Summer 2017 Volume 50, Number 10A American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1

n LEFT: An exultant CSA president Ernest Logan greeted members with contract news in 2014 at the CSA Annual Conference at ’s New York Hilton. ABOVE: Before becoming CSA President, Logan was a teacher, an assistant principal, an education administrator and a principal. Here, he instructs elementary school students in .

As the Logan Era Ends, A Look Back At A Big Career BY CHIARA COLETTI science courses into every school, and especially his implementation of Universal oments after Ernie Logan told Pre-K. a room full of CSA members “Ernie was always looking over the he was retiring, Mayor Bill de horizon” the mayor said at the Marriott, Blasio took the microphone and adding that Ernie counseled him years ago Msaid this about CSA’s four-term president: to launch universal Pre-K, include 3-year- “Ernie doesn’t tell you what you want olds, and to return physical education to hear,” De Blasio said at the LaGuardia space to every school. “We’re doing those Marriott. “He is consistent. He will kick things now,” de Blasio said. your butt year in and year out.” In his 10 years as CSA President, Ernie This comes after de Blasio took many a battled fiercely to secure two contracts, verbal drubbing from Ernie, who criticized in 2007 and 2014. In 2014 he, along “the glacial pace of the School Renewal with incoming CSA President and close Program,” “dicey absentee protocols for friend Mark Cannizzaro as lead negotia- children,” and a school disciplinary code tor, secured substantial pay increases for “that prevents principals from using their members and long-sought salary steps for judgement.” education administrators. Recently, Ernie The criticism didn’t affect their pro- helped win pay increases, healthcare sta- fessional relationship because Mayor de bility and professional development for Blasio knew Ernie is an equal opportunity his Early Childhood Directors. He also critic —he’s been no easier on the cur- strengthened the Executive Leadership rent Democratic mayor than he was on Institute, CSA’s professional development Republican Mike Bloomberg before him. arm, partnered with Sage College to found n ABOVE, TOP: As a union leader, CSA President Ernest Logan relished De Blasio also knew that once Ernie is a doctoral program for CSA members, and, school visits. ABOVE: Along with CSA members and fellow labor union- on board, he is a true ally. He threw his full in fierce negotiations, made sure members ists, CSA President Ernest Logan enjoyed a lively Labor Day Parade this support behind Mayor de Blasio’s commu- kept full health benefits. past September. nity schools expansion, the Mayor’s pledge He also oversaw a major real estate to get advanced placement and computer Continued on Page 2 2 CSA NEWS Summer 2017 Leader Of Leaders: Celebrating A Prolific Tenure In NYC Schools Style and Fortitude During Contract Negotiations, Economic Downturns, Actual Hurricanes, Moving Headquarters, And The 9/11 Attacks

Council of School Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 Fax: (212) 962-6130 www.csa-nyc.org President Ernest A. Logan Executive Vice President Mark Cannizzaro First Vice President Henry Rubio Treasurer Christopher Ogno Secretary Sandy DiTrapani Vice Presidents Debra Handler Lois Lee n As a young school leader, Ernest Logan became an Ronald Williams increasingly active voice in CSA’s affairs. Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter Continued from Page 1 Executive Director Operations Erminia Claudio transaction. In 2012, CSA bought its present offices General Counsel at 40 Rector St. in lower Manhattan, and moved David Grandwetter from its longtime Brooklyn headquarters at 16 Court St. The purchase has proven prescient: Despite the n As a child of the projects himself, Mr. Logan brought a wealth of personal experiences to his job as a school leader Executive Director Field Services best efforts of Hurricane Sandy, which hit only weeks Sana Q. Nasser after CSA made the move, the value of the Rector St. at IS 55 in Brooklyn during the 1990s. With poverty and without heat, “Children from tenements are different.” Field Directors property is estimated to have more than tripled since Juanita Bass, Mildred Boyce, the deal closed. New Orleans reentry program for the formerly leaving his wife, Clara, to raise 13 children on pub- James Harrigan, Christine Martin, Daisy O’Gorman, Frank Patterson, incarcerated. “The joy comes from his faith. I don’t lic assistance in the not yet notorious Pink Houses Mercedes Qualls Bigger than Life think he could do any of this without his faith or projects. “The stabilizing force for all of them Assistant Field Directors Ernie’s toughness has always been tempered by without his wife, Bea. She is deeply religious. She’s was religion,” Ernie’s son said. “My grandmother Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, Mauro a bigger-than-life personality that radiates warmth. his rock. The church is what really molded him to believed that everything was possible through the Bressi, Laverne Burrowes, Kenneth Llinas Razor-sharp verbal sparring over educational issues be the trailblazer he is.” power of prayer.” Charles Dluzniewski, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, Aura Gangemi, Ellie is all in a day’s work for a labor leader. But any That church is Mount Cavalry Baptist Church Greenberg, Ray Gregory, Robert Jeanette, offense Ernie offers his opponents during these in Harlem, where Ernie has been a member since Women as Mentors Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, bouts is quickly forgiven. he was born and is now a trustee and deacon. The Fourth-grade teacher Rose Alpert was the other Dorothy Morris, Wanda Soto, MaryAnn Tucker If Ernie won’t hesitate to start a fire, he’s also family stuck with that church, even when his father woman who set Ernie on his career path. In her PS good at putting them out. James, a New York Central Railroad employee, 224 class in East New York, Alpert inspired Ernie to “Even when he’s upset, you feel the joy in him,” moved his brood to what he hoped would be the write about his father’s death. “Rose had the biggest Grievance Director Robert J. Reich said his son James Logan, who manages a city of greener pastures of Brooklyn. But his father died, influence on me of anyone in my life,” Ernie recalled. Assistant Directors Carol Atkins, Alex Castillo, Ed. D Robert Colon, Jermaine Garden, Dale Kelly Marlene Lazar, Ph.D, Steve Rosen Director of Communications Clem Richardson Across , Former And Current Officials Pay Tribute To A Longtime Ally Assistant Director of Communications Corey Bachman Director of Political Affairs Letitia Bill de Dennis Herman Merritt Assistant Director of Political Affairs Former James Blasio Walcott Gabe Gallucci Schools Public Mayor Former Assistant Director John Khani Chancellor Advocate Schools Having Special Assistant to President Chancellor, Gary Goldstein I salute Ernest dedicated 44 and Former CSA Conference Chair Ernie Logan Logan has years to pub- Deputy Pierre Lehmuller and his long been a lic education, Mayor CSA Historian Ernie Logan Manfred Korman esteemed tireless cham- CSA Retiree Chapter career in public education. pion for New York’s children, can be described as nothing less Since I met Ernie about twenty Gayle Lockett, Chair Ernie correctly believed – and particularly those from our than a passionate advocate for years ago, I’ve had the high- Mark Brodsky, Director devoted his career to the most vulnerable communities. children, educators and public est regard for him. We had an belief – that the individual Recognizing the transformative schools. He was an early cham- instant connection. He is warm school is what matters most power of education early in life, pion of Pre-K for All and our and accessible to everyone, and CSA NEWS in a child’s education and that Ernest has dedicated his career partner the whole way through. handles every issue with self-as- Editor Chuck Wilbanks to cultivating a love of learning He has been a huge asset to surance and sensitivity. When I Associate Editor Kate Gibson a great school required great Design Consultant Michele Pacheco leadership. He was a fearless in young people and pushing New York City and his legacy was deputy mayor and chancel- Production Assistant Christine Altman champion for kids who weren’t for a more just, equitable, and of ensuring strong principals lor, we had fascinating discus- getting the education they inclusive educational system. across the City will continue to sions. We didn’t always agree, needed and deserved. Although I’ve had the privilege of work- reap benefits for families. but I had confidence in how he we disagreed from time to time, ing with Ernest for many years would serve students, their fami- CSA News (004-532) is published monthly except July and August for $35 I considered him to be a valued and though his presence at CSA lies, and his city. That is a big part per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector will be truly missed, I know that of who Ernie is, a relationship St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage colleague and good friend. paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional he will continue to be a leader builder, a consensus builder, and mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send our schools have gained tremen- address changes to CSA News, 40 in our city for years to come. Rector St., NY, NY 10006. dously because of that. Summer 2017 CSA NEWS 3 Leader Of Leaders: Celebrating A Prolific Tenure In NYC Schools Style and Fortitude During Contract Negotiations, Economic Downturns, Actual Hurricanes, Moving Headquarters, And The 9/11 Attacks

at IS 201 in Brooklyn, All the while, he was learning about his union, and Carmen Fariña at CSA. PS 6 in Manhattan. “I think I had always been a union guy without Ernie still con- knowing I was,” Ernie said, recalling how other prin- siders his follow- cipals once pressed him to attend union meetings. ing job, Assistant When he became a CSA field director 20 years ago, Principal at JHS 263 in Ernie discovered he loved the work – though it took Brownsville, a career him out of direct contact with children. high point. “When “A commitment to the children of this city is why you’re an AP, you’re I did it,” he said of the career choice. ”I figured I could more in touch with use the power of the union to make many more chil- the children” he said. dren’s lives better.” “If I walked in the “Ernest was charismatic, energetic and totally com- streets and saw kids mitted, in an uneasy time between management and acting the fool, they the union,” said Jill Levy, who preceded him as CSA stopped.” Raised in president. “There was no question that he would be the Pink Houses, Ernie the best candidate to move on to the CSA presidency had a natural affinity later.” for his students, many For his successor Mark Cannizzaro, Ernie became of whom lived in the a union exemplar. “Ernie is one of a kind,” Mark said. Tilden Projects, and “I consider him family and his words of wisdom will n Robert Jackson, former City Councilman, Ernest Logan and his son, James Logan (right). it stuck with him. stay with me through the years ahead. The younger Mr. Logan is an official in New Orleans, helping ex-convicts find their footing. Indeed, his CSA News columns sometimes A Teacher to This Day “She is the best example of someone I never saw get focus less on labor issues than on social justice issues Current schools Chancellor Fariña said Ernie has angry. She could be disappointed, but always with affecting children. never left the schools and is a teacher to this day. n As a child of the projects himself, Mr. Logan brought a wealth of personal experiences to his job as a school leader a compassionate smile. I called her for school advice Former Chancellors Joel Klein and Dennis Walcott at IS 55 in Brooklyn during the 1990s. With poverty and without heat, “Children from tenements are different.” until the day she died.” Principals Are Mayors would probably add, “and he knows what he’s talking Ernie used some of what Ms. Alpert taught him Those children were still his charges when about.” leaving his wife, Clara, to raise 13 children on pub- when, as a new teacher, he found himself teach- Ernie was named principal at IS 55 in Ocean Hill Accepting compliments is not Ernie Logan’s lic assistance in the not yet notorious Pink Houses ing an 8 am junior high school poetry class. Some Brownsville. Many of his students still lived in the strength. Still, there was one night in 2013 when he projects. “The stabilizing force for all of them of his pupils, he recalled, “were bad little (expletive nearby projects. accepted one from his then-greatest adversary, Mayor was religion,” Ernie’s son said. “My grandmother deleted).” To help the students connect, Ernie wrote “Children from tenements are different because Mike Bloomberg, as the mayor told a room full of believed that everything was possible through the out the lyrics to Stevie Wonder’s songs — and saw there’s no heat and they sleep in their clothes all prominent New Yorkers what Ernie and CSA meant power of prayer.” understanding dawn in his students’ eyes. Early expe- winter,” Ernie said. “We had to buy coats for every- to our schools. riences like those helped prepare Ernie for his next job body, bring in barbers, teach them how to wash “He’s going to be embarrassed when I tell you this, Women as Mentors as Educational Administrator designing courses in the their clothes.” Ernie introduced himself to the local but Ernie Logan and his members made an enormous Fourth-grade teacher Rose Alpert was the other Office of Curriculum Development and Instruction. precinct captain, ministers, and every bodega owner difference” Bloomberg said. “The people Ernie rep- woman who set Ernie on his career path. In her PS He reported to Charlotte Frank, now an Executive in the neighborhood, handing each one of them his resents really are the unsung heroes of this city.” 224 class in East New York, Alpert inspired Ernie to Vice president of McGraw Hill, who became another card with contact numbers. “That’s what principals write about his father’s death. “Rose had the biggest of Ernie’s cherished mentors. Ernie also learned a lot are supposed to be,” Ernie said. “They are the mayors Chiara Coletti is a former CSA Communications influence on me of anyone in my life,” Ernie recalled. from observing Madeleine Brennan lead her teachers of their school community.” Director. Across New York City, Former And Current Officials Pay Tribute To A Longtime Ally

Dennis Carmen Catherine Latrice Vinnie Walcott Fariña Nolan Walker Alvarez Former Schools Assembly- Assembly- President, Schools Chancellor woman woman Central Chancellor, Labor and Former As a former Ernest’s There Council Deputy principal, I deep belief are always Mayor understand in the impor- people in life CSA’s how CSA tance of collec- who make President Since I met Ernie about twenty supports school leaders and helps tive bargaining, now under threat, a lasting impression on you. Logan has years ago, I’ve had the high- them better serve their students. has inspired everyone fighting for One of those folks for me was dedicated decades to educating est regard for him. We had an I’ve been honored to work with the rights of educators. His work my former Principal at IS 55, New York City’s students and instant connection. He is warm Ernie as a genuine partner in edu- putting together a great team at Ernest Logan. Through his jour- protecting the rights of his fel- and accessible to everyone, and cation, someone who understands CSA, his advocacy for equitable ney as an educator, he even- low educators. He is a member handles every issue with self-as- what it means to be a principal – a funding for students and his will- tually became the president of the Central Labor Council’s surance and sensitivity. When I leader of much more than a school ingness to work with and fight the at CSA, and I became a state Executive Board, where he has was deputy mayor and chancel- building. Ernie has brought a powerful on behalf of his members Assemblywoman. We will be always been able to bring peo- lor, we had fascinating discus- special commitment to building a were obvious to everyone who sad to lose a tireless advocate ple together on issues in a very sions. We didn’t always agree, career ladder, ensuring that great cares about education. He always for children and social justice thoughtful and compelling way. but I had confidence in how he educators become school leaders. put the children of this city first through education. I wish you I commend President Logan on would serve students, their fami- When I walk the halls of a school and never hesitated to compro- well in retirement but your leg- his years of service, and I wish lies, and his city. That is a big part with him, I’m walking with an edu- mise if it could benefit children and acy will continue! him all the best as he moves on of who Ernie is, a relationship cator. His passion for improving their families. On a personal level, to enjoy the fruits of his labor. builder, a consensus builder, and professional development and I have a deep gratitude to Ernest our schools have gained tremen- educating all children, regardless for encouraging my efforts as a dously because of that. of their background, is his legacy. mother of a public school student. the rightisthen APMarkBrodsky,whonowheads CSA’sRetireeChapter. n Atleft,BrendaFelder, anAssistantPrincipalwho workedwithMr.Logan.To Sandy hit–wetookthewholeorganization drove homethatday.AndwhenHurricane home. Idon’tknowhowmanypeople though –allofusmadesureeveryonegot going tobethenextday.Wewerefamily ened andwedidn’tknowwherewere offices wereinBrooklyn.Weallfright- has beenphenomenal. on theresearchside.Someoftheir something forpeoplewhowanttodomore the ExecutiveLeadershipInstitute–thisis college. Itbuiltonwhatweweredoingin doctoral programwenegotiatedwithSage and probablyshouldtalkaboutmoreisthe matic itwas. members couldseehowimportantanddra- and Iwalkeddownthestepstogether.Our before ourconference,andMayordeBlasio was theonewegotapprovednight a contract.TheonethatIenjoyedthemost so thegreatestjoyalwayscentersaround and workingconditionsforourmembers, As toldtoChuckWilbanks: T The darkesttimewas9-11,whenour One thingwedon’ttalkaboutthatmuch

tion istofightfordecentwages primary purposeofthisorganiza- moments whileI’vebeenhere.The here havebeenalotofproud SUMMER 2017 On Triumphs, Struggles AndChoosingTheRightPeople Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper ••• Parting Thoughts 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC this organization. at thatandittellsyouaboutthepeoplein the WelfareFundoutofherhouse.Youlook ning asitshould.GlendaHarrywasrunning talent. WhenIgotback,everythingwasrun- Cannizzaro tookitandranit.Itshowedreal day ofoperation.Iwasn’tintownandMark and ranitremotely.Wemissedmaybeone shares alaughwithformerCSAPresidentsJillLevyandDonaldSinger. n At the union’s 50th Anniversary Gala at the Waldorf Astoria, CSA President Ernest Logan Attheunion’s50thAnniversaryGalaatWaldorfAstoria,CSAPresidentErnestLogan Virtual Enterprises InternationalTradeShowin2015. n It’sallaboutthe students:Mr.Loganspoketobudding NewYorkCitystudententrepreneurs atthe dies; you try to support them when they can. I dies; youtrytosupportthemwhentheycan.I stuff wedo.Youseepeopleinalltheirtrage- injuries, flaws,petpeevesandalltheweird to likepeople.Weallcomewithourownticks, act withthem.Theonlywayyoucandothisis a lotofpeople,youtendtolearnhowinter- siblings, andeveryweekyou’reinchurchwith When you grew up in a house with a lot of When yougrewupinahousewithlotof Anniversary celebration. other laborunionistsalsocheeredCSAatthe n really leaving. these issuesnationally,soinawayI’mnot everyone butI’mgoingtobeworkingon now Ihavefinallydoneit.I’mgoingtomiss to mebecauseIhavethoughtaboutitbut – retirementhascomeassortofashock skinned asIthinkusedtobe.this how muchIhavematured.I’mnotasthin Sometimes bossesjustsaythat,butit’strue. truly likethepeopleIhaveworkedwithhere. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, and AFL-CIOPresidentRichardTrumka,and I lookbackonthisplaceandrealize and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals •••