging that the most vulnerable eral key top education officials with the campaign of former employees be allowed to stay headed for the exits. de Blasio chief counsel Maya home. At the beginning of the Ursulina Ramirez stepped Wiley, who is exploring a run pandemic, there was a leave policy down in late September as the for mayor. enacted that allowed employees in DOE’s chief operating offi- David Bloomfield, a professor high-risk groups to use weather and cer after more than four years of educational leadership and safety leave and all work schedules in the role. Over the last six policy at Brooklyn College, said were reduced. Towards the end of months, she was a point person that, in an already unpredictable June, the policy was canceled and in the city’s move to remote time, school leaders have been officers were ordered back to work, learning as well as well as the bearing the brunt of the unpre- though air travel is still dramatically city’s decision to offer virtual dictability created by non-ed- down. Though protective measures and in-person learning during ucators such as Ms. Hirsh. He have been implemented, the union the fall. pointed out that, despite her contends those measures are not Her departure followed previous work for a labor union, enough to protect the most vulner- that of Cheryl Watson-Harris, upon her departure, she offered able. (Washington Post) who quit her job as first dep- no words of praise for adminis- OREGON uty chancellor earlier in the trators, teachers or support staff summer to become superint- CHUCK WILBANKS who actually work in schools. USPS Changes dent of DeKalb County, Ga., n Ursulina Ramirez is leaving for a non-profit. “All the work is being done Portland postal workers say they are and Tomas Hanna, the DOE’s by principals,” he said. “They fighting systemic changes that have chief human capital officer, While there has been a that of Alison Hirsh, who had were the ones who received one resulted in mail slowdowns. As in who became superintendent of proliferation of high-ranking quit the mayor’s staff in June, bottle of disinfectant in March cities across the country, there is schools in Coatesville, Penn. jobs during the chancellorship reportedly unhappy because of for their buildings, and had no concern over the impact on election Ms. Ramirez, who had been of Richard Carranza, school Mr. de Blasio’s defense of the idea who to report [Covid] cases materials. For example, there were well-regarded among officers at leaders have had to contend NYPD. Nearly simultaneously, to. While they were working reports of election-related mail CSA, began her career as a child with a staffing crisis due to the she landed a high-ranking during the summer, the DOE being delivered after the Portland care worker at a treatment cen- pandemic, the added demands job at DOE as one of a small expected them to also do the City Council special election. Critics of blended learning, and a hir- group of officials tasked with work of the spring, and simul- assert many changes that are affect- ter for emotionally disturbed ing freeze. At the same time, the reopening of schools. But ing delivery already are due to the youth. Before joining the DOE taneously plan for the fall. far fewer CSA members have on Sept. 11, only a few days newly appointed postmaster gen- in 2014, she worked for then Meanwhile, every day there eral Louis DeJoy’s initiatives which, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. retired over this summer than before schools had been slated have been new facts on the they say, are making way for privat- Once at DOE, she helped with during the same period last to begin live instruction, she ground, and new policies com- ization. Rallies in support of postal his plan for universal preschool. year, despite concerns that the announced her departure. ing from Tweed and City Hall. workers have been happening in She said she will be working for number might increase. “Now that September has The whirlwind that principals Portland. (Street Roots) a nonprofit, which she did not Perhaps the most notorious arrived it is time for me to move have inherited has been a terri- name. of the Tweed resignations was on,” she tweeted. “In my three ble burden.” NORTH CAROLINA Caravan Protest Educators, parents and cafeteria Dr. Doug V. workers formed a caravan to pro- The Welfare Fund Hathaway test in front of GOP Senator Thom Tillis’s office to call on him to support the HEROES Act, the $3 trillion package to provide assistance to What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been those struggling in the pandemic. The North Carolina Association of ong time members may tions. Through it all, the staff and I vowed to do as much as Educators organized the protest. remember that in my college we could to continue to support our members. We arranged Some $58 billion of the package days I was a DJ on my college to have all voice messages left emailed to staff, who made was to go toward the reopening of radio station, even serving as sure they were answered. We continued to provide key bene- K-12 schools. Members of the car- Lstation manager for a year. (The CSA fits, such as prescriptions and dental coverage with no inter- avan urged Tillis to represent the News for September 2007 has proof ruption, but with slightly slower reimbursements for dental people of North Carolina, rather – a photo of me with muttonchop claims. Optical and hearing aid vouchers were generated and than his party. (WRAL) sideburns and a full head of hair at processed. a turntable.) This was in the early to ILLINOIS mid 1970’s, and what I fondly listen • • • Benefits Extended to on my satellite radio, or stream decided to keep remote access to our computer system while I am working, as Classic Rock limited, in order to protect member’s privacy and iden- Illinois extended unemployment I played back then as top-40 songs. tity in this strange environment. Because of the restricted benefits for an additional 20 While I was not a great fan of the access to members’ private information, reimbursement weeks due to the Coronavirus Grateful Dead back then, a line Ifor claims submitted directly to the fund has been slowed. pandemic. Nineteen states are from one of their songs sums up On behalf of the entire staff I wish to thank each and every reportedly offering the exten- On Friday sion, to date. With over 40 the last few months: “What a Long, one of you for your patience and understanding with these million Americans having filed The 13th Strange Trip it’s Been.” delays. unemployment since the begin- Thinking back to the last day At the time of this writing, we are scheduled to return to ning of the pandemic, some In March, the Welfare Fund staff and I were the office, in a limited fashion, coincident with the return of 1.45 million are from Illinois. in the office, Friday, March 13 (of members to their schools. To ensure the safety and health of Though criticized for delays in We Had course it would be Friday the thir- our staff and maintain social distancing, we will be working distributing unemployment teenth – what else would fit?) we on a staggered basis, with half of the staff in the office each benefits early in the pandemic, it No Idea had no idea what was coming, and day. With this level of staffing we will be able to resume is hoped that the extension will fully expected to be in the office on answering calls and resume processing claims that have been help ease the financial burden What Was Monday. Even though my trip to submitted. We will process claims in the order received, with many are feeling, as a second retirees in Arizona and California the earliest submitted being reimbursed first. We again thank federal stimulus remains at a Heading had just been cancelled, other trips you for your patience and understanding as we reduce the standstill. (Block Club Chicago) Our Way and meetings were still planned. backlog and work to resume “normal” operations. — Compiled by What followed, of course, has Christine Altman been a global pandemic, with exten- Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway is CSA Welfare Fund sive lockdowns and travel restric- Administrator.You can email him at [email protected]. Sept. 2020 CSA NEWS 5

PUBLIC MONEY NATION Charter Schools Grow Education DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Critical Funds Numerous school, health officials Stronger With Federal and organizations are calling for Congress to fund repairs and provide technical assistance to schools to improve ventilation and air COVID Relief Funding quality systems in the amounts of $10 billion and $25 million, respec- tively. Prior to the pandemic, the BY CHUCK WILBANKS pot of relief money for public schools – Ms. Chang said the PPP was not the US Government Accountability the Elementary and Secondary Schools only loan assistance program available to Office estimated 41% of US school As public schools in New York City Emergency Relief Fund, or ESSER) – is private and charter schools. They are also districts needed to update their are laboring under intense staffing and available to charters and private schools eligible to tap into the Economic Injury heating, ventilation and air con- resource shortages, charter and private which educate children in poverty. So far, Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which pro- ditioning systems in at least half schools have been doing quite well, only 36 states have disclosed their ESSER vides loans to cover operating expenses of their schools – approximately thanks to a surge in federal pandemic allocations. “This gap will likely widen, as 36,000 schools. Money allocated to relief money. charter and private schools are also enti- date has reportedly helped to meet Covid Stimulus Watch, a Washington- tled to a portion of federal funding for Approximately 1,200 the need for Personal Protective based watchdog group that is part of the public education,” she said. Equipment, cleaning, technology and social distancing, but is not non-profit Good Jobs First, identified at Ms. Chang said that since PPP loan charter schools and enough to address air quality least 1,200 charter schools and 5,400 disclosures from the Small Business issues. (EducationDive) private schools around the country that Administration were reported in dollar 5,400 private schools received about $5.7 billion in loans ranges, not exact values, she used the MISSOURI granted under the Paycheck Protection midpoint of each range to estimate loan in the USA have received Program. The loans are available to pri- amounts. Conversations vate companies and non-profit organiza- The relief inequities highlight a major about $5.7 billion, The third annual Teaching Black tions but not public entities. contradiction in how charter schools an average of $855,000 History Conference, hosted by The loans nationally averaged characterize themselves. Typically, as LaGarrett King, an associate pro- $855,000 per school. In contrast, other they seek space in public school buildings per school. Public fessor of social studies education parts of the CARES Act allocate $13.2 bil- and educational funding for their opera- at the University of Missouri, lion for all of the 98,158 public schools tions, they argue they are public entities, schools have received brought together over 1,000 in the country, or $134,500 per school. often referring to themselves as “public teachers from across the country to discuss how to reshape Thus, private and charter schools are get- charter schools.” But when it suits them, far less. history instruction in the US, to ting six times more per facility than pub- they portray themselves as strictly private reflect the fullness of America’s entities. lic schools. multicultural history. The vir- In New York City alone, charter “This raises serious questions about and revenue losses to business affected by tual conference drew about 700 schools collected nearly $97 million in equity in education, and the nature of the pandemic. more teachers this year than last, loans, said Melissa Chang, the researcher charter schools – whether they’re public “So far, we have identified almost 300 underscoring the importance and who collected and analyzed the data. schools or companies,” Ms. Chang said. charter and private schools which have urgency of this work in the wake Ms. Chang also predicted that, as dra- “The CAREs act money shows that they ‘double-dipped’ and received both PPP of George Floyd’s death. Many matic as those funding numbers may are companies, and it’s not fair. All of and EIDL loans,” she said. So far, she schools are focusing increasingly seem, they actually may be an under- this comes at the expense of public edu- has uncovered $46 million in EIDL loans on incorporating current events, statement. A portion of the $13.2 billion cation.” received by these schools. as well as activism. (US News)

VIRGINIA Farm To School GARY GOLDSTEIN The US Department of Agriculture awarded the Virginia Department of Education a Travel Desk $100,000 Farm to School grant to bring locally grown foods to school lunches. The grants will provide for students to learn about locally sourced food, Answers To Travel-Related Questions healthy eating and an understanding of the food industry BY GARY GOLDSTEIN confirm that the facilities are open and available for your in Virginia. There are plans for enjoyment. student field trips to farms and My article in the summer edition of CSA News generated for the creation of an agricul- many travel-related questions. Here are some of my observa- Cruising ture-based curriculum, as well as tions that I hope will help you as you make plans. As we go to press, the major cruise companies and their using the cafeteria as a practical subsidiaries have “Stop Sail Mandates” put in place by the learning lab. (WDVM) Airline Travel CDC through Dec. 2020. Cruise lines anticipate being able Most carriers have severely cut back on domestic to start up after that date and are doing a brisk business TENNESSEE and international schedules. Health protocols include booking those cruises. Many of the larger vessels have now mandated face coverings, rigorous cleaning procedures, returned from distant ports after repatriating their crews. Tutoring and revised requirements for entrance. Some Caribbean When booking a cruise into the future, assure yourself of A program, the Tennessee Tutoring nations are requiring negative Covid testing results the following: Corps., was launched by the Haslam prior to arrival. Domestically, traveling from one state • Are there stringent cleansing protocols? Foundation to help combat “COVID- to another may require mandated quarantine up to 14 • Have the numbers of passengers been reduced? 19 slide.” The program paired col- days upon arrival, such as in New York and New Jersey, • Are strict social distancing rules in place? lege students with Kindergarten-6th depending upon where you are coming from. Fares have • In the event of cancellation by you or the cruise line, is graders. It provided older students been reduced dramatically, and most carriers are booking the refund policy consumer friendly? with summer jobs and younger full flights. • Have the medical departments on board been enlarged? students the opportunity to make On a positive note, my sources tell me that the cruise up missed work. The program part- nered with Boys & Girls Club that industry is ready and willing to do all that is necessary to Hotels has 80 sites across 30 of Tennessee’s ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. The major chains say they are diligently putting 95 counties. Approximately 600 cleaning protocols in place. Many hotels are selling only If you wish to view our CSA Travel Desk programs for tutors worked with some 3,000 stu- a percentage of the property on any given night. Check 2021-22, send me an email ([email protected]). dents. (EdSurge) with your individual property and request in writing the Most important, remain resilient, strong and healthy as implemented safety measures. If you choose a resort, we see our way toward a new normal. — Compiled by Christine Altman 6 CSA NEWS Sept. 2020 Reopening: Summer of Non-Stop Work For Members, Leaders, Staff

Continued From Page 3 the right to automatically return to their EA positions (same office and work stream) at the conclusion of a deployment. CSA has also fought hard to make certain that no non-school-based members return to their office without assurances from the DOE about the safety of their workspaces. The Lifting Of A Hiring Freeze Along with the redeployment agreement, CSA also announced that the DOE had finally lifted the hiring freeze for assistant principals. CSA has long communicated the critical role assistant principals play in the supervision of school buildings, and that has never been more true than during this health crisis. It is also crucial that principals are free to assemble their own cabinet. Meanwhile, as has been widely reported in the news, the mayor has frequently discussed the possibility of citywide layoffs due to the current fiscal crisis. Though that may be a real possibility, CSA demanded that the city explore other means to achieve those savings. In the unlikely event of layoffs, all statutory and contractual rights will be enforced, including the right to revert to a prior position so long as certification is valid and current for that prior position. Indemnity For Members CSA also forged an unprecedented agreement with the city providing for full defense and indemnification for any member who is named as a defendant in a COVID-19 related lawsuit. CSA recognized the extraordinary nature of the ongoing pandemic, its impact on schools, and the challenges associated for our members to implement and adhere to the DOE’s new schedules, policies, and protocols now in place. As a result, CSA secured complete protection for members who may be named in a lawsuit and a presumption that members will be represented and indemnified by the NYC Law Department so long as they used good faith efforts to comply with the new safety protocols or did not willfully disregard DOE policy. CSA has also kept the pressure on the DOE and the city to address the individual safety issues at each school where school leaders raised concerns. When there were confirmed positive cases reported at schools after staff returned on Thursday, Sept. 10, the response from the city and DOE simply wasn’t fast enough. CSA released public statements that the DOE must be more transparent and better prepared to support school leaders when a positive case was reported and that communication protocols around positive cases, both confirmed by the DOH and unconfirmed, must improve. Due to our advocacy, the mayor set up a Situation Room to help school leaders address all reports of positive cases. Previously, CSA had also helped secure a nurse in every school building, a principals’ hotline set to handle all PPE needs and safety supplies, and the establishment of ventilation task forces to check the airflow in all school buildings. Early Childhood Education Throughout the late summer, the concerns of early childhood directors in CBO-based centers were unique, and CSA worked to ensure safety guidelines were in place at these centers just as they were in public schools. Because of that advocacy, the DOE filed to receive waivers from New York State which would bring the reopening of these centers in line with the reopening of public schools. CSA will continue to advocate for a nurse in every Pre-K center, just as there is now a nurse in every school building, and will continue to make public statements when the DOE and their sponsoring boards do not provide n As hard as we try, we can’t stop the media from calling CSA “The principals’ union.” (Sorry APs, EAs, Supervisors Of, ECE these educators with the same support as their coun- terparts in public schools. Directors…) Still, a cursory look at their coverage is a testament to how hard our union was pushing the city government Continued On Next Page – on behalf of all of our members -- to recognize reality throughout the spring and summer. Sept. 2020 CSA NEWS 7 Protecting Health And Safety Of NYC Students, Teachers, Members

Continued From Previous Page the city’s financial crisis, CSA ensured that well-de- members. Though the distribution of information served raises and retroactive earnings were paid out and remained far too slow and piecemeal, the DOE finally The Battle For Information performance incentives were distributed. Our union began to make decisions and issue guidance more reg- As it quickly became clear in March that in-person worked with elected officials to restore Fair Student ularly. We warned them repeatedly, first privately and gatherings were a threat to participants’ health, CSA Funding and Single Shepherd funding, to avoid drastic then publicly, about the impossible staffing situation fought for the DOE to cease all large meetings and con- cuts to Foundation Aid on the state level, and to main- they had created. duct parent-teacher conferences remotely. Even though tain funding for community schools and ELI. As we school buildings remained open, CSA helped ensure shifted to summer school, CSA insisted that the DOE Strong Internal Communication that members could utilize as many CAR or sick days as employ many more 12-month assistant principals than CSA has tried to keep members as connected and they needed to care for family members whose school originally expected and helped restore over 500 APs to informed about all these developments as often as had been closed for COVID-19 related reasons, and our 12-month status. Whenever the DOE made a mistake possible with frequent member updates and regular union helped guarantee there would be an acceptable regarding pay, we fought to correct it. And as CSA meetings with district chairs and executive board medical accommodation application process where members nobly volunteered to serve at RECs, our union members. District chairs held district-wide zoom members would not be unreasonably denied. Most helped ensure their protection and secure at least some meetings which many members attended, allowing importantly, we began to argue fiercely for the closing compensation for their sacrifice and generosity of spirit. members to share critical information with their col- of school buildings and offices. Due in part to our pub- leagues and allow them the opportunity to voice con- lic outcry, the last day of in-person learning was just CSA’s Seat At The Table cerns. These conversations, along with emails sent to two days after the first reported death in New York City. As the city first began to discuss reopening school field representatives and CSA leadership, continue to Since the earliest days of this crisis, CSA fought buildings and offices, CSA representatives served on help determine what CSA should advocate for. for the chancellor and his team to address principals city and state task forces focused on education and directly and before other stakeholders. For a time, prin- labor issues, and ensured that DOE also regularly • • • cipals noted at least some improvement in communica- consulted individual in-service principals about their Members can expect to hear from CSA routinely tions. They have since disappointed us again, so we are evolving plans. CSA insisted that all major decisions in the coming weeks with further critical updates. continuing to press the DOE for a more healthy process. on the safety of reopening school buildings should be Protecting the health and safety of members is a top communicated by directives from DOE Central and priority, and if DOE Central does not address our Quality Reviews, Investigations not fall on school leaders’ shoulders on a school-by- members’ concerns or respond to their requests in a Once school buildings were closed, CSA helped school basis, including the critical staff accommo- timely manner, members should escalate the issue to secure commitments from the the city and state to dations process. CSA officials and members secured CSA field staff representatives. postpone quality reviews and school surveys, as well as $10 million in additional funding for planning and “It’s incumbent on the city and DOE to support OSI, SCI and OEO interviews; to extend deadlines for forced the DOE to delay the submissions of school school leaders and make certain our schools and Special Education Remote Learning Plans for students programming models when they had failed to provide early childhood centers have every resource and with IEPs; to cancel Regents, APPR and AP reviews and principals with enough information to make deci- piece of guidance they need to reopen safely and suc- compliance reports; to alter grading and attendance sions. When the DOE went silent for two weeks after cessfully,” Mr. Cannizzaro said. “CSA will continue policies; to proceed with tenure appointments; and to their first blended learning announcement, CSA pub- to hold the city and the DOE accountable to deliver allow the rollover of unused annual leave days. Despite licly identified hundreds of questions received from on their public and private promises.”

Update From General Counsel In These Risky Times, A Major Agreement Won By CSA Adds A Healthy Dose Of Security

BY DAVID GRANDWETTER school leader didn’t fulfill As a general matter, strate good faith efforts to his or her obligations under DOE employees named in comply with the new safety hen I reviewed the playbook.” Finally, as a lawsuit are entitled to related protocols, in light of the third itera- general counsel of CSA, representation and indemni- available resources, in order tion of the 228- I knew we needed to do fication by the Corporation for defense and indemnifi- page annotated something greater to protect Counsel where the alleged cation to be offered. This WPrincipal’s Playbook for members from potential lia- acts occurred while the standard will be applicable the Opening of School, an bility created by reopening member was acting within for any COVID related claim ostensible checklist for all schools during a global pan- the scope of his/her public brought by students, their building reopening scenarios demic. This summer, we set employment. Under rare families, or staff against in this COVID 19 world, I out to do just that. circumstances, the city may the DOE or individual CSA had several reactions. We engaged the take the position that it may members in connection First, merely finishing Corporation Counsel, New decline to defend or indem- with reopening schools this the guide, not to men- York City’s legal depart- nify if the member acted in year. CSA General Counsel David tion understanding all its ment, with a simple yet violation of any applicable We are aware of the Grandwetter complexities, nuances and vitally important demand: law, regulation or agency complexities and challenges exceptions is an accom- While CSA members study rule. We forged an agree- the pandemic has created plishment in and of itself. for school leaders, it also and implement new sched- ment to provide CSA mem- for you. We also know that Second, not only do school is drafted as an immunity ules, policies and protocols bers more protection. you will continue to defy leaders need to finish and shield for the city. That to prepare for the challenges all odds by creating unique understand the playbook, is, for any COVID related associated with providing • • • learning environments to they are – realistically or health and safety occur- a safe and healthy learning he agreement reached provide safe and effective not – expected to imple- rence in a school this year, environment for students with the city is a rec- continuity of instruction for ment it with fidelity and the playbook creates room and staff, the city must ognition by the City your schools this year. confirm with exacting and for city officials to say for also stand by them by pro- that, in light of the We were proud to get this ongoing assurances that it example, “It’s not that our viding representation and Tunprecedented nature of the agreement with the city. As will be strictly adhered to decision to reopen schools indemnification in the event pandemic, CSA members you lead your schools amid in all circumstances this in a pandemic was unsafe of a claim naming a CSA deserve even more assur- so much uncertainty, it pro- year. Third, inasmuch as the or unsound, but this occur- member as a defendant. You ances. Specifically, CSA vides you with a measure of guide is drafted as a resource rence happened because the deserve nothing less. members need only demon- much-needed security. 8 CSA NEWS Sept. 2020

n MARIE ANTOINETTE MUNOZ, 52, the succeed,” said Dr. Panzer-Schwartz. In In Memoriam principal of PS 20 in Port Richmond, died addition to his daughter, Mr. Panzer is Aug. 18, following a short illness. Born survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara, n LARRY AMBROSINO, 72, died Aug. 28. A native of Queens, he graduated from in Bushwick, Brooklyn, she lived in New also a retired AP; another daughter, Susan Mr. Ambrosino grew up in NYCHA hous- Power Memorial Academy in New York City, Jersey at the time of her death. She was Panzer, and three grandchildren. ing in Mariners Harbor and lived in the received his BA from New York University, an assistant principal at PS 67 in Fort n ANTONIO PEPENELLA, JR., 82, died Annadale neighborhood of Staten Island, and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. He Greene and served as principal of PS 20 May 10, 2020, after complications from according to an obituary in the Staten served two tours of duty in the Korean War since before 2012. Ms. Munoz is survived Covid 19. He was a long-time resident of Island Advance. He graduated from New in the US Army and served in the Army by her daughter Jazmin Lopez; a grand- Riverdale. The child of Italian immigrants, Dorp High School, earned a BA in educa- Reserves for over 25 years, retiring as a child, Santana Lamb; her mother and he was born in Manhattan, attended tion from Wagner College and an MA in Lieutenant Colonel. He began his educa- father, Adahizia and Juan Luis Munoz; Stuyvesant High School, graduated from administration and supervision from Kean tion career as a teacher and later became her sister, Jennifer Aponte; a niece and City College, and later received his cre- University in NJ. In 1970, he began teach- an AP at PS 122, the Mamie Fay School, nephew, Kamara and Khalid, and her for- dentials in administration and supervision ing at Markham Intermediate School (IS which he had attended as a child. He also mer husband and father of her daughter, from Manhattan College and Fordham 51), where he went on to be named boys’ served as an adjunct law professor at Mercy Raymond Lopez. Iris Berkel, who served University. In 1959, he began his career at dean. In 1978, he was named assistant College. In retirement, he wrote several as an assistant principal at PS 67 along Aviation High School in Long Island City, principal at IS 72, and in 1980, he became books on World War II. A devout Catholic, with Ms. Munoz, described her as “fear- as a biology and general science teacher. principal of PS 57, which he led for 18 he believed strongly that the lessons of less” in comments she added to a brief Despite his love of teaching, his true call- years. “Larry was my teacher, mentor and the holocaust should not be forgotten. “He obituary that ran on the website of Staten ing was his work as a guidance counselor, friend,” said Mark Washington, a former never compromised on what he valued,” Island-based Matthew Funeral Home. “Her said his daughter, Adelina Pepenella. He student. “He told us, ‘Just because you’re said his son, Robert Grant. “He had an legacy will be her love and dedication.” served as a guidance counselor for over 15 from the Mariners Harbor Houses, don’t let overarching knack to turn any story into a Ms. Berkel’s appreciation of Ms. Munoz’s years and was then appointed AP of guid- them tell you that you can’t achieve any- teaching moment, and he had the mental leadership was echoed by Raheem Wilson, ance. “He had a major impact on the lives thing.’ I loved Larry Ambrosino as a friend dexterity to discuss sports, classical music a teacher at PS 67 whom Ms. Munoz had of many students, and the outpouring of and like a father.” Mr. Ambrosino’s child- and WWII, all in the same sentence.” In hired. “Her drive and compassion for moti- love and appreciation for “Mr. Pep” by for- hood friend, Police Officer Rocco Laurie, addition to his son, Mr. Grant is survived by vating children to excel were inspiring,” mer students to our family has been over- was killed in Manhattan in 1972 at the his wife of 53 years, Maryalice, and three he wrote. whelming,” Ms. Pepenella said. In addition age of 23, along with his partner, and Mr. other children: Richard Gordon Grant Jr., n MORTON DENNIS PANZER, 87, died to his daughter, Mr. Pepenella is survived Ambrosino helped in the effort to name Michael Dudley Grant and Christina Grant June 15. He lived in Monroe Township, NJ. by his wife of 47 years, Luciana Pepenella, IS 72 for Officer Laurie and established Pajak, and ten grandchildren. Donations Mr. Panzer was born in Brooklyn and grad- his son Antonio S. Pepenella – a teacher at an ongoing scholarship in his name. Mr. in his memory can be made to St. Jude uated from the former Thomas Jefferson Aviation – and his granddaughter Alessia Ambrosino retired from the DOE in 1998, Children’s Research Hospital. High School in the East New York neigh- Valentina, whom he met on FaceTime a and then served as superintendent of n IRENE KARRAS, 88, died July 12. She borhood of Brooklyn. He went on to earn few days before his death. schools in Shrewsbury, N.J. for 10 years. He lived in Westchester. The youngest of a bachelor’s degree in education and mas- n LEWIS RAPPAPORT, 78, died July 19 in was a founder and chairman of the Staten four children born to Greek immigrants ter’s degree in education and supervision Scottsdale, AZ, where he and his wife had Island Sports Hall of Fame and served as in the Bronx, Ms. Karras, graduated from from Brooklyn College. He was the captain lived for 21 years. Mr. Rappaport earned a president of the Staten Island Council of the High School of Art & Design on the of Brooklyn College’s last football team bachelor’s degree in history from Brooklyn the Boy Scouts of America. He pursued an Upper East Side and began working for a in the 1950s, playing both offense and College and a master’s degree from Pace unsuccessful Democratic bid for borough greeting card company, said her niece, Nia defense. Mr. Panzer met his wife of 63 University. He began his career as a histo- president in 1993 against incumbent Guy Button. Later, she followed the lead of one years at Brooklyn College. Both went on ry teacher at James Madison High School V. Molinari. He also served as sports infor- of her older sisters, and earned a bache- to become administrators with the DOE. in Sheepshead Bay, and then was appoint- mation director at Wagner College, hosted lor’s degree from Hunter College and a Mr. Panzer began his teaching career at PS ed assistant principal at the former Grace a sports show on Community Television master’s degree from City College of New 115 in Carnarsie, and then was among the Dodge Career & Technical High School in and worked as a part-time stringer for York. She began her career with the DOE teachers assigned to the newly-opened the Bronx. Mr. Rappaport went on to serve the Advance sports desk. Mr. Ambrosino as an art instructor, before becoming an JHS 211, John Wilson Junior High School in as director of health services from 1984 is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 44 elementary school classroom teacher. She the early 1960s, where he taught physical to 1986, before being named principal of years, his son Larry, his daughters Lori was appointed an assistant principal at PS education. He remained there his entire George Westinghouse Career & Technical Harkin and Lissa Loughlin and six grand- 67 in the Bronx, before being named prin- career, serving as a dean, and an assistant Education High School in downtown children. In commenting upon his death, cipal of PS 59 in Manhattan, which at the principal. He retired in 1991.His daughter, Brooklyn. He retired from that post in 1996. Jessica Jackson, principal of IS 72 (Police time shared a building with Ms. Karras’s Ellen Panzer-Schwartz, noted that he ran a In retirement, Mr. Rappaport enjoyed play- Officer Rocco Laurie Intermediate School), former high school. Ms. Karras retired from bowling league for kids on Saturdays. For ing tennis, opera, chamber music and fine referred to him as “a giant. As he did for the school in 1990, after which she served 21 years, Mr. Panzer worked at a summer art; he also volunteered in the Scottsdale Rocco Laurie, we will do for him and con- as a mentor to teachers in training at camp for under-privileged youngsters in community, as president of the Desert tinue to keep his spirit and mission alive.” Queens College, and evaluated teachers Glen Spey, NY, in Sullivan County, eventu- Foothills Jewish Community Association, The day he died, his son, Larry, wrote, “He at a Manhattan elementary school where ally becoming director. In 1968, he began organized a film festival and a film group came from nothing and never had a father a former colleague and friend was princi- participating in Champlain Colony, a while in Scottsdale. Mr. Rappaport is sur- of his own but yet was the best father to pal. In addition to Ms. Button, Ms. Karras teachers’ bungalow community in upstate vived by Lynn, his wife of 49 years. An obit- me and so many people who needed him is survived by cousins Sophie Christoforou New York, where he and his family eventu- uary provided to CSA News noted that Mr. to lean on.” and Peter Kanakis. Her niece said her aunt ally spent their summers. He was a mem- Rappaport “will be remembered for giving n DAVID L. CLARKE, JR., 82, a resident loved to travel, attend family gatherings, ber of the first committee responsible for George Westinghouse much needed sta- of Buford, GA, died Aug. 6 from Covid. garden, and take classes — in everything working to establish Special Education in bility as well as displaying great concern Born in Brooklyn, he graduated from from short-story writing and art, to piano NYC. He was also dedicated to CSA, and for students and staff alike.” served as a mentor for assistant princi- Stuyvesant High School and earned a and poetry. “She was an extraordinary n ROBERT RAPPAPORT, 96, a resident pals and principals. “He always believed bachelor’s degree from from City College. person,” said Ms. Button. “She was very of Lake Worth Beach, Fla., died Feb. in diversity and that every child could He did additional coursework at St. John’s child-centric.” 21. After a stint in the US Navy toward University before beginning the end of World War II, Mr. his 34-year educational career Rappaport began his educa- in the early 1960s as a sub- tion career as a science teach- stitute teacher, according to er at the former Alexander his daughter, Akilah Clarke, an Hamilton Vocational High English teacher at International School in Queens. In 1971, Community High School in the Mr. Rappaport joined the Bronx. He went on to teach founding group of educa- history, then became a dean, tors at a new high school in before his appointment as South Jamaica, Queens, called AP at MS 61 (Dr. Gladstone H. August Martin, named after Atwell) in District 17 – a posi- a Tuskegee Airman and the tion from which he retired in first black airline pilot in the the mid-1990s. He also worked US. He was an AP of guid- part-time supervising youth at ance. In 1973, Beach Channel the New York Public Library for High School, specializing in over 40 years, and several sum- oceanography, was built on mers as an inspector for the Jamaica Bay in Queens, and NYC Board of Health. Mr. Clarke Mr. Rappaport became the was a member of the Phi Beta first principal. While at Beach Sigma fraternity, played pad- Channel, Mr. Rappaport pro- dleball and read extensively. In moted the first and only crew addition to his daughter, Mr. team in New York City, and Clarke is survived by his niece built bonds between the high Kisha and her son Joshua, as school and Southampton well as four stepdaughters. College (part of Long Island n RICHARD GORDON GRANT, n Antonio Pepenella, Jr. of Aviation HS, Queens: ‘His University) and Kingsborough 81, of Brewster, NY, died Aug.18. n Irene Karras retired from PS 59 in Manhattan in 1990. true calling was his work as a guidance counselor.’ Continued on next page Sept. 2020 CSA NEWS 9

INTERVIEW School Leader Wraps Up Long, Rewarding Career In Brooklyn Continued from Page 1 year, and try to internalize that for the school, Every parent, every teacher had questions. Every and uncover which parts of it made sense for our day it was something new. We didn’t know how school. You feel like you have to please the super- to plan; it wasn’t adding up; and we were running intendent and the chancellor but at the same time out of time. And now, with the added demands I had 100 teachers who I wanted to help grow. of remote and blended learning, we are under a Somehow, I would try and make those things meet. threat of layoffs. Well, what’s the verdict on the benefits Do you agree with the de Blasio of so many rapid changes? Administration’s push to open the It wasn’t all bad. Sometimes there was a lot of schools for in-person learning? good from those rubrics coming from above. I was On the one hand, they’re proud of their low always idealistic, and I understood the way profes- infection rate. But in the back of my mind, maybe sional development could help certain things, and they’re putting on an act to get funding that I did truly believe in making those improvements. isn’t secured. When I did a walk-through of our Typically, the simplest things get a lot of buy-in. building with my successor, I asked our custodian They’re not easy, like the concept of getting kids about the situation with HVAC, and with cleaning to talk more and teachers to talk less, and creating supplies. He looked at me like I was crazy! He said, classrooms that promote more student discourse. ‘We don’t have HVAC and we’ve had a $60,000 Even the quality review was looking for that. It was budget cut! Even if they give us all the supplies something teachers did have to learn, especially we need, how are we going to pay the guys (the if they came from a more traditional approach. custodians)?’ That’s the job of the principal, to look at what is I’ve done this a long time. Normally we would being promoted, and see what areas in our school have the whole school programmed by Aug. we could focus on and improve. There was a lot of 14, before I go on vacation, and here we are (in growth in those areas. late-August) and they’re just starting to pull the plan together. So many things are in flux, such as Hasn’t the job gotten harder, more how many students there will be at one time and unmanageable? how many teachers have had their health waivers The last three, four, five years -- the job has approved. It’s very challenging. been getting harder. It’s not easy to sift out just what it is. Just living in the city, people are feeling With all of that, should the city have a lot of pressure. Kids are under pressure to get pursued another approach entirely? into the right schools. People’s problems are real There was a line of thinking among many – there is child abuse; people die. All the problems principals that we should have spent the summer n Lenore DiLeo-Berner was principal of Park Slope, come to you and you feel like you have the weight focusing on getting better at remote learning. Brooklyn’s MS 51 for nearly 15 years. of the world on your shoulders. It’s very intense The teachers were amazing: They learned and stressful. As happy as I was, it didn’t take away from the fact that there was enormous pressure. Looking back on your career, how has Deep down, though, you know you’re doing good Problems come to you. There the work changed? work. And every now and then, someone thanks My first year as a principal was the first year you. You remember those! was enormous pressure. Deep that the city instituted quality review. It was an enormous change. Then, we went from districts So are you going to miss it? down, though, you know you to regions to networks and then back to districts. It’s nice to be part of a school where you’re are doing good work. There were so many system changes over that part of the community. My husband grew up in 14-year span. The last several years, we’ve worked that neighborhood; my kids grew up there, and hard to institute more systems to provide more they went to 51 before I was the principal. I was a equity in terms of middle school articulation. happy principal there: I loved the loud hallways so much, but there is so much more to learn. Our school remained intact during all the sys- and the energy of middle school. It was a very We could have looked at new technologies, new tem upheaval. We have a beautiful arts school. My happy life. You feel like you’re the mayor of a approaches, and new schedules. The thinking has job was always to manage change and interpret small town. It was my home and my identity for a been, ‘Why are we trying to plan for this blended the change to my staff and to explain rubric after very long time. I’ll miss that energy, the concerts thing when there aren’t enough answers to our rubric, trying to make sense of these changes to and performances we had, the lifelong relation- questions how to handle remote learning?’ them. I would hear about the DOE’s focus of the ships, and I’ll miss the children.

Continued from previous page Brooklyn. After attending Samuel J. Tilden countless students’ lives,” said his wife, Richmond. After her college graduation, Community College, linking courses that High School, he earned his bachelor’s Florence Wexler. “He felt great pleasure she moved to Brooklyn, and received a would lead to careers in the science and and master’s degrees from New York and pride in meeting his former students master’s degree in early childhood edu- seafood industries. “He saw the scien- University. He began his teaching career and hearing about their successes.” In cation from Bank St. College of Education. tific gains of oceanography was always in 1956 at Halsey Junior High School, JHS retirement, Mr. Wexler and his wife trav- She was director of Quincy Lexington Day seeking the best future for his students,” 296, in Brooklyn. In 1957, he was drafted elled around the country and the world. Care and director of St. John’s Place Family said DOE colleague and principal, Sandra into the army and spent two years at He also enjoyed golf, reading, storytell- Day Care, where she retired. She was an C. Hassan. In 1982, Mr. Rappaport was Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina ing, and spending time with his life-long active member of CSA for 22 years after named principal of Fairlawn High School where he served as a chaplain’s assistant. friends. He was an active member of syn- retirement. Mrs. Williams was an involved in New Jersey and went on to become the Following his military service, he returned agogues in Canarsie and Bayside. In addi- congregant in the Wayside Baptist Church assistant superintendent of the school dis- to JHS 296 as a history teacher, and sub- tion to his wife, he is survived by his sis- in Brooklyn until her death. She is survived trict there. After retiring from Fairlawn, Mr. sequently became a guidance counselor ter, Fay Taub, his daughters Lorri Emanu, by her husband of 58 years, Claude L. Rappaport and his wife of 72 years, Rhoda, and an assistant principal at the school. In Jodi Posner, sons Dr. Leonard H. Wexler, Williams, her son William “Pop” Braswell, moved to Lakeworth. In addition to his 1971, Ted was appointed principal at the and Fred Wexler, and his grandchildren, her daughter, Cheri L. Jenkins, and three wife, he is survived by a son and daughter, Margaret S. Douglas Intermediate School, Jessica, Dylan, Justin, Zoe and Abby. granddaughters. and several grandchildren. IS 292 and continued as the head of school n MARGARET ANN WILLIAMS, 88, n THEODORE R. WEXLER, 85, died May until his retirement in 1991. “He was a died on April 14. Born in Dawn, VA., she Send obituary notices to CSA News 10. He lived in Bayside. Mr. Wexler was committed and dedicated educator who attended Virginia public schools and grad- Editor Chuck Wilbanks at chuck@csa-nyc. born in Stamford, CT and was raised in brought light, laughter and learning into uated from Virginia Union University in org. 10 CSA NEWS Sept. 2020 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS Gayle Lockett Updates, Reminders Not Missing A Beat, n the past, the Labor Day Parade started a new round of activities for our union’s retirees. Along with in-service mem- CSA’s Retirees Rise bers, we would march side by Iside, ride the CSA float or a double decker bus for our common cause of unionism. To The Challenges This year, of course, there was no parade. Because of the pan- BY LUCIE ELIO, PATRICIA MACK CSA’s Retiree Chapter Educational/Cultural demic, our city has had to con- AND ANA MALDONADO Committee couldn’t do the same. Without front complex challenges of safely opening schools. CSA President skipping a beat, we, along with Mr. Brodsky, Mark Cannizzaro has been in close y the end of the second week of reached out to a wide variety of people and contact with the executive board, district chairs and all our March 2020, the CSA administra- organizations. Possibilities opened. Mark members about the twists and turns of this process. He has tion decided that all workers at 40 suggested offering the educational/cultural been proactive, serving on committees and meeting with all Rector St. would work from home events to all CSA Retiree members, through- the groups that have a stake in opening schools safely. After because of the Covid pandemic. out the United States, at no fee. the DOE’s failure all summer to provide definitive criteria BThe number of people infected in New York We scheduled classes, lectures, and demon- for opening schools to in-person learning, Mr. Cannizzaro City and State, other states, countries, and strations throughout the spring and summer. and the CSA leadership team succeeded in prompting the continents was rapidly growing, and the Some examples: Books & Bagel book club, city to grant a much needed delay in reopening schools, so safety of CSA’s staff was of utmost concern. cooking, creative writing, finance, lectures our members could have time to conduct more planning RC Director Mark Brodsky immediately -“Understanding the Supreme Court,” and organization. Kudos to CSA leadership! began weekly Zoom meetings among the CSA “The Radical Camera: 1936-41,” Broadway • • • Retiree Chapter staff. It was remarkable to Musicals, Health/Wellness Concerns, offer- have such a means of communication and it ings by the NY Historical Society, classes in n the political front, our PAC held a political liaisons felt great to be in contact with colleagues. We Spanish, and crochet for beginners. Long- meeting with all 18 regional unit political liaisons all learned Zoom and now use it routinely. time participants continued the activities in Oand unit leaders. Mr. Cannizzaro, AFSA President Each staff member contributed to moving various clubs, such as bridge, jewelry, quilt- Ernest Logan, CSA Director of Political and Governmental forward on the new platform. ing, and Mah Jongg. Within 10 weeks, more Affairs Gabriel Gallucci, Retiree Chapter Legislative By the third week of meetings, a phenom- than 500 people registered, with retirees from Liaison Mitra Lutchman, RC Secretary and leader of the enal, organic conversation began. How do six different states. CSARC Political Committee Janice Imundi, RC Director Mark Brodsky, the RC officers and I all attended. Entitled “Building Relationships and Developing a National Focus,” uring a sad, frightening time, CSA’s Mr. Logan spoke on the national perspective and empha- ‘During a sad, frightening DRetiree Chapter members have demon- sized that we cannot take anything for granted. For exam- strated resilience. The ability to be tough, to ple, we must watch the outcome of the HEROES ACT and time, the RC members adjust, and to change accordingly are attri- the CARES ACT. He stressed the importance of making coa- demonstrated resilience, butes of all our members. litions within states and with other labor groups. The CSA Retiree Chapter Educational/ toughness, adaptability.’ Cultural Committee will continue planning • • • events in the fall. The program offerings and ewly retired CSA members must join the Retiree Chapter schedules will be listed on the CSA website to receive the RC supplemental benefits. It is an advan- we keep our CSA Retirees engaged? How do and in the CSARC Updates sent by Mark Ntage to the newly retired members to maintain a rela- we provide a service for our active, creative, Brodsky. tionship with CSA through the RC. To safeguard benefits in and perpetually prolific learners? The staff retirement, renew your membership in PAC. With almost became aware that several organizations Lucie Elio, Patricia Mack and Ana Maldonado 11,000 retirees including spouses, there is strength in numbers. and institutions were offering virtual classes are the CSA Retiree Chapter’s educational and Contact Mark Brodsky for the RC and PAC membership forms and lectures, and we saw no reason that cultural coordinators at [email protected] or call 212-823-2074. At present, the RC’s Executive Board and regional units will continue to hold our meetings through Zoom. Even if you do not have access to a computer, laptop or tablet, retirees will be able to join the unit meeting by calling in. If Welcome New Members you do not belong to a unit, you can join one at any time. (Remember, you must be a member of the RC before join- Mary Alarcon George Fitting Laurence Lord Arlene Ramos ing a regional unit.) Unit leaders are still sending out their Rita Baboolal Paulette Foglio Anthony Loverso Debra Ramsaran newsletters by email and or snail mail. The Educational/ Marlene Berger Timothy Gannon Linda Malloy Glenn Raysor Cultural Committee, led by lead coordinator, Lucie Elio will Joseph Chou Ana Garcia Diane Marino Socorro Rivera continue to offer virtual lectures and classes. Watch for the Maurice Collins Mylene Gomez Coleman Ronald Rodkin Retiree Chapter updates sent by email. Melody Crooks Gerard Gonsalves John Michalos Theresa Rosato-Lopes Alisha Cross Tanyia Hector Margaret Morrison Donald Smirti In Unity, Gayle Lockett Frank Degennaro Jeffrey Houston Noreen Mullen Cynthia Smith Michael DelSignore Nina Ishmael Maria Nunziata Lorenzo Soleyn Marie DiBella George Joseph Charles Ogundimu Ada Torres Jeanna Dickerson Lena Kim Lisa Ostrom Joan Weber Darlene Dobbs Kleanthis Korkotas Catherine O’Sullivan Li Zhu Patricia Drew Ruth Lacey Peter Paolino Deborah Ziozis Susan Ehrlich Breina Lampert Magaly Paz Andrea Feldman Maria Leibowitz Kampta Persaud Elyse Finkel Judith Levine Eartha Pruitt Sept. 2020 CSA NEWS 11 Be Forewarned! Met Opera Musicians Retroactive Payments, Furloughed For A Year And Email Addresses BY CHUCK WILBANKS American Guild of Musical Artists said in a statement that “the Met seems BY MARK BRODSKY The Metropolitan Opera announced uniquely determined to leverage this on Sept. 23 that it canceled its entire moment to permanently gut our con- e were informed by the DOE that all DOE members who retired on or 2020-21 season, staying dark until next tract.” Wafter April 23, 2019, would receive a retroactive payment by the end of September. Roughly 1,000 full-time “The Met has done next to noth- August 2020. Members saw this payment on or around August 31 or September employees, including its orchestra and ing to try to get its unionized artists 1st. Some banks and savings institutions float your money an extra day or two. chorus have already been furloughed back to work. Since the beginning of That time has passed, and while most of our retirees did get this pay- without pay since April. the COVID-19 crisis, the Met has con- ment, many have not. If you did not get this payment, please send your “After being furloughed without fined itself to streaming previously name and file number to [email protected]. Note that TRS will be notified pay for six months, we are concerned recorded HD productions to solicit of this salary increase and that your pension will be recalculated. for our members and their families as donations and producing a series of Every once in a while, we get a call or an email from a very irate retired they navigate what will now be over a small, non-union video productions. CSA member complaining they went online and logged into their DOE year without economic support from This is distressing and unacceptable. email and it is gone – never to be seen again. The member is furious that the Met,” said The MET Orchestra The Metropolitan Opera, because of its not only have they lost this account, but the DOE gave them no warning. Musicians, all members of American unique stature in opera, classical music, Let this be your warning! Once you retire or leave service – the DOE is Federation of Musicians Local 802, in and American art and culture, owes under no obligation to continue to provide you with your …@schools.nyc. a statement. more to its artists and the arts. gov, no matter how many years you have given to the children, parents “Furthermore, we are devastated “Met management is focused on and staff of NYC. They may take it away the day you leave or years after, that the Met has not found ways reducing labor costs, neither realizing but they will take it away without warning. Do not use it for any private or to engage the Metropolitan Opera nor recognizing that you, the artists, are the Met, and that Met does not personal communication. Orchestra during this closure - especially when the Met Stars series shows exist without you. Throughout this If there are people you want to communicate with after you leave service, that there is a possibility for collabo- crisis, Met management has talked at get their personal email address, and use your own personal email address. The ration.” length about the challenges facing the DOE email address belongs to the City of NY and not to you. Be forewarned! Representing the company’s choris- Met while barely sparing a word for the ters, stage directors and dancers, The challenges facing its Artists.” RC Regional Units

PACIFIC COAST LONG ISLAND GEORGIA MANHATTAN As retirees, we have lived through We are working on a newsletter to With this lingering pandemic, the Our executive board has been meet- many challenging experiences. We must be mailed to all our members. Then we current surge in California (and else- ing on Zoom during the pandemic. Our call upon the strength that we used to will resume sending email blasts. In the where), and no sign of abatement by next scheduled Zoom meeting is Friday, come through those difficult times. We meantime, members can reach me at the end of the year, we will forego our Sept. 4, 2020. Please visit our website must face these days of fear and anxiety any time, at [email protected] annual fall luncheon. I have hopes at csaliretirees.com to become a member, with hope for the future. Unfortunately, — Stanley Wilson that we will be able to meet together keep informed of updates and read our our unit is saddened by the passing of in the spring, 2021. In the meantime, newsletter. You can contact the unit one of our members, David L. Clarke. please keep in touch by email or phone through the chat link on the website He was a retired assistant principal from and focus on staying safe and well. or email [email protected] to also District 17 in Brooklyn. Our prayers go BROOKLYN Remember that our vote this November update your email and contact informa- out to each of you and your families On June 22, we held our first is critical! Watch for email updates. tion. Victor Raven, our unit leader, is and we encourage you to stay safe. unit meeting on Zoom. Dr. Douglas —Carol Rainey participating in a rehabilitation program — Georgia Harrison Hathaway, administrator of the which became necessary due to a med- CSA Welfare Fund, was our guest ical problem. We all wish him well and speaker, and CSA First Vice President QUEENS hope that he will rejoin us soon. In the SOUTHWEST Rosemarie Sinclair brought greetings interim, our very capable assistant leader, Due to the pandemic, we have and described the important work our Renee Shulman, is serving as the leader It has been a long, hot, record rescheduled our annual luncheon union has accomplished during this of our unit. Stay safe and healthy during breaking summer in Arizona. We hope meeting at Terrace on the Park. We pandemic. Nearly 90 people joined this time of uncertainty. our members are prevailing in spite of now hope to meet on Tuesday, Oct. our Zoom room, including Brooklyn —Joyce E. Bush Covid-19, although without the usual 12, at noon. Meanwhile, our book club retirees and their spouses, CSA is up and running -- virtually. If you getaways, family visits and extended vacations. Some members have been Executive Board members, Retiree would like to join the monthly meet- Chapter Director Mark Brodsky, RC ings, please contact Andrea Dapolito at SOUTHEAST FLORIDA staying engaged via Zoom and email. We mourn the passing of two active Chair Gayle Lockett, and CSA Vice [email protected]. Remember I hope you are well and staying safe. unit members: Marty Silverman and President Nancy Russo. A big thank to check our website periodically for We have reserved the South County Lewis Rappaport. We extend our sym- you to Mark Brodsky for your invalu- updates at: www.csaqueens.org Stay well Civic Center for our 2020-2021 events, pathy to their families and friends. able assistance! and safe! but the center is now being used as a Until we meet again – virtually, or in — Rosalyn Allman-Manning — Leonard B. Sterman Covid testing site and as of now we person -- stay well and be safe. do not plan to hold any group meet- —Stef Thier and Dom Nigro CENTRAL NEW JERSEY ings there. The Medicare workshop, NORTH NEW JERSEY scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, Get ready to Zoom! We are going to 2020 at 10 am, will be conducted on We will hold our fall unit meeting, have our usual fall breakfast meeting, Zoom by Norman Sherman. I will be ROCKLAND ORANGE BERGEN via Zoom, on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 11 but without the buffet. On Wednesday, sending you the link in my letter to the We have scheduled virtual meetings am. Dr. Douglas Hathaway, director Sept. 23 at 11 am, we will have a gen- membership. Our yearly holiday party, for the rest of the year. On Aug. 18, we of the CSA Welfare Fund, will be our eral membership meeting via Zoom. scheduled for Dec. 14, 2020 as well as held our first Zoom meeting. This was a guest speaker. All who reside in the Many of us are familiar with Zoom and our February luncheon and March 5 chance to catch up on how we were cop- Northern New Jersey area, even if have been visiting family and friends 2021 health fair are also on hold. Our ing with COVID-19 and provided a you are not a member of the unit, are using it. For those of us who are not health and welfare conference sched- tutorial on using Zoom. Our next Zoom invited to join in to hear information familiar with the platform, there are uled for Jan. 11, 2021 will be held on meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 11 AM. that may be valuable to you during this tutorials on YouTube. Lucie Elio at CSA Zoom and you will receive more infor- Dr. Douglas Hathaway will be our fea- pandemic. All you will need to do is can offer guidance, and there are our mation at a later date. To our working tured speaker. We plan to have monthly create a free Zoom account, sign in and grandchildren as well. You can contact colleagues, we wish you well during Zoom meetings through the end of the use meeting ID# 999 5430 4551. No Lucie at [email protected]. Until then, what will be a challenging school year year. The link for the meeting will be password is needed. If you have any stay safe, stay healthy and stay happy. and to all out members STAY WELL! sent several times before each meeting. questions, please let me know. —Lucille Vecchiarelli — Lois Turetzky — Bart Bookman — Lark Morrison W during hertenure asanAPatPS48in her currentprincipalship atPS9,but mindfulness practicesnotonly during stances. Sheintroducedand cultivated could besthelpkidsindifficult circum- work asaschoolleaderandhow she years agopromptedhertorethink her on theroadtobecomingayogateacher ment withMs.Ali,whosaidherstudies has beenhappeningallaroundus.” said inMay.“I’mtryingtomitigatewhat utes totalkaboutthemselves. they arefeeling,givingthemafewmin- school’s youngstudentstodescribehow every day,madeapracticeofaskingher ers gainmoreawarenessaswell.And journal. Shehastriedtohelpherteach- as breathingpracticesandhowtokeepa offering minilessonsofherown,such made apracticeofvisitingvirtualclasses, by hercalm,reassuringvoice.Shealso of yogaposesandmeditations,guided range ofages,goingthroughaseries of activeparticipantsspanningawide during thespring,onecouldfinddozens parents andstudentsalike.Everyweek offering gentleyogaclassesonZoomto was leavinginherschoolcommunity.. help easethepainthatpandemic she hadtodosomethingtryand on March30,PrincipalFatimahAlifelt from complicationsofthecoronavirus peaceful asitmaybe to keepherschoolas emotional infrastructure Principal providessocial, The approachisnotanewdevelop- “I wanttogivethemaforum,”she A long-timeyogateacher,shebegan

BY CHUCKWILBANKS SEPTEMBER 2020 Heights, Brooklyn,died teacher atPS9inProspect a much-lovedthird-grade hen SandraSantos-Vizcaino, Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper And AFreshCoatOfPaint The Power Of Breathing, The PowerOfBreathing, 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC my bestasastudent.’” teachers; Itrytobeagoodfriend, todo ‘I’m amazing;I’msmart;Ilisten tomy I startedwithaschoolaffirmation: ophy ofyogaisnottouseforce. So, them,” shesaid.“Thewhole philos- helping thekids,butIcouldn’t force of theschool.“Iwascommittedto practice andintegrateitintothelife take whatsheknewthroughherown pal, andI’mgoingtobefired.’” said. “Ithought,‘I’mafirst-yearprinci- from lowtoundertheground,”she a no-winsituation:“Moralehadgone pant absenteeism.Itfirstseemedlike by plummetingenrollmentandram- with aschooldeepincrisis,marked the Bronx. Manhattan andaprincipalatPS212in n PS9,Brooklyn,PrincipalFatimahAli:“I’mtryingtomitigatewhat’sbeenhappeningallaroundus.’ She wasconfident thatsuchwork At thesametime,shewantedto At PS212,shewasconfronted checking inwith themselves. other beforebecausetheyweren’t They hadn’tbeenthinkingof each they wouldstarttofeelforeach other. ‘I’m sad,’”Ms.Alisaid. many kidswouldcomeinand write about themselves.“Ican’ttellyouhow would helpwithpositiveadjectives make journalentries,andteachers throughout theschool.Studentswould was devotedtorestorativepractices round ofgentleyoga.Thefirstperiod them throughtheiraffirmationsanda enter thegymandshewouldtake morning, thePre-Kstudentswould restorative circles,andyoga.Each believe it,”shesaid.Soon,added the littleones,theywillcometo youngest students.“Particularlywith would payoff,especiallywithher “There hadbeen asenseofpower- “Kids wouldcomeincrying, and M say “Thisplaceissopeaceful!’” after webeganthiswork,theywould didn’t wanttoentertheschool.But the 42ndPrecinctoftenhadsaidthey third, therewasnone.“Officerswith there were27suspensions,byher While inherfirstyearasprincipal System droppedoffby92percent. into theOnlineOccurrenceReporting began toyielddramaticresults.Entries ger, thesocial-emotionalfocusquickly improved dramatically.” that self-awareness,theirself-regulation a fight,wecoulddiscussthat.With day tobe.Theniftheywouldgetinto needed toputinwhattheywanttheir their ownday.Injournalsthey continued. “Iwantedthemtodesign lessness, andtheywouldgiveup,”she we cankeepthat commitment. that outlet,”she said.“I’mproudthat looking forwardtothatsokids canhave protocols. “It’scomingtolife and I’m practices, andtheteachershave clear continue tobedevotedrestorative how they’refeeling.Thefirst period will starting tocheckinwithstudents about teachers alotofguidance,andthey’re keeled aspossible.Shesaidshehasgiven her schoolwillhelpkeeplifeaseven- the social-emotionalinfrastructureat public schools,Ms.Aliishopingthat year inthehistoryofNewYorkCity they have.” resources andwithintheparameters They’re workingreallyhardwiththe said. “Facilitiesiscertainlyoverlooked. work issometimesoverlooked,”she coming spaces.“Alotofthebackground transform herbuildingsintogentle,wel- and constructionworksheneededto the Bronx,whoprovidedmaterials Carmine FerreraandAnthonyRaoin Carmine FranzeseinBrooklynand Now, in probably the most chaotic Now, inprobablythemostchaotic On thebureaucraticsideofled- Facilities – Joe Lazarus and Facilities –JoeLazarusand the DOE’sDivisionofSchool ful tothehelpshehadfrom s. Alisaidsheisdeeplygrate- and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals •