A Meeting With Ruth Bader Ginsburg page 3 Exposing School, Principal, Teacher Evaluations page 3 Lessons (And An App) Courtesy Of Finland page 5

Oct. 2020 Volume 56, Number 2 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1

HONOR Six NYC Schools As Frustrations Win 2020 Blue Ribbon Awards Boil Over, A Vote Of No-Confidence In City’s Officials

BY CRAIG DIFOLCO had already welcomed back students and our remaining schools were preparing to reopen the After months of advocacy around the following the week. For some, this caused diffi- reopening of school buildings, after twice con- culties staffing Building Response Teams, those vincing the city to delay in-person learning who are responsible for school safety during due to pressing safety concerns, and after the emergencies as well as safety protocols regarding announcement of irresponsible instructional COVID-19. For many other principals, the guid- guidance, CSA had had enough. On Sept. 27, ance solidified that their schools would no longer CSA’s Executive Board issued an unprece- have adequate staff to safely supervise students dented, unanimous vote of “No Confidence” in during arrival and dismissal. the Mayor and Chancellor. Meanwhile, that same Friday evening, EAs “This was no doubt the hardest decision began receiving unclear, last-minute messages that many of our union’s leaders had to make that they were to report to random school throughout their long educational careers,” buildings the next working day. While these n At PS134 in Brooklyn, from left: Assistant Principal Regina said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. “Our administrators were prepared to support their Squadrito, teacher Jennifer McMorrow, Principal Sarah Gobin Darrell, board exhibited integrity and courage in call- school-based colleagues, many were under- and teachers Danielle Nash and Jule Marino. ing out the unfortunate miscommunication standably confused whether this was in vio- and mistakes that they knew were negatively BY EMMA KATE FITTES tainty and stress of reopening impacting their communities. Our mem- during a global pandemic. bers worked around the clock throughout he U.S. Department of The national program rec- September to ensure that buildings reopened For Complete Text Of The Education awarded six ognizes K-12 schools annually safely and that they provided the highest qual- No-Confidence Resolution T New York City Schools for their overall performance ity education possible for both in-person and the 2020 National Blue Ribbon or progress in closing achieve- remote learners. CSA’s elected representatives nanimously pproved award — a bright spot for ment gaps among student believed that the City needed additional sup- U A school leaders amid the uncer- Continued on Page 6 port from the State and some fresh perspectives On September 27 by CSA’s as the school year commenced.” Chief among the grave misgivings school Executive Board, see page 4 leaders had during the last weeks of the sum- Member Near Death, mer was whether they could staff their schools in compliance with DOE guidance. CSA was already questioning the city’s approach lation of their union’s recent redeployment And A Crucial Union publicly in mid-August, and when the DOE agreement and many had tremendous diffi- announced official guidance at the end of culty securing sudden childcare and making August – far too late – CSA pointed out the last minute travel arrangements after having Lifeline To His Family repercussions in a public letter to the Mayor. worked remotely for six months. When the DOE announced they planned to With all the potential effects from the city’s BY CHUCK WILBANKS had a get-well component as provide 2000 additional teachers, CSA pointed erratic behavior, the executive board decided well. Mr. Lord wasn’t at home out that they would potentially need 10,000. CSA should not remain silent when they sin- n May 30, a parade of that day, he was in the hospi- And when the DOE was poised to reopen all cerely believed that the mayor and chancellor honking cars and trucks tal, just emerging from a coma. schools on Sept. 21, CSA convinced the mayor had mismanaged the reopening of our schools. drove by Larry Lord’s Mr. Lord, principal of PS to delay in person learning for a second time. To the city’s credit, the mayor, the chan- Staten Island home. 235 in Brooklyn, tested posi- The mayor decided to phase in the reopening cellor and their teams have since continued to OStudents, teachers, families, tive on March 21 for Covid-19. of school buildings so that the lack of in-person work closely with CSA for the benefit of those and noted local officials partic- He doesn’t remember it now, staff wouldn’t cause safety concerns through- we all serve. NYSED has been monitoring the ipated, as was fitting for a pop- but on March 24, his wife, out the city. start of the school year, and members have ular and well-known principal Jeanette, called an ambulance Despite this frustrating history, on Friday, once again risen to immense challenges as they who was a staunch champion which took him to Staten Sept. 25, the DOE repeated their same mistakes gradually reopened their school buildings and of his school and the East Island University Hospital, and by entering into yet another misguided agree- implemented critical safety protocols. To read Flatbush community it served. soon after his arrival, doctors ment that only exacerbated concerns. After the the the resolution that CSA’s executive board The party was ostensibly to cel- placed him on a ventilator. work week had ended, principals began receiving approved by a unanimous vote on Sept. 27, ebrate his birthday, but it also Continued on Page 12 last-minute staffing changes after many schools turn to page 4. 2 CSA NEWS Oct. 2020

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Leadership During

Council of School A Time Of Crisis Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 National Principals Month Has Never Meant More. By Mark Cannizzaro 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 year ago, when I sat down to cele- their children home and that number Fax: (212) 962-6130 www.csa-nyc.org brate our principals for Principals seems to be growing. As that picture has Month, the words flowed freely changed, you principals have had to sort President from a fond and familiar place. I out the logistics of daily scheduling. In Mark Cannizzaro Ahad personal understanding of your mana- many cases, substitute staff show up who Executive Vice President gerial and instructional skills, tenacity, love you don’t even know and you have to fit Henry Rubio for your students and the task at hand. The them into the picture. They vary in skill First Vice President Rosemarie Sinclair same sense of identification is there when I set, sometimes lack the required licenses, pay tribute to assistant principals and other and are often here today and gone Treasurer Christopher Ogno administrators. I understand the intricate tomorrow. Secretary ways in which you support, and often As a result, some schools are unable to Steffani Fanizzi guide, your staff, students and families. offer much, if any, live instruction on the Vice Presidents If only it were as simple this year. days their hybrid students are at home. Sam Akel Jose Garcia You are confronting, head-on, dystopian Others, to make things acceptable for Ramon Gonzalez conditions in ways that leave me in awe. students, have had to abandon the impos- Lois Lee Katiana Louissaint For starters, you’re making sure everyone sible instructional guidance and appeal Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter is masked, physically distanced and not to the professionalism of their staff to go

Executive Director Operations running a fever. Is the ventilation system above and beyond. Thankfully, many ded- Erminia Claudio working? Have the hand sanitizer dispensers been filled? icated teachers and other staff have willingly stepped up. General Counsel A loud sneeze from a student has become cause for con- After additional ill-advised guidance was released on Sept. David Grandwetter cern. A lot of you have had no vacation since last winter 25, CSA was forced to take extreme action. I presented the and plenty of you are not sleeping as you worry over how details of your situation to the executive board and they Executive Director Field Services you will staff your classes tomorrow and if all your stu- delivered a unanimous vote of no confidence in the chan- Sana Q. Nasser dents can access the Internet. cellor and the mayor’s ability to lead you through this crisis. Field Directors James Harrigan And yet you’re trusting your instincts in the face of This declaration was not made lightly and the mood in the Frank Patterson unimaginable demands, keeping your focus on the people “room” was heavy and serious. We simply refused to accept Mercedes Qualls in your building and school community, and collaborating being hamstrung as we worked to find the best possible Assistant Field Directors mainly with them to figure out what works best for your stu- solutions for our students Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, dents. There is a sense of unity among you, your administra- Mildred Boyce, Laverne Burrowes, tors and your teachers, although of course the tensions and • • • Dominic Cipollone, Peter Devlin, Kenneth the strains on mental health always loom. Your leadership Llinas, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, he DOE and the City are not responsible for the pan- Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, has been remarkable. Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, With minimal direction or communication from DOE, demic. However, they are responsible for listening to Dorothy Morris, Beverly Pascal-Miller, you and your staffs have been holding the entire system aloft. Tyou when you make strategic recommendations and Wanda Soto, Yvonne Williams Back in July, CSA, and many principals individually, warned let them know what you need to make your schools run the mayor and the chancellor that there wouldn’t be enough safely and effectively. As principals, your common sense, Grievance Director teachers to implement their plan. The City envisioned one set ingenuity and compassion have been epic. Day in and out, Dale Kelly of teachers for all remote students, another set for in-person messages pop up on my screen and in the media attesting Assistant Directors students, and yet another set for remote classes taught to the to that. “Happy Principals Month, Ms. Colon! We appreci- Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, in-person students on the days they are at home. It should Jermaine Garden- ate how you are compassionately leading us through this have been obvious that the number of appropriately licensed Director of Communications school year!” Or, “The next time you speak to Mr. Sharkey, Craig DiFolco teachers this plan called for would not materialize, not to mention the associated cost in the middle of a budget crisis. please tell him that he’s amazing. He dressed in gym clothes Director of Political Affairs today and delivered books and materials to every classroom. Gabe Gallucci Now, more than half our families have opted to keep THE BEST!” Or, “Principal Lucas is the calm Assistant Director, Political Affairs Herman Merritt amidst the chaos.” Assistant Director Season Opener More students will opt in and out. John Khani Hotspots and upticks will continue. We Special Assistant to President will carry on expecting the unexpected. As Gary Goldstein principals, your leadership in crisis, holding CSA Conference Chair Pierre Lehmuller it all together for students and staff, remain- CSA Historian ing upbeat and positive even when you are Manfred Korman feeling less than confident yourselves, will CSA Retiree Chapter cement a bond and trusting relationship with Gayle Lockett, Chair your school community. In fourteen months Mark Brodsky, Director we will have a new administration, but you and your staff will remain here for students. CSA NEWS When this virus has receded and we are Editor saying, “Remember the pandemic of 2020,” Chuck Wilbanks the relationship you forged with your school Design Consultant community will set the stage for a stronger Michele Pacheco school climate that is based on trust and Production Assistant Christine Altman mutual respect. Your school will be an even better place for students to learn and grow. The incredible work you are doing may even CSA News (004-532) is published be what saves public education in New York monthly except July and August for $35 per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector City. Principals Month has never been more St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage meaningful. Thank you. paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional n Paying a visit on a first day of school like no other: At Brooklyn Studio Secondary mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send School, from left: AP Steve Dorcely, CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, Assistant address changes to CSA News, 40 Mark Cannizzaro is president of the Council Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Principal Vincenza Mannino, AP Matthew Katz and AP Bryant Ng. of School Supervisors and Administrators. Oct. 2020 CSA NEWS 3 ‘Where I Learned to Love Learning:’ A Meeting With Ruth Bader Ginsburg BY ALEXIS BLAIR African-American superintendents, was one of the program’s leaders. hen I became an assis- After I completed the program, I was tant principal at PS 238 proud to become the first African- in Brooklyn, one of American assistant principal at PS my first initiatives was 238, many decades after it opened its to create a circulating doors. Wschool library to help enrich our stu- We gave Justice Ginsburg a proc- dents. My principal, the inspiring edu- lamation and a school doorknob that cator Lawrence Herstik, fully supported she promised she would place on her my vision, as did our dedicated school desk, so that people would always staff. We completed the library in 1994 know that she had been a 238K stu- and when Mr. Herstik and I planned a dent. She in turn gave our school ribbon cutting ceremony, we decided a medal she had received from an to invite the K-8 school’s most famous English teacher during her years study- alumna: Supreme Court Justice Ruth ing at our school. She mused about Bader Ginsburg, who graduated in 1946. the knee scrapes she had received in We considered the invitation a the schoolyard, and said that since her longshot. It seemed incredible when childhood years, the school was more Justice Ginsburg accepted our offer beautiful and well kept. She was sincere and agreed to come. Our ceremony and heartfelt in her answers to ques- was on a windy November day, and tions from students, discussing how she entered her old school surrounded her mother in law had been deeply by her detail of Secret Service agents. supportive of her career, how aviator Perhaps in part because she had agreed Amelia Earhart had been an inspiration to come, there were many politicians n Alexis Blair, assistant principal of PS 238, Brooklyn, shakes Supreme Court Justice Ruth (“since not many women were prac- and community leaders who attended Bader Ginsburg’s hand during a celebration for a new library at the school in 1994. ticing law,”) and how, as a justice, she as well. There was a palpable sense struggled emotionally with cases involv- of excitement throughout our entire other historical discriminations as well. leadership position was a reflection of ing the death penalty. She told us how school community. Looking back at the picture of our social justice efforts that she believed happy she was to have the 238K library People have often asked me what meeting, I can now fully appreciate her in and supported. named in her honor. she was like. I met a woman of quiet expression of joy as we shook hands. In 1988, I was part of a schoarly pro- Her cadence was well-suited to the grace, who despite her almost austere While I was obviously thrilled to meet gram overseen by Equal Employment occasion – “My heart is just brimming dignity, was personable and approach- her, she seemed to be inspired by my Opportunity Commission and the for- over,” she said. “This is where I learned able. She was only the second woman presence as well. After all, there were mer Board of Education to increase the to read and to love learning”. ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme no African-American administrators diversity of candidates for leadership Court, and I knew that she understood at the school when she was a student roles. The charismatic, trailblazing Dr. Alexis Blair retired in 2010. She now not only gender discrimination, but there, and my own path to a school Nellie Duncan, one of New York’s first works as an educational consultant. Follow The Money: ELI Consultant’s New Book Debunks School, Principal, Teacher Evaluations acknowledge the impact of spending and the location any other to the very fabric of society.” several factors vital to stu- of schools; Mr. Bonnici began his career as a dent success. • Parents and child teacher at the old Louis D. Brandeis Mr. Bonnici’s first chap- care-givers who dominate H.S. He became an assistant principal ter, “Money,” sets the stage. the lives of children during and then principal at the High School It begins with a global per- the critical first three years of Fashion Industries. Upon his retire- spective comparing stu- (and 80 percent of their ment, he worked for Pace University, dent achievement scores childhoods thereafter) coordinating aspects of the Educational in dozens of Organization without sufficient societal Leadership program, working with the for Economic Cooperation supports; Teach for America and Teaching Fellow and Development (OECD) • The students them- programs, and serving as Director of member nations. Then it selves, many coming to School Partnerships; he also developed compares student achieve- school with the trauma and taught several leadership courses. ment rates in different Charles Bonnici of poverty and under the In 2011, he began as an Executive states in America, in two worst influences of the Leadership Institute consultant, mento- nearby districts on Long Island and technological revolution; ring newly assigned APs and facilitating finally in elementary schools in the • The support staff of the school, an borough of Manhattan. Academic mea- underlying bureaucracy, often under- surements are provided alongside data funded, firmly in place when a new School Success Related on government spending on educa- principal is assigned. tion, poverty ratios, income inequality The final chapters look at what dif- to Poverty Rates, Income and national on childcare leave. While ferences teachers and principals can spending on education has some impact, make given the impact of these factors, Inequality, Other Factors CHUCK WILBANKS the poverty rate and income inequality at a time when they are sometimes of a nation, state, district or school are insufficiently trained, always underpaid, In his new book, Principals and more important. under-appreciated and under-valued for workshops. This is the fourth book he has Teachers Can’t Do It All: Other Factors Money impacts the other factors that their experience and expertise. written while serving in this capacity. That Impact on the Success of Students and affect student and school achievement: “I applaud Charles Bonnici for dar- Principals and Teachers Can’t Do It Schools, Charlie Bonnici draws upon his • Governmental policy makers and ing to dive into this deep, sober exam- All is scheduled to be published by fifty years of experience as an educator district decision-makers who often care ination and analysis of our public Rowman and Littlefield in February and an abundance of research to demon- more about politics, cost-saving and schools,” wrote CSA President Mark 2021. If you’re interested in reading it, strate that principals have less influence catering to advocacy groups than the Cannizzaro in the book’s forward. “He email Mr. Bonnici at profchuck1@veri- over the success of schools than the ana- welfare and education of children; makes a significant contribution to zon.net. He will provide you with order- lytics would indicate. These statistical • Poorly designed or deteriorating understanding the extremely complex ing information and a pre-publication analyses are flawed because they fail to physical plants, insufficient capital institutions that contribute more than promo code for a 30 percent discount. 4 CSA NEWS Oct. 2020

NATION Education No-Confidence Resolution

OKLAHOMA Rebukes NYC’s Mayor And Charter Audit The office of the State Auditor recently reported on findings in an investigative audit of Epic Public Schools Chancellor Charter Schools, finding that Epic’s co-founders’ for-profit com- Following is the text of the no-confidence advocacy of CSA and its members from WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and pany receives about 1 in 4 of the resolution that CSAs’ Executive Board unani- nearly 30 districts who wrote public let- Chancellor Carranza have invested far taxpayer dollars Epic receives as mously approved on Sept. 27, 2020. ters to call for a delay due to safety con- too little in remote learning professional a public school. In all, the audi- cerns; development despite the fact that most tor stated Epic owes Oklahoma WHEREAS, the Council of School WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and students will be learning remotely on $8.9 million. The auditor rec- Supervisors & Administrators (CSA), Chancellor Carranza promised to pro- most days; ommended Oklahoma consider Local 1, American Federation of vide 4,500 additional teachers to elemen- WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and prohibiting new charter contracts School Administrators, AFL-CIO is the tary and K-8 schools, and as of Friday, Chancellor Carranza have failed to be or renewals for schools operated labor union which represents over September 25th, over 200 elementary transparent with data on remote learn- by for-profit organizations, and 6,400 Principals, Assistant Principals, school principals reported that they still ing since March, requiring New York City that it consider consolidating its charter school authorization Supervisors, Education Administrators, needed over 1,200 teachers for Tuesday, Council to subpoena the DOE; sponsorship and oversight to one and Directors in New York City’s 1,800 September 29th; WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and agency. (Tulsa World) public schools and central offices and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza mismanaged sum- 200 Directors and Assistant Directors in Chancellor Carranza still refuse to state mer school, preventing students from city-funded Early Childhood Education publicly how many additional teachers receiving the additional academic support NORTH CAROLINA Centers; are needed by Thursday, October 1st, to they required; Charters, Segregation WHEREAS, CSA members want school safely reopen middle and high school WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and Using data from almost 11,000 buildings and early childhood education buildings, and have thus far failed to Chancellor Carranza failed to submit North Carolina families from centers safely reopened for in-person announce a clear, comprehensive plan to their critical safety plan to New York 2015-16, researchers measured learning due to their profound, unique provide those additional teachers; State on time; the impact of white migration WHEREAS, CSA members have WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and from public to charter schools reported that district superintendents Chancellor Carranza have not provided and found it led to racial segre- verbally pressured them to falsely report custodial engineers with the resources and gation. Charter backers claim ‘Mayor Bill de Blasio that their staffing needs are already met manpower necessary to disinfect and deep their schools address educa- after they requested additional staff due clean schools as frequently and diligently tional inequity, but since the and Schools Chancellor to safety concerns; as indicated in the DOE safety plan; introduction of charters in the Richard Carranza WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and 1990’s, some voiced concerns Chancellor Carranza have demonstrated Chancellor Carranza tasked instructional that locations, transportation a lack of transparency about whether the leaders to conduct safety walkthroughs and other criteria could lead have entered into additional teachers the DOE has hired who were unqualified and untrained to to increased segregation. irresponsible staffing are legitimately qualified or prepared to conduct them, and only announced the The research paper, “Parental Preferences for Charter Schools agreements that fail to provide the quality of education that New creation of a ventilation task force after in North Carolina: Implications York City students deserve; grave concerns were raised by CSA and for Racial Segregation and prioritize children and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and others; Isolation,” was written by Helen Chancellor Carranza have provided WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and F. Ladd and Mavzuna Turaeva. their families.’ school leaders with late, inadequate, and Chancellor Carranza failed to meet their (National Center for the Study of inconsistent guidance throughout the own deadline for providing much-de- Privatization in Education) pandemic, often creating situations where manded ventilation reports to each school leaders learn of policy through the school community; understanding of the role that public press or their teaching staff, and often cre- WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and WASHINGTON schools play in the lives of our commu- ating situations where school leaders must Chancellor Carranza announced guidance Screens For Teachers nities; make decisions in the absence of guidance on outdoor learning far too late for school A group of Seattle startup vet- WHEREAS, CSA members have been and then reverse those decisions and alter leaders to craft and implement a mean- erans launched “Two Screens tirelessly planning to reopen school build- plans when guidance is finally released; ingful plan for their school; for Teachers” to provide teach- ings and the offices that support them WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and ers with second monitors to since the 2019-2020 school year ended Chancellor Carranza exacerbated the staff- Chancellor Carranza have established a make teaching remotely easier. in June; ing problems and programming difficul- Situation Room to supposedly remedy Completing all tasks related to WHEREAS, CSA members are tasked ties by announcing yet another last-min- the problems caused by DOE’s inability teaching on one monitor can be by New York City and its Department of ute staffing change at the close of business to provide timely and consistent direction stressful and ineffective. A dual Education (DOE) with ensuring the safety, on Friday, September 25th, after many regarding positive cases of COVID-19, yet monitor setup allows teachers to health, and well-being of those they serve schools have already been in session for the Situation Room has only worsened view their students on one mon- during a global pandemic, and they stand over a week, and when all other schools problems due to its inordinate wait times, itor and their class materials on ready and willing to take on that respon- will welcome students back into buildings erroneous guidance, and contradictory another. An automated system sibility; next week; directives; matches donors with teachers WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and and is designed to help teachers Chancellor Carranza have entered into Chancellor Carranza, by virtue of the Chancellor Carranza have failed to equip pick the correct video cable for grossly irresponsible staffing agreements September 25th agreement on remote superintendents and executive superin- their needs. (Geekwire.com) that fail to prioritize the needs of school teaching, have solidified that schools will tendents with information necessary to children and their families; not have adequate staff in the building to consistently provide school leaders with MICHIGAN WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and safely supervise children during arrival, the support and information they require; Free Tuition Chancellor Carranza have created, by vir- dismissal, and when coverages are needed WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and tue of these agreements, staffing shortages throughout the school day, and have fur- Chancellor Carranza are presiding over an Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along of roughly 12,000 teachers, according to ther created staffing difficulties on the exodus of their own high-ranking officials with education, business, labor the estimate of DOE officials, and yet no critical Building Response Team (BRT); as the school year is due to begin; and workforce leaders, launched announcements regarding additional WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and NOW THEREFORE, on this 27th Day tuition-free college to around staffing were made until the week after Chancellor Carranza pledged to New York of September 2020, be it resolved that 625,000 Michiganders who provide students were originally scheduled to City parents that students would receive the CSA Executive Board declares a vote essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe return to buildings; live instruction on days where they were of no confidence for Mayor de Blasio and orders that were in effect between WHEREAS, CSA and individual school learning remotely, and then reversed Chancellor Carranza due to their failure April and June 2020. “Futures for leaders continually warned Mayor de course the day before remote learning to lead New York City through the safe Frontliners” is available to medical Blasio and Chancellor Carranza about the began to help solve the staffing crisis they and successful reopening of schools. CSA workers but also essential workers staffing crisis, both publicly and privately, created; calls on Mayor de Blasio to cede mayoral in manufacturing, nursing homes, since the DOE first announced the hybrid WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and control of the Department of Education grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, model at the start of July; Chancellor Carranza have failed to for the remainder of this health crisis retail and more. (WBKB11) WHEREAS, Mayor de Blasio and provide schools with all the electronic and for Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Chancellor Carranza would not make the devices that are essential to remote Carranza to seek the immediate inter- — Compiled by Christine Altman responsible, prudent decision to delay learning, leaving far too many students vention of the New York State Education in-person learning without the relentless without; Department. Oct. 2020 CSA NEWS 5 Lessons (And App) From Finland

BY JACEK POLUBIEC partner, special education specialist Deanna Parasram, calls 3DBear, “the future of education occurring in the Last year, I came across information about a present that gives students access to and control of partnership between NYC schools and a Finnish their learning.” company named 3DBear. I proceeded to organize a • Dileida Gracia, Lead Teacher (and a graduate of group of educators interested in getting involved. We Fordham Leadership Program) believes that learning called ourselves the Learning Leaders Consortium and with our group expanded her way of thinking about by the end of summer, all 11 of us were eager to take engaging students and she looks forward to “collabo- advantage of the opportunity to work with Finnish rating with the grade teams on how to implement VR educators on how to use the 3DBear digital learning into all lessons.” platform to enrich student learning, while honing our • Nekia Williams, Teacher, Leader and aspiring own leadership skills. administrator said, “Collective efficacy of this collabo- Since then, we participate in remote meetings ration affords us to make a positive change in the way and hands-on sessions to learn to use the app to we teach and lead.” manipulate virtual reality, applying design principles • Mr. Edward Taveras, a STEM teacher, appreciates to provide an engaging remote learning experience. that 3DBear lends itself to design thinking, problem It’s dynamic in that a student can illustrate stories or solving and creativity. math problems with pictures they take, which then We want to be agents of change during these appear as 3D objects. They can move the objects, difficult times. We are all equal partners in this even create their own classrooms. Teachers have great transformative journey. 3DBear brought us together, tools as well, such as libraries of digital 3D objects to our commitment keeps us on track, but it is our choose from. individual responsibility to act within our day to day The overarching question for our consortium has roles that provides relevance and substance to this been how our learning together could impact educa- initiative. tion moving forward. We are not alone in our belief None of what we are doing would be possible that innovation is no longer a choice but a necessity without my district’s clear vision to bring new and n A teacher uses the new app and what he’s learned that urgently needs to be addressed. innovative ideas to our community, which inspired to engage and motivate students. To make sure we stay on course, we constantly me to look outside the proverbial box and empow- reflect on our time together. Our group provides feed- ered me to run with this idea. We would also like to back to the facilitators who are extremely receptive • ENL Teacher Sesaley Graciani appreciates “col- give a tremendous shout out to the supervisors of all and willing to constantly adjust the program so it laborating with passionate educators” and believes participants of this initiative for their moral and prac- meets the needs of each participant and the school that 3DBear has tools for her students “to engage with tical support. Your dedication to our collective cause communities which we serve. Allow me to relay some their environment and grade level content in a more is greatly appreciated. For comments and questions comments of the members of our consortium: meaningful way.” for our work, I can be reached at JPolubi@Schools. • Shamecca Kirk, PS 134, Bronx, AP values “prac- • Ivelisse Rivera, a teacher and LEAP alumna, has NYC.Gov. tical resources that make lessons more engaging with been learning how to use 3DBear to create an inclu- the use of technology.” sive, equitable and virtual environment. Her ICT Dr. Jacek Polubiec is Assistant Principal in CSD12.

Gabe Legislative Agenda Gallucci Teachers’ Retirement 2020 Is A Political Year Like No Other System o matter which side of the political spec- This year, however, I would agree with those senti- trum you’re on, this year has been a year ments. Your vote could impact the trajectory of our October 2020 like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic, education system, our country, and our democracy Unit Values economic destruction, struggles for racial for years to come. Njustice, civil unrest, wildfires, hurricanes, the It’s imperative to understand why voting in this Diversified Equity death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the year’s election is crucial. First, the inequality gap we Fund: 104.092 continued debate over in-person instruction ver- face in America with millions of students through- sus fully remote are just a few of the 2020 head- out the country having unequal access to a quality Balanced Fund: 16.574 lines. Against that backdrop, we have a polarizing education is growing. That gap has widened since Presidential election taking place between Donald the pandemic and could widen even more based International Equity Trump and Joe Biden on Nov. 3. on the outcome of this election. Early childhood Fund: 10.685 Before discussing why your vote matters in education has also become a major issue as research Sustainable Equity this election, it is important for you to understand continues to shine light on the impact of social and Fund: 22.615 our endorsement process. In the case of this pres- cognitive growth at a young age. Early childhood Public idential election, we sent a survey to the entire education is ripe for policy change and budget U.S Equity Index membership. We received over two thousand increases, but could see decreases in funding based Fund: 11.998 responses, of which 90 percent recommended we on the presidential outcome. Finally, the outcome Schools endorse in this presidential election; 80 percent of the election could jeopardize public education International Equity As We recommended that CSA endorse the Biden/Harris as we know it, the security and benefits of our Index Fund: 10.851 ticket; 15 percent recommended that CSA should membership, and most importantly, the health and www.trsnyc.org Know endorse the Trump/Pence ticket, and 5 percent safety of the children we serve. were undecided. Based on those results, our leader- • • • Them ship team consulted with the advisory board, and with their approval, the leadership team motioned uring this moment in history, education has May Be a vote of approval of the Biden/Harris ticket from become front and center in the news, and Visit Yor Union the executive board. The executive board approved people see clearly the impact our education At Stake the recommendation. system plays in our daily lives. From the On The Web At: We understand that some of you don’t vote Dstability of our economy, to the long-term impact In This solely on what’s best for your profession, but we quality education (or lack thereof) can have on www. are encouraging members to vote for the Biden- the success of future generations, this moment has Election Harris ticket as the best advocates for our mem- highlighted that education is simply too import- csa-nyc. bership, our public schools, and the kids we serve. ant for politicians at any level to ignore. And we It seems that every presidential election year both shouldn’t either. PLEASE VOTE! org sides of the aisle say that the current election is the most important in the history of elections. Gabe Gallucci is director of political affairs at CSA. 6 CSA NEWS Oct. 2020 Secrets To Success: Public Schools Win Blue Ribbon Awards

Continued from Page 1 groups. Here’s what the principal of each winning school said contributed to their success and how they are approaching the new school year: “Parents are excited about it,” says Williamsburg High School For Architecture and Design Principal Gill Cornell. “It’s a nice morale booster.” Williamsburg High School For Architecture and Design For Mr. Cornell, it’s significant that the US DOE recognized Williamsburg High School for its gen- eral excellence, which considers among other mea- sures student test scores. He says it wasn’t entirely unexpected that the school might win for its work to close the achievement gap, given the challenges facing many of their students. The Brooklyn high school is unscreened, and nearly one quarter of the around 600 students have special education needs, according to state data. Around 80 percent are considered low-in- come, Mr. Cornell says, but added, “I know this might sound overly simplistic, but we just don’t categorize the kids based on that. We set the expectation; we keep it.” When he took over as principal more than a decade ago, Mr. Cornell’s leadership team priori- tized boosting enrollment, improving the gradu- ation rate, and securing better funding for more robust career and technical classes, including the current four-year architecture program. To Mr. Cornell, the general excellence award is proof they’ve succeeded in helping every student not just improve, but reach high expectations. This school year may look different, with many students opting for remote learning in light of the coronavirus, but Mr. Cornell says teachers are working to keep students engaged. Later this year, staff members will do a virtual tour of a project site, walking the area with iPads so architecture students can complete a professional survey with- n Assistant Principal Stephanie Famoso, left, and Principal Stamo Karalazarides, at PS46. out having to get on a bus for a field trip. surrounding community, says Principal Sarah tunity technology creates for engaging lessons, Mr. PS 46 Alley Pond Gobin Darrell, and that makes it important for the Korrol says. Two years ago, teachers started using Elementary School school to have a similarly diverse set of teachers, augmented reality technology, which allowed stu- Principal Stamo Karalazarides says she would who take the time to get to know each student and dents to scan and digitally interact with objects. rather solve problems than talk about them. When their culture. It allows teachers to better tailor their For teachers, moving curriculum and lessons a teacher comes to her with one, she tells them to instruction, says Ms. Gobin Darrell. plans online made it easier to collaborate across come back with a solution they can discuss. That “We just try to get to know our students one classrooms and grade levels, which has proven perspective has shaped her six years as principal of on one,” says Ms. Gobin Darrell, who has served especially important this year. Mr. Korrol says the Bayside elementary school, and she attributes as principal for two years. “Really try to learn our some of their students’ success to that attitude. kids inside out, socially, academically… to get to Teachers are encouraged to look at what stu- know their families.” dents can do, not what they can’t, which has Instead of teachers selecting the books students proven especially important for the school’s large read throughout the year, students are allowed to special education population. State data shows choose based on their interests. And the school more than 22 percent of the school’s 500 students holds parent workshops every month, where fami- have special needs. Expectations are never low- lies can discuss what their children are learning. ered, Ms. Karalazarides says. Instead, teachers meet Both initiatives will continue this school year, students where they are, learn their strengths, and says Ms. Gobin Darrell. Although COVID has raise them to meet expectations. forced the school to limit how many visitors can “When we don’t do something for accolades, come into buildings, the monthly workshops are when we don’t do something for test scores, continuing virtually. when we truly treat individuals the way that they deserve to be treated, that’s when we get the most impact,” she says. “And that’s what we do at 46.” PS 101 Verrazzano That same attitude has carried Ms. Karalazarides Elementary School and her team through 2020 and the start of an Principal Gregg Korrol’s goal is for each of the unprecedented school year. more than 960 students at PS 101 to find enjoy- “Looking at what you can do, what we can do ment in coming to school. That’s what makes the as a family, it’s just a perspective that I keep ini- Brooklyn school successful, Mr. Korrol says. If stu- tiating,” she says. “It helps to keep light around dents are having a good time, they learn more. every situation.” In practice, that means the elementary puts a heavy emphasis on arts — including drama, PS 134 Elementary School music, dancing, digital arts — and technology. In the hallways at PS 134, it’s not uncommon Even before COVID-19 forced schools to rely on to hear students speaking in Russian, Tajik, Uzbeck, virtual learning last spring, PS 101 students were Arabic or Urdu. The Brooklyn elementary school assigned a device and turned in assignments n From left to right: Assistant Principal Patricia Percaccio, Principal Gregg Korrol, and Assistant Principal Elisa Kane of The welcomes students from many countries and the online. The push was driven largely by the oppor- Verrazzano School in Staten Island. Oct. 2020 CSA NEWS 7 Secrets To Success: Public Schools Win Blue Ribbon Awards

n Far left: At PS 23, The Richmondtown School in Staten Island, are Principal Paul Proscia, and Assistant Principal Renee Mazza.

n Left: Principal Laura Avakians at PS 94, David D. Porter Elementary School in Queens.

there is “no difference” between what students are For social studies, students may recreate a his- apart, says Principal Paul Proscia. learning in-person versus at home. torical war by programming their robots to follow In his eight years as principal, Mr. Proscia has “I’ve made it clear to the staff: We are 101, we paths that align with the different motivations for built a collaborative team of teachers who priori- do what we’ve always done,” Mr. Korrol says. “It’s or against the war. In math class they may pro- tize teaching their elementary students about lead- still about the PS 101 experience, still about mak- gram a dash-and-dot robot to do basic addition ership and other personal skills. He adopted a pro- ing sure our kids are advancing and learning.” and subtraction, tasked with checking its answers gram based on “Seven Habits of Highly Effective for accuracy. People,” a self-help book which recommends nav- PS 94 David D. Porter “Our engagement went through the roof in igating life by being proactive, beginning with the Elementary School every subject area,” Ms. Avakians says, and higher end in mind, and thinking “win-win.” When Laura Avakians became principal of PS state standardized test scores have followed. “It makes you great as an individual and also 94 six years ago, the Little Neck elementary school Next month, Ms. Avakians says teachers plan makes you great as a team,” Mr. Proscia says. “It offered few electives and saw little collaboration to integrate computer science lessons into remote was already a well-performing school, but with the among teachers. Ms. Avakians quickly encour- learning after initially resorting back to basics. increase in our focus on becoming a strong indi- aged teachers to know what was happening across “We cannot forget about all the work that vidual…that has enhanced everything.” their own grade level and in the grades below and we’ve done so far just because COVID is throwing For Mr. Proscia, it’s been difficult to stay posi- above. a monkey wrench in our whole environment and tive in the face of mounting challenges and shift- The collaborative team then worked to bring way of learning,” she says. “Our passion will con- ing expectations. At one point, he asked himself, everything from glee club and musical theater to tinue to be embedding computer science.” “Is it all worth it?” recycling squad and lego robotics into the school “You have these conversations with yourself day. Coding quickly started overlapping with PS 23 The Richmondtown School and something like this [award] makes you realize every core subject, including social studies and sci- On the wall in PS 23 are the words “empathy,” that it is,” he says. “Teaching [students] all the ence. Now, Ms. Avakians credits a large part of the “respect,” “share,” and “grit,” among others — the virtues...makes them smart, educated and people school’s success to their focus on computer science. characteristics that set the Staten Island school with strong character. That’s what society needs.”

n From left to right: Assistant Principal Patricia Percaccio, Principal Gregg Korrol, and Assistant Principal Elisa Kane of The Verrazzano School in Staten Island. n From left: Principal Gill Cornell, Business Manager Rudy Cruz, Assistant Principals Kimberley Bruno, Giovanni D’Amato and Maria Basilio. 8 CSA NEWS Oct. 2020

a childcare center at C.W. Post University in of Brooklyn and graduated from Samuel J. In Memoriam the early 1990s. His wife said he worked at the Tilden High School in East Flatbush, where center until 2007. In addition to his wife, Mr. she was a champion swimmer and diver. Mrs. n EUGENE KASEMAN, 87, died Sept. 4. He Lupe Echevarria and four grandchildren. Finkelstein is survived by two children, David Panzer met her husband of 63 years, Morton and Karyn, and four grandchildren. Panzer, while earning her bachelors degree at lived in Coconut Creek, FL. Mr. Kaseman was n ROBERT J. FERLAUTO, 91, died April 23. Brooklyn College, where she also was awarded born in 1933 in Brooklyn and grew up in He lived in Syosset, NY. Mr. Ferlauto was born n DANIEL GARCIA, 72, died June 4. Mr. Garcia a masters degree. (Mr. Panzer, also a retired Bensonhurst, according to his daughter Gerri in the Crown Heights community of Brooklyn. was born in the Bronx, grew up in Manhattan, AP, died June 15.) Mrs. Panzer began teaching Butterman. He attended Lafayette High He graduated from Stuyvesant High School, attended Bayside High School in Queens and fifth and sixth grades at PS 115 in Canarsie. School, before leaving to serve in the US Air where he was a member of the ROTC and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School She transferred to PS 279 when the school Force during the Korean War. He was based attained the rank of Major. He earned a bach- in the Bronx. He earned a bachelor’s degree in opened, where she served as head of the sci- near Niagara Falls, relaying Morse Code mes- elor’s degree from the State University of New Spanish literature from the University of South ence cluster and became assistant principal of sages. He also received his high-school diplo- York Teachers College at Oswego. According to Florida, and a master’s degree in Spanish from science. She retired in 1990. Mrs. Panzer also ma there. He earned a bachelor’s degree from his wife, the former Eileen Amato, Mr. Ferlauto Hunter College. He became a bilingual teacher played an important role in District 18’s gifted Long Island University’s College of Business also earned a master’s degree by attending at IS 52 in the South Bronx. Several years later, and talented program, said her daughter, Dr. Administration, and a master’s degree from St. John’s University and New York University. he would go on to marry Bertha Martinez, the Ellen Panzer-Schwartz. Along with her hus- New York University’s School of Education. Mr. Ferlauto began his 39-year career as an daughter of two of his teaching colleagues band, Mrs. Panzer co-founded the Canarsie His spent his career at the elementary school elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, then at the school. “I met him when I was 13 and Education Association and the Citizens to level, starting as a teacher, then becoming transferred to Benjamin Franklin Junior High he was 22,” said his wife, though her hus- Elect Local School Boards. They also served as an assistant principal in Bedford-Stuyvesant School in Harlem. He went on to teach at band would not “let me catch him,” she said, co-presidents of the B’Nai B’rith Schoolman’s for 17 years before becoming principal of a school for students with special needs in until she turned 18. She is a retired public Lodge in Brooklyn.The couple traveled exten- PS 197 in Queens, where he retired in 1989. Manhattan, before being appointed an school teacher. Mr. Garcia served as District sively and Mrs. Panzer enjoyed knitting. “They Mr. Kaseman married the former Billie Yellen assistant principal at Intermediate School 55 8’s bilingual coordinator for middle schools did everything in their life together,” said Dr. in April 1960. The couple raised their fami- (Ocean Hill Brownsville) in Brooklyn, where and became an AP at PS 130 (Abram Stevens Panzer-Schwartz. “We are very blessed with ly in Merrick, NY. After his retirement from he served for 21 years, before retiring in 1990. Hewitt). He retired as principal of the school their love for each other and their love for us.” DOE, Mr. Kaseman took a job as principal of While at IS 55, Mr. Ferlauto was asked to lead a in 2007. After a month away from work, he In addition to her daughter Ellen, she is sur- Fort Lauderdale Preparatory School, where group called the Neighborhood Youth Corps, took a job at the Carl Icahn Charter School in vived by another daughter, Susan Panzer, and he served for 17 years. He retired in 2012. Mr. which trained and helped underprivileged the Bronx. He was working there as deputy three grandchildren. Kaseman enjoyed swimming, tennis, biking, teens find summer jobs. Post retirement, Mr. superintendent of instruction at the time of his paddleball and racquetball. He was also an Ferlauto served on the Board of Examiners death, said his wife. “He wouldn’t ask anyone n JANE PASCAZIO 72, died Sept. 13. She amateur actor, who appeared in productions for over a year. As a high-school student and to do something he wouldn’t do,” said Mrs. lived on City Island in the Bronx, NY. Mrs. staged by his synagogue on Long Island as member of the ROTC, his family noted that Garcia. “And if a kid needed anything, Danny Pascazio was born in 1948 and grew up in the well as in Florida. “He loved what he did,” said he was chosen from thousands around 1948 would open his wallet. He was a very giving Belmont section of the Bronx. She graduated his daughter, Gerri Butterman. “He was larger to serve as “Admiral for a Day,” under former man.”In addition to his wife of nearly 40 years, from Aquinas High School, earned a bachelor’s than life. He was a happy man.” Mr. Kaseman’s Navy Admiral Thomas Kinkaid. Events took Mr. Garcia is survived by three sons — Daniel, degree from Hunter College and two master’s wife of 53 years predeceased him in 2013. In place aboard an aircraft carrier in New York Marc and Christopher; a brother, Glenn, and a degrees, said her husband, Anthony Pascazio. addition to Mrs. Butterman, he is survived by Harbor. In retirement, Mr. Ferlauto lived part- grandson. She began her career as a third-grade teacher his son, Bruce Kaseman, and another daugh- time in Lake Worth, FL, with his wife. He loved n HAROLD KOBLINER, 90, died May 17. He at PS 45 in Belmont, where she had attended ter, Wendy Meyer, as well as six grandchildren. boating, golf, the arts and music. In addition lived in a Great Neck, NY. Raised in the Bronx elementary school. After another teaching job n DIANE DENNING, 67, died April 19. She to his wife of 66 years, Mr. Ferlauto is survived by immigrant, Jewish parents who struggled in the Bronx, she went on to work as a guid- lived in Rockaway. Mrs. Denning was born by two sons, Robert Jr. and David; a brother, during the Depression, Mr. Kobliner enrolled ance counselor in several schools in the South in Brooklyn and graduated from the former Edward, and four grandchildren. in the City College of NY at age 16, graduated Bronx before taking a position in District 8 offices as a supervisor of pre-school special Canarsie High School. She earned a bachelor’s n MOE FINKELSTEIN, 87, died July 13. He with a degree in history, and earned a Ph.D. education. She retired in 2005. Mrs. Pascazio degree and a master’s degree from Brooklyn lived in of Plainview, NY. Mr. Finkelstein was from NY University’s School of Education. He continued to do some per session work for the College and held licenses in general and spe- born in Brooklyn and graduated from Thomas began teaching in NYC public schools in 1950, DOE after retiring, before joining a company cial education. Mrs. Denning spent her entire Jefferson HS where he was a running back but was drafted into the Army and stationed that the DOE hired to assess the efficacy of pre- 33-year career at PS 312 in the Bergen Beach on the varsity football team. He received a at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, where school special-education programs. Her first neighborhood of Brooklyn. She worked in ARC bachelor’s degree he created a cooperative educational pro- husband died in the early 1980s, and in 1985, special-needs day-care services, became a first- in economics from gram between the base and the NYC Board she married Anthony Pascazio, a retired NYPD grade teacher, an assistant principal in 2003, Bucknell University of Education, and started language classes for captain and a long-time friend. Mrs. Pascazio and principal in 2011. She retired in 2014. In in Lewisburg, PA, non-English speakers as well as a counseling was active in the United Trinity Methodist addition to her husband of almost 40 years, where he had been program to assist soldiers—some of whom Church on City Island. “She was also total- James Denning, a custodial engineer whom recruited to play were unable to read—with correspondence ly involved in our family,” said Mr. Pascazio, she met while he was driving a school bus, football. Waiting courses. These efforts led to a parade in his while also helping many children with special Mrs. Denning is survived by a son, Joseph, to be drafted, he honor on Governors Island. Mr. Kobliner was needs, often attending meetings on behalf of and two grandchildren. “She was the most returned to Thomas the youngest assistant principal ever appoint- their families. She was among the founders of wonderful and generous person in the world,” Jefferson to assist ed in NY at the time, he later became the the Italian American Educators (FIAME), which Mr. Denning said. his former coach, Rip principal of Marie Curie, JHS 158, in Queens. was started in the Bronx and spread across n Moe Finkelstein Goldman, and after An advocate for students of all backgrounds IDA ECHEVARRIA, 91, died Aug. 23. She NYC. The group aimed to encourage more three deferments, and levels of ability, he was a pioneer in special lived in Ponte Vedra, FL. Born in the Bronx, Italian-Americans to take on supervisory roles was drafted into the 101st Airborne Division education. One of his programs provided, for she graduated from Walton High School in the DOE. “She was very proud of that,” of the Army. Discharged early, he returned the first time, art, music, and foreign language and earned a bachelor’s degree from Long said Mr. Pascazio. In addition to her husband to coaching at Thomas Jefferson. “He did not classes to children with special needs; many Island University and a master’s degree from of 35 years, Mrs. Pascazio is survived by her intend to coach,” said his wife of 60 years, of his programs were adopted as models for Fordham University. Her daughter, Pegine step-children, Anthony Pascazio and Luann Elaine Finkelstein, yet he took over as head schools citywide. He put a high priority on Echevarria, said she was just shy of earning Vanderpot; her sister, Joan Di’Salvatore; her coach in 1955 at age 22. He retired there as community outreach, establishing alliances her doctorate from Fordham. Ms. Echevarria niece and nephew, and four grandchildren. began her career as a teacher, then direct- coach and assistant principal of health and with the Interracial and Interfaith Council and ed the Head Start program at an elementary physical education in 1987. According to the the NAACP, and created community activities. n PHYLLIS RUSSO, 78, died Sept. 3. She school in the Bronx, before transferring to New York Times, Mr. Finkelstein compiled He was later appointed Chairman of the Board lived in Staten Island. Mrs. Russo was born in an experimental school in the borough, PS a 202-57-3 record as head coach at Thomas of Examiners, an independent agency that 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in the Bay 211 — where classes were taught in English Jefferson. He guided the team to unofficial oversaw the creation and implementation of Ridge community. She graduated from Notre and Spanish in an open-classroom setting. She city championships in 1963 and1965, three tests for teachers and supervisors in NYC. Dr. Dame Academy, a private girls school in the went on to serve as an assistant principal. She “official” PSAL titles in 1971, 74 and 75, and Kobliner believed a school system needs excel- Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island., was appointed assistant superintendent for second-place finishes in 1978 and 79. Players lent teachers in order to best educate children, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the for- District 8 in the Bronx, before moving to DOE of his include former Green Bay Packers run- and that teachers must have proficiency in the mer Notre Dame College, also in Grymes Hill. headquarters as director of testing in the early ning back John Brockington, and Otis Wilson, subjects they teach. About 12 years ago, he Mrs. Russo also held a master’s degree. She 1970s. Her daughter, noting that her mother a former linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Mrs. and his wife Shirley began collecting and cat- began her career in the early 1960s as a French was, at the time, the highest-ranking Latina Finkelstein met her husband-to-be when a egorizing idioms and expressions—without teacher at William McKinley JHS in Brooklyn’s at DOE and was one of two of the highest student at Thomas Jefferson. “I loved him from using Google—in an effort to share their love District 20. She went on to serve as an assis- ranking women there. Ms. Echevarria retired the time I first saw him,” she said. “Moe was of language with their grandchildren. Their tant principal at McKinley before retiring in in 1988, but served as a consultant to the constantly drawing on scraps of paper, x’s and book, So to Speak: 11,000 Expressions That’ll 1997. Mrs. Russo met her husband Joseph at a DOE and to the Head Start program. In 1998, o’s,” said his wife, who learned the shorthand. Knock Your Socks Off, is set to be published bowling alley in Brooklyn; the couple married Mrs. Echevarria and her second husband, Larry Ira Kaminsky, a teacher and coach who at one in December by Simon & Schuster. In 2012, in 1965. Her husband said they moved to the Schwartz, moved to Ponte Vedra, the head- time quarterbacked for Mr. Finkelstein, called he received CCNY’s distinguished Townsend Prince’s Bay section of Staten Island’s South quarters of the PGA, near Jacksonville. Mr. his former coach “the greatest human being I Harris Medal, recognizing his lifetime of ded- Shore in 1995. She was an avid reader who Schwartz was an avid golfer and his wife had ever met. Not only did he teach his players not ication, accomplishment, and advocacy in enjoyed crosswords, home decorating and also taken up the sport. “She always won the to quit, he was like a psychologist. He handled the New York City public school system. Dr. treasured her family and friends. In addition award of top comedian,” said her daughter every kid differently.” Despite Mr. Finkelstein’s Kobliner was predeceased by his wife in 2016. to her husband of 55 years, she is survived of her mother’s golf outings. Mrs. Echevarria public legacy being rooted in football, Mr. He is survived by his three children, Kenneth, by her son, Joseph P. Russo; a sister, Marilyn enjoyed singing; she also participated in mara- Kaminsky said, “Education was number one Perry, and Beth; his in-law children David and Marrone, and three brothers, Joseph, Paul and thons before suffering a stroke nine years ago. for him. We were in a lower middle-class Miriam; and six grandchildren. James Marrone. Mr. Schwartz predeceased his wife about five community and every one of my teammates n BARBARA PANZER, 85, of Monroe years ago. In addition to her daughter, she is went to college and got a degree.” After Mr. Township, NJ, died Sept. 3. Mrs. Panzer was Send obituary notices to CSA News Editor survived by her son, Steven Gustafson; a sister, Finkelstein retired from the DOE, he opened born in the Crown Heights neighborhood Chuck Wilbanks at [email protected]. Oct. 2020 CSA NEWS 9

Dr. Douglas NATION The Welfare Fund V. Hathaway Labor Ensuring Coverage And Reimbursements MARYLAND uestion: I am a retired high school uestion: I’m a newly appointed AP. Enhanced Pay Ends principal who has the GHI Senior I recently received a bill from the Enhanced pay, instituted for Care plan as my Medicare supple- UFT Welfare Fund for prescriptions some state employees early in the ment. I started receiving bills from purchased July 5. Can you help me? pandemic, was halted without Qmy doctors in mid-August saying I owed what QANSWER: Sure. When you change posi- notice recently. The pay, which Medicare did not pay. This has never hap- tions from teacher to a supervisory position, provided an additional $3.13 pened before. What changed? What did I do it takes the DOE a few weeks (hopefully) to per hour for employees such as (or did not do)? switch your records from a teacher payroll police, correctional officers, and ANSWER: This is not due to anything you line to a supervisory line. We receive a report hospital employees and others did. On July 1, both Empire Blue Cross and from the DOE at the end of Sept., which we considered 24/7 workers, and an Emblem Health (parent of GHI) implemented use to determine eligibility. We have an agree- additional $2 per hour for people new computer platforms, including new ID ment with the UFT Welfare Fund to reimburse working directly in coronavirus numbers for all participants, that were in expenses incurred by our members in the tran- quarantine areas. The enhance- development and planned for implementation sition from UFT to CSA. Please send us a copy ment was costing the state $3.3 long before the pandemic. It seems that when of the UFT letter and we will reimburse the UFT million per 2-week pay period. Computer Empire sent the new ID numbers to Medicare the amount we would have paid for your med- Though Response Pay has ended, it indicated they were supplemental for both ications. We’ll send you a copy of the check workers in quarantine units such Program hospitals (which they are) and medical (which we send the UFT, and you’ll be responsible as prisons or state hospitals will is GHI’s responsibility). As a result, when for paying the UFT the difference between the continue to receive an additional Snafu For Medicare sent the crossover implementation, amount they billed and the amount we paid. $5.13 per hour. (Baltimore Sun) the claims that should have gone to GHI went This reciprocal agreement works for dental Emblem, to Empire, who properly denied them since procedures, as well as for the (rare) case when CALIFORNIA Blue Cross they do not provide that coverage. We are a supervisor reverts to a teaching position, in Worker Protections told the problem has been resolved and that which case we bill the UFT for any benefits you United Farm Workers is working to Solved Emblem is reprocessing over 50,000 claims used before the UFT restored your coverage. secure N95 masks for workers who that were processed incorrectly. If you con- are at risk, most recently, from smoke tinue to get these notices after October, please Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway is CSA Welfare Fund from the wild fires. While legislation let me know and we will expedite getting Administrator. You can email him at dhatha- was passed to mandate growers them paid correctly by Emblem. [email protected]. provide N95 masks or the equivalent when the Air Quality Index is over 150, it’s been found that, in fact, 84 • • • percent of farm workers have not received them. UFW has been crit- ical of Cal/OSHA’s failure to protect Important Notice from CSA Welfare Fund About workers and has reportedly secured 50,000 masks to distribute itself. Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare (United Farm Workers) VIRGINIA Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find You should also know that if you drop or lose your current it. This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage with the CSA Welfare Fund and don’t join a Medicare Driver Rally coverage with the CSA Welfare Fund and about your options under drug plan within 63 continuous days after your current cover- The Greater Lynchburg Transit Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you age ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Company has come under fire decide whether or not you want to join a Medicare drug plan. If you Medicare drug plan later. for not providing enough protec- are considering joining, you should compare your current coverage, If you go 63 continuous days or longer without creditable tions for its workers and custom- including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium may go ers. The bus company has been costs of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiary premium accused of not reporting positive area. Information about where you can get help to make decisions per month for every month that you did not have that cover- cases to the union and for a lack about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice. age. For example, if you go nineteen months without credit- of proper cleaning procedures. There are two important things you need to know about your able coverage, your premium may consistently be at least 19% The union representing the work- current coverage and Medicare’s prescription drug coverage: higher than the Medicare base beneficiary premium. You may ers is calling for hazard pay for 1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in have to pay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you its workers, who are considered 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this cover- have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you essential workers. The company has experienced work shortages age if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or join a may have to wait until the following October to join. and a number of workers have Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers been quarantined. (WDBJ7) prescription drug coverage. All Medicare drug plans provide For More Info About This Notice Or Coverage at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some Contact the person listed below for further information NEW YORK plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly NOTE: You’ll get this notice each year. You will also get it premium. before the next period you can join a Medicare drug plan, and Kitchen Safety 2. CSA Welfare Fund has determined that the prescription drug if this coverage through the CSA Welfare Fund changes. You NYC school cafeteria workers, coverage offered by the CSA Welfare Fund is, on average for also may request a copy of this notice at any time. who have provided some 100 all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as stan- million grab and go lunches dard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays and is there- For More Information About Medicare Options since March, sounded alarm fore considered Creditable Coverage. Because your existing More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer bells earlier in the year concern- coverage is Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” hand- ing working conditions. Many and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide book. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year work in hot kitchens, without to join a Medicare drug plan. from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare windows, no air conditioning drug plans. For more information about Medicare prescription or proper ventilation. The pan- When Can You Join A Medicare Drug Plan? drug coverage: Visit www.medicare.gov demic has not improved the situation and many workers You can join a Medicare drug plan when you first become Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see fear both the return of students eligible for Medicare and each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” to school buildings, as well as However, if you lose your current creditable prescription drug handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help. potential budget cuts. District coverage, through no fault of your own, you will also be eligi- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call Council 37, that represents ble for a two (2) month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join 1-877-486-2048. If you have limited income and resources, 23,000 workers, including 9,000 a Medicare drug plan. extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is cafeteria workers, said kitchen available. For information about this extra help, visit Social areas should be prioritized in What Happens To Your Current Coverage? Security on the web at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at school ventilation checks. The If you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your current CSA 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Department of Education indi- Welfare Fund will not be affected. If you do decide to join a Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you cated school kitchens are being Medicare drug plan and drop your current CSA Welfare Fund, decide to join one of the Medicare drug plans, you may be included in their inspections and be aware that you and your dependents will be able to get this required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to ventilation reports. (PIX11) coverage back. show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage — Compiled by and, therefore, whether or not you are required to pay a higher Christine Altman Will You Pay A Higher Premium (Penalty)? premium (a penalty). 10 CSA NEWS Oct. 2020 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE GREEN SPACES Gayle Lockett Get Out The Vote! A Bronx Family’s ince a survey showed 80 percent of membership in favor of endorsing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Honor And Legacy CSA officially endorsed the SBiden/Harris ticket. At a September Political Action Committee meeting, unit leaders and liaisons from Arizona, Georgia, Virginia and Florida shared the status of candidates, what is being done in their counties and states, and what still needs to be done. Our retirees are diligently working to inform voters of the Biden/Harris platform and to get people to vote. Through our PAC, CSA is working earnestly to get eligible voters to vote early, encouraging voters who receive a mail-in ballot to carefully fill it out and mail or drop it off at the designated location. This year’s presidential election is extremely important. It has been said, “Vote like your life depends on it.” If you are able to help get out the vote, our CSA Political Affairs division asks retirees to sign up for one or more virtual phone banks using the toolkits listed below or through other local organizations. • Battleground State Phone Bank Toolkit: https://www. n Family and local politicians attended the July 1996 ceremony to dedicate a NYC public park to the memory mobilize.us/2020victory/event/291103/ of Phyllis Post Goodman, former teacher and wife of late CSA Executive Board member Marvin Goodman. • New York for Biden/Harris Toolkit: https://newyorkfor- biden2020.com BY DEE-DEE GOIDEL importance of viewing a patient as a “whole per- • Biden/Harris Fact Sheet Toolkit: http://joe.link/ son,” not just a collection of symptoms. After BuyAmericaFactSheet ayor John Lindsey’s administration learning about her varied expansive commitment For those with difficulties phone banking, please con- established green spaces that were to her family, community and future generations, tact either Assistant Director of Political Affairs Herman carved out of patches of unused it is quite apparent why the community and city Merritt ([email protected]) or RC Legislative Liaison land in all five boroughs. These broke with its naming traditions by naming a Mitra Lutchman ([email protected]) for assistance. You “vest pocket” parks varied widely: park for this special woman. may also contact the political team at politicalaffairs@ MSome had centuries old native trees; others had An Aug. 8, 1996 edition of the Riverdale csa-nyc.org with questions or concerns or contacting your to be landscaped. They were sometimes nestled Review, called the event “both a dedication and a unit leader or political liaison. To join or increase your PAC between buildings, thus providing a place to rest re-discovery of a park that practically disappeared contribution, email the addresses above or Mark Brodsky at or simply a place to meet a friend out of doors, for some years.” The paper noted that Geraldine [email protected]. Finally, as your RC Chairperson, I reit- and were most often named in honor of war Thorsten, a Community Board 8 member, noti- erate the importance of joining our PAC. Please see Retiree heroes or elected officials. fied Councilwoman June Eisland about a quiet Chapter Director Mark Brodsky’s thorough description of One of these parks in the Bronx caught piece of greenery,” and Ms. Eisland guided the the PAC and how to help on page 11. my interest since it is named for Phyllis Post process by bringing the idea to the attention of Goodman, late wife of Marvin Goodman, one Parks Commissioner, Henry Stern. She continued • • • of the CSA RC Executive Board member icons to pursue the matter until the City Council voted lthough we are continuing with virtual media indef- and co-chair of CSA’s Legacy Committee. Phyllis for the proposal and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani initely, we still are holding monthly RC Advisory Goodman spent her entire career as a school- approved the legislation. and RC Executive Board meetings. This month our teacher in Washington Heights. She received her A • • • Charity Committee will discuss donating to the Stephen bachelor’s and master’s degrees from City College. Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. We are going to con- As a mother, she found time to be active in parent he small park, located at the intersection tinue supporting the CSA Scholarship Fund and ask the associations, most times in a leadership capac- of Kappock Street and the Henry Hudson regional units and individuals continue donating to this ity. She was always interested in being ethnically TParkway and forgotten for decades, received worthy scholarship too. The CSA Scholarship Fund recog- inclusive. She was instrumental in initiating the a complete face-lift. Thousands of flowers, plants nizes college bound seniors demonstrating perseverance in first multicultural fair at PS 24 in The Bronx. In the and bushes were planted, walkways were repaved staying in school and potential leadership. Individuals can process, she involved large numbers of Japanese- and a bird bath was installed, making the park a make a tax deductible (501 C3) contribution by sending a American residents in the life of the school. special tribute to Phyllis Post Goodman. On behalf check made out to CSA Scholarship Fund and mail it to CSA In the early 1970’s, Mrs. Goodman partici- of his family, Marvin Goodman publicly acknowl- RC, 40 Rector Street St., 12th Floor, NY, NY 10006. Thank pated in the march to preserve the land for an edged the efforts of Councilwoman Eisland for you for your continued support for our future leaders. educational park at West 230th Street, where sponsoring the naming of the mini-park after his Looking forward to seeing you at a virtual meeting. Be John F. Kennedy High School and PS 37 now wife and for guiding the process step by step. well and stay safe. stands. She was appointed to Community Board Mr. Goodman invited the community to 8 and served in that position for 25 years until enjoy the Park named in tribute to his wife. Her In Unity, her death in 1995. Her community interests were family and friends recently held a Zoom com- Gayle Lockett boundless. She was involved in education, library memoration in the park notating the 25th anni- services and preserving parklands and greenery. versary of her death. Since he had always been She volunteered her time in the Gilda Radner supportive of his wife’s service to Community Club and SHARE, two educational advocacy and Board 8, he was nominated to serve in her place, support groups for women with cancer, their a position he still holds twenty-five years later. families and friends. In 1994, Mrs. Goodman was invited to speak Dee-Dee Goidel was a former CSA RC officer, to the entering class at the Albert Einstein College founder of the RC Regional Units, former RC legisla- of Medicine. During her talk, she stressed the tive liaison and current RC Executive Board member. Oct. 2020 CSA NEWS 11 Activism, Updates, Via Zoom CSA Virtual Program Our PAC, More... BY LUCIE ELIO The CSA Retiree Chapter is once again offering the following virtual classes BY MARK BRODSKY TRS Pension COLA and lectures to CSA RC members, at no charge. To register for any of the If you noticed a very few dollars more classes, email [email protected] and list the presentation(s) you e have come a long way, in your October pension payment, it is would like. Please include: the class or lecture’s title, your name, your email in the 16 years since the because you probably received a cost of and phone number. transition from the RSSA living adjustment. CSA’s Nov. Program via Zoom Weekly Classes via Zoom into the CSA Retiree The COLA is based on 50% of the Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST Beginner Bridge Chapter. It is almost increase in the CPI from year to year Books and Bagels Book Club – 11/5 11/4 - 10:30 pm – 12:00 pm EST Wmiraculous since former President Jill Levy (March to March). The annual increase Intro to Twitter and Instagram – 11/9 and her team came up with this concept, Beginner Crochet is based on your pension if it is less than Barbra Streisand – 11/12 which was then followed up, nourished, 1/5; 11/12- 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST $18,000 per year, or on the first $18,000 Broadway Musicals – 11/16 and sustained by former President Ernest of your pension per year. Tenement Museum – 11/19 Logan and taken to another level by Based on current CPI figures, the Art Deco – 11/24 President Mark Cannizzaro and his team. September 2020 COLA is 1 percent. The CSA’s retirees are indebted to these for- benefit is paid to: ward-thinking leaders who have provided • Retirees who have reached age 55 continuing support in ensuring our hard- and have been retired for at least 10 earned benefits are not only continuing years; or but also improving. • Retirees who have reached 62 and We work hand in hand with our in-ser- have been retired for at least five years; or RC Regional Units vice brothers and sisters, speaking to and • Retirees who have retired for disabil- lobbying our city and state elected offi- ity and have been retired for at least five cials to ensure our issues and concerns are years; as well as SOUTHWEST SUNCOAST made known. The political arena serves as • Spouses of certain deceased retiree We have been in touch with our Take a moment to give yourself a pat our base that enables us to support those collecting benefits under joint and survi- members by email and by phone to on the back. You deserve it! Where have elected officials who support us and the vor option. answer specific questions regarding the last 7 months gone? Into the Twilight issues that are so important to us as retir- welfare benefits. In addition, we have Zone! As you are reading this, I hope you ees as well as those who now walk in our CSA Scholarship emailed our members regarding the and your loved ones are all safe and well. shoes. Each year, CSA awards scholarships to importance of the upcoming election The Suncoast Retiree Chapter streamed Our activism beat back the NYS NYC public high school college-bound in November. We have emphasized our first informational Zoom meeting Constitutional Convention two years ago seniors who have shown leadership that EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Arizona is on Sept. 24. It was well-attended and and it helps in continuing the extraordi- potential in school and/or in their com- an important state this year with a con- very appreciated. We heard from Norm nary interest rate we get with those who munity and have overcome hardships to tentious senatorial race in addition to Sherman, Gayle Lockett, Mark Brodsky, have a TDA, among other issues. reach graduation. When we launched the the presidential race. The annual CSA Dr. Doug Hathaway and our president, Many of you have seen fit to contrib- scholarship fund, it was decided from the meeting will be conducted via Zoom Mark Cannizzaro. I received wonderful ute to our Political Action Committee to start that we would consider each appli- in November. Virtual Zoom classes are feedback from our members, especially assure we have the funds to do battle. cant’s character rather than their GPA. A offered and members can register via the daughter of one of our retirees who To those of you who have not yet con- school supervisor must recommend the email at [email protected]. We resides in an assisted living residence. She tributed, we are making a special appeal student, and a committee of active and wish all our members good health. told me that her mom was able to watch so that we can continue with maximum inactive CSA members review all applica- —Stef Thier and Dom Nigro the meeting and feel gratefully connected efforts on your behalf. tions (inclusive of three essays) to select to all of us. Until things return to the new PAC contributions are limited to volun- one student per borough. normal, Zoom meetings will be our way CENTRAL NEW JERSEY to get-together and catch up on import- tary donations, as it is prohibited to utilize Your donation will afford these stu- ant issues. Meanwhile, if you are a retiree members’ dues for political use. As a result, dents the opportunity to pursue their Thank you to all the members who who lives on the West coast of Florida we are reaching out to you to encourage dreams and ensure the fund’s future suc- attended our very first Zoom meeting in from Naples up to Tarpon Springs please participation. September. It was a great success! Our next cess so that we can continue to provide contact me and join our chapter! Stay Hopefully, you have heard of the meeting is planned for Dec. 15, 11 am. this financial support to promising stu- safe and healthy, sending virtual hugs. President’s Club. By contributing at least Mark Brodsky has already sent the invita- dents year after year. Any concerns, do not hesitate to contact $8 a month ($96 per annum) you will To make a tax deductible (501 C3) con- tion to you by email. Our speaker will be Gary Goldstein, director of the CSA Travel me, [email protected] or (646) become a member of our prestigious tribution – you can send a check made Desk. Gary will speak about the safety pre- 387-2652. group of contributors who receive a spe- out to CSA Scholarship Fund and mail it cautions to take when traveling by plane, — Cindy Salamone cial gift and invitations to special events. to CSA RC - 40 Rector St., 12th Floor – NY train, cruise line or car. You will receive You can also write a check, on an annual NY 10006 important information from Gary so be basis, made out to CSARC PAC. sure to attend. My executive board and I SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Visit our website and you can down- Retroactive Payment want to give a shout out to Herbert Tillem, load and return the PAC check off card. All DOE members who retired on In my most recent letter to you, I who served as secretary for over 15 years Your contribution of $2, $4 or more per or after April 23, 2019, should have stated that all of our in-person activities for CSA’s NJ Unit and has resigned from received a retroactive payment by the that were scheduled for the 2020-2021 pension check is the best insurance invest- his position. He was the best secretary ever season had to be cancelled because of ment you can make to ensure we stay end of August, 2020 or the beginning of and will be sorely missed. Not only was he the Covid 19 pandemic. On Oct. 14, we active in the political arena to advocate September. Most of our retirees received conscientious and efficient, but above all, a held our annual Medicare workshop on for our benefits as retirees. this payment. If you did not get it, gentlemen. Good luck to you, Herb! Zoom, presented by Norman Sherman. We want to thank the 276 new PAC please send your name and file number —Lucille Vecchiarelli members who signed up recently, 105 of to [email protected]. Note that TRS will (Thank you, Norman, for a wonderful whom joined the President’s Club). be notified of this salary increase and that presentation. Our Jan. 11, 2021, our your pension will be recalculated. LOWER HUDSON VALLEY health and welfare meeting will also be IRMAA held on Zoom. Many of CSA’s executive Our executive board and I would like board members will drop in to say a The Office of Labor Relations is still DOE Email Address to thank all of our members for their sup- few words and Dr. Doug Hathaway will closed and working remotely. Anything Once you retire or leave service – the port. I will continue to keep you informed make his presentation. You will receive that was mailed in, rather than submitted DOE is under no obligation to continue to of all important information and events an invitation prior to the meeting. You via email, will be addressed when the office provide you with your DOE email address. via email as well as the U.S.P.S. for those can attend the meeting on your smart- reopens. We will let you know as soon as The DOE may take it away the day you of you who requested this method. Kindly phone, tablet or computer. You must it reopens. leave or years after, but they will take it note that we are beginning to collect mate- download the Zoom app. Please visit As of now, IRMAA (income-related away, and without warning. Do not use rial for our winter newsletter that will be our newly designed website, created by monthly adjustment amount) is still on it for any private or personal communica- published in Jan., 2021. Suggestions and Mark Jacoby. Here you can download time to be deposited in October. tion. If there are people you want to com- submissions are welcomed. Contact me at forms, the latest newsletter and other Differentials, for those not filing for municate with after you leave service, get [email protected] or LoHudCSARC@ pertinent information. The website IRMAA, are still expected to be reimbursed their personal email address and give them gmail.com. We would like to wish every- address is: www.csasouthflorida.com. in March 2021. The differential for 2019 is yours. The DOE email address belongs to one a happy holiday season. Stay safe! Please stay well. up to $318. the City of New York– not to you. — Janice Imundi — Lois Turetzky only the loss of her husband of 38 years, only thelossof herhusbandof38years, teacher, realized shewasfacedwithnot think aboutit.’” looked at them and said, ‘Don’t even walk awayandbedonewith me.She order,” Mr.Lordsaid.“They wantedto my wifetosignadonot resuscitate higher brain function and they wanted forty-first day,doctorsstatedIhadno care, butheisn’tsentimental.“Onthe pandemic. CSA duringthedarkestmonthsof ment, andthelifelinehiswifefoundin matic andurgentnatureofhisretire- many waysgivenuponhim,thedra- was how the medical profession had in was hospitalized. Not so fully explored as hisretirementfromtheDOEwhilehe ered Mr.Lord’s“medicalmiracle”aswell who werethere.” her downtheaisleforninepeople married onAug.22,“Iwasabletowalk ful life.Forexample,whenhisdaughter speak.” Still,hequicklyresumedajoy- Well, that’sgone.ThisisasloudIcan somebody wasn’tgettingthemessage? you would use inthelunchroomwhen same, though.“Youknowthevoice Other thingswillneverbequitethe water bottlebecausethey’resosmall.” “The only thing I can’t do is open a food,” hesaidinarecentinterview. the day.“Icanwalk,talk,shower,make physical therapy,heismoremobileby prayers said onhis behalf. Now, with credits toexcellentcare,support,and 109 daysandonaventilatorfor65. was inahospitalandrehabcenterfor aged his right vocal cord. All told, he tube downhisthroatpermanentlydam- the constantpressureofrespirator’s for surgeonstoperformatracheotomy, since theinfectionsmadeitimpossible walk or indeed move much at all. And, breakdown, he had lost hisability to as MRSA.Becauseofmuscleandnerve the deadly bacterial infection known icillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, monia andbecameinfectedwithmeth- he survivedthreecasesofdoublepneu- more than60days.Duringthatperiod He remained in an induced coma for Continued from Page 1 In Dark Time, Union’s Tireless Work In DarkTime,Union’sTirelessWork At thatmoment,Mrs.Lord,a retired Mr. Lord is thankful for his medical Various NewYorkmediaoutletscov- Yet Mr.Lordsurvived,afeathe OCTOBER 2020 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC back anyway.SoIneededtoretirehim.” did survive,hewouldn’tbeabletogo pension. Thenitbecameclearthatifhe “If he wasn’t retired, there would be no was goingtosurvivetheday,”shesaid. them. “Everyday,theydidn’tthinkhe itary veteran with a disability, relies on One of their two adult children, a mil- years’ ofhissalary,andthatwouldbeit. he died, she would have received three but financialcatastropheaswell.Had hour, Mark Cannizzaro called me back,” hour, MarkCannizzaro calledmeback,” ship toMrs.Lord’s situation.“Inahalf Lieberman quicklyalertedCSA leader- southern districtofBrooklyn. Mr. Lieberman, CSA’sdistrictchair inthe said Mrs.Lord. shut down. closed. TeachersRetirementServicewas tant prospectgiventhatthecourtswere documents onhisbehalf,seemedadis- would giveherthelegalauthoritytofile the firststep–apowerofattorneythat phone wasdifficult.Evenaccomplishing barrier tothat.Justreachinganyoneby Brooklyn wasonaventilatorfor65days. n ‘MedicalMiracle’PrincipalLarryLordofPS235, The She reached out to Russell “You can’tretiresomeoneby email,” COVID shutdown created a huge shutdown createdahuge continue enjoying life, is the man once enjoying aremarkable opportunityto worked. What,besidestherapy and hands, thattheschool’ssmartboards by nametomakingsure,with hisown principal, fromgreetinghis students everything wentthrough.” They busted their asses tomake sure clock. Itwouldhavebeenadisaster. Island. Theywereracingagainstthe as ajudge and stenographer in Staten power ofattorneytoretireme,aswell We hadtogetalawyermywife every dayIwasonthevergeofdying. pile. Ithadtobedealtwithfastbecause documents hadtogothetopof was dottedand“T”crossed.The delivered and filed, make sure every “I” get ittomywife,makesurewashand Mark Brodsky)hadtogetthepaperwork, Mark and(MarkCannizzaro lessly tomakesurethisdidn’t happen. tions. CSAworkedovertimeandtire- he said.“I’veheardofhorriblesitua- thing. “Shewouldhavelostthehouse,” Mr. Lordwasafamouslyinvolved His officialretirementwason May7. that hiswifedidtheright learn thenews,hadnodoubts that help.” time whenIreallyneeded was sohelpfultome,ata and their families. Everyone supportive oftheirmembers my children.CSAreallyisso I couldstayinthehousewith properly, soifLarrydidpass, important thatitbedone own retirement.Itwasvery new tome,differentthanmy this ontheirown.Thiswas DOE employeewhocando teacher –Idon’tknowofany pension,” shesaid.“I’ma health care,settingupthe everything – insurance, the retirementprocess. ulously guidedherthrough Jonathan Kimmel,whometic- and CSApensionconsultant Director Douglas Hathaway, Brodsky, CSAWelfareFund Retiree ChapterDirectorMark enlisted thehelpofCSA she said.Mr.Cannizzaro Mr. Lord,awakeningto “They walkedmethrough pleasure.” scheduling and alltherest,that’smy pal withallthecrazinessgoing onwith 20 years.IfIcanhelpthenew princi- of love,”hesaid.Thiswasmy babyfor in myhead. ing thelifeofaprincipalrolling around three years. had nointentionofretiringforanother deeply involved. munity’s working-classparentsare under theirwing,andwherethecom- where seasoned teachers take neophytes doesn’t needmicromanaging,hesaid, festered. It’saplacewherethestaff quietly hashoutproblemsbeforethey that heandthechapterleaderwould relations between CSA and UFT, such school’s culturemadeforconstructive torical memory.” were studentshere.Andhehasthathis- tional school.Wehaveteacherswho students come here – we’re a genera particular –thechildrenofourformer to collegeandcomeback.We’revery floor andhaveaconversationwiththem. for them.Hewouldgetdownonthe up theirkids,hewouldpopinamovie lowing him.Ifparentswerelatepicking saw himhere,hehadatrailofkidsfol- always beenchild-centered:WhenIfirst but we still stayed in contact. He has went toanotherschoolasamathcoach, teacher andhewasanAP,”shesaid.“I him since2001whenIwashiredasa Lord goesbacktwodecades.“I’veknown He’s retiredonlyonpaper.” his work.Wetalkjustabouteveryday. our bagelguy.Heisverycommittedto any time.Hewasourtechperson.And phone calls.Staffandparentscallhim boards…all throughtextmessagingand ogy –repairingthecomputers,smart so great.Healsohelpsmewithtechnol- know what worked well and what wasn’t located in three sites. “He’s letting me PS 235, a middle school of 1200 students Nicola Grant,interimactingprincipalof doing withhistime? dubbed ‘Superman”byhisstudentsnow Helping the school out now is a labor Helping the school out now is a labor It’s very, very strange now, not hav “I trulylovedmyjob,”hesaid. Mr. Lordsaidthatdepthofthe He’s watchedthem growupandgo Ms. Grant’sacquaintancewithMr. “He’s advisingmeonsupplies,”said and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals - -