Logan: ‘Respect Honors From for All’ Program No More Parking Ticket Blues: Brooklyn Is Especially After Long Wrangle, Permits Group for Important Now Are On Their Way Educational Work and 2-3 5 Service to the Community 15

Dec. 2016 Volume 50, Number 4 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 Conference Unites Members, Officials

A Full Day Of Workshops, Inspiring Speakers, Vendors and More STORY AND PICTURES, PAGES 8-10

DeVos Nomination Grievance Corner Bob Reich Battle for Survival Trump, Our Union, and You

of Public Education or educators and union members, these may be a reduction in the interest paid on the BY CHUCK WILBANKS are uncertain times. President-elect Teachers’ Retirement System’s Tax-Deferred Trump is avowedly anti-union, the Senate Annuity (TDA) Program. You may face sub- Donald Trump made many promises to working class vot- and the House of Representatives are in stantial increases in what you pay for health FGOP hands, and the Supreme Court is likely to insurance. ers during his presidential campaign, but he did not dwell on education. follow. Many of our members are young and As the vote gets closer, your union will lead While his books make clear his love of competition and have not experienced life without a union, or the way to oppose this convention and protect “choice” as a remedy for “failing” public schools, on the cam- one that is new and untested. They haven’t the benefits you have earned. paign trail and in the presidential debates, Mr. Trump offered worked for an employer who can take advan- Once a new justice is appointed to the voters very little on how he saw schools helping to make tage of them with impunity, knowing that the U.S. Supreme Court, undoubtedly one loyal America Great Again. employee has nowhere to turn. Sometimes, to “free-market” values, there is more than a But by nominating billionaire Betsy DeVos as Secretary of perhaps understandably, they may wonder likelihood that Friedrichs v. California Teachers Education, Mr. Trump has made his animosity toward public why they should stand by their union. Association will be refiled, or a case making education and educator unions clear. Mrs. DeVos, heiress to Let me point out some problems that our identical arguments will be argued and ruled an auto parts fortune, and her husband, Dick DeVos, son of members may face shortly. In Nov. 2017, there upon. There is then a real likelihood that a the founder of Amway, have spent much of their adulthoods will be a vote on the New York State ballot over newly appointed conservative justice will join funding efforts to channel money away from public education whether there should be a state constitutional with current justices who believe employees through charters and vouchers under the guises of “reform” convention. Should such a convention take should be permitted to opt out of paying and “equal education for all.” place, there is a possibility that both active union dues yet still be entitled to union ser- Continued on page 4 and retired members may have to contribute vices and benefits. Should that occur, it is pos- additional amounts to their retirements. There Continued on page 7 2 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Challenges Ahead For Our

Council of School Schools, City, and Country Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Voters of the Future Are Sitting in Your Classrooms By Ernest Logan 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 The following is a speech delivered on Nov. 5 slashed, they didn’t talk to us. They just did it. Fax: (212) 962-6130 at the union’s annual educational conference We went to the arbitrator and the arbitrator www.csa-nyc.org at the NY Marriott. It has been edited due to said, not only should they have their per ses- President space constraints. sion hours, but you know what? They should Ernest A. Logan BY ERNEST LOGAN be allowed 500 hours of per session. Executive Vice President When the bureaucracy decided that the Mark Cannizzaro ood afternoon, brothers and rubric for the principals’ APPR should be First Vice President Randi Herman, Ed.D sisters. I want to thank our changed – and they didn’t have to talk to us about it -- we went to another arbitrator. And Treasurer Executive Vice President Mark Henry Rubio Cannizzaro and our First Vice he said, “You can’t change it without discuss- Secretary President Randi Herman for help- ing it with CSA.” Sandy DiTrapani Ging us make some important achievements We now have a provision that allows us to Vice Presidents on your behalf this year. And I want to thank have a lot more input in what is happening Debra Handler each and every one of you for being who you in your life every single day. And we made Lois Lee consultation with the chancellor more mean- Chris Ogno are and inspiring us to stand up for you every Ronald Williams day. You hold the future of our children in ingful than it’s ever been. And I need to com- Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter your hands: from our early childhood educa- mend the chancellor and Dorita Gibson for that, because now we talk about things. But it Executive Director Operations tors, who some people don’t think they should Erminia Claudio respect because they still think you’re just doesn’t always work. General Counsel babysitting — to our folks who are working in Let me tell you what really has me crazy David Grandwetter high school and are always held accountable for everything. You at the moment. Diversity. Let’s talk about diversity. It is time for do the work. And you know what? Sometimes we still have to this system to have a chief diversity officer and figure it out up to Executive Director Field Services challenge the city to make the right things happen for you. the top so we’re all on the same page about diversity. Now, they’d Sana Q. Nasser At this extraordinary and even frightening moment in history, rather have individual principals try to figure it out. And so we’re Field Directors I’m grateful to be part of you, part of this union. I am as grateful left holding the bag on diversity. But not just with diversity. Juanita Bass, Stephen Bennett, to have you in my life as I am to have my own family, especially For instance, they decided they wanted to change the lice pro- Mildred Boyce, James Harrigan, tocol. Did they talk to any of you about how we should change the Christine Martin, Daisy O’Gorman, in these very strange times. With a giant elephant in the room. Mercedes Qualls And the pun is intended. Some ugly forces have been unleashed Assistant Field Directors in our country during this campaign, no matter what happens on Eleanor Andrew, Mauro Bressi, November 8. ‘As educators, we’ve always been Laverne Burrowes, Kenneth Llinas And I’m so happy that the chancellor disarmed some of my Charles Dluzniewski, Nancy Esposito, asked to do everything society has Aura Gangemi, Ellie Greenberg, speech today. Said some of what I’d planned to say. You know I Ray Gregory, Robert Jeanette, absolutely adore the chancellor. But I also believe that when she failed to do. I’m inspired by your Kate Leonard, Monica McDonald, doesn’t get it right, you want me to see to it that she tries to get Dorothy Morris, Ralph Santiago, Shelli Sklar, Wanda Soto, it right. And that’s not always easy, because we have a tendency devotion to ideals and values.’ MaryAnn Tucker, George Young sometimes not to want to hear that we’re getting it wrong. But the one thing about CSA, we’ve got a legal team that’s awesome. lice protocol? No. But you’re going to be stuck trying to explain Grievance Director Where is David Grandwetter, our general counsel? Robert J. Reich Last May we were back in court over the C30s. Making sure that that to parents. When we make enough noise, they’ll stop. They’ll Assistant Directors people were appointed in a timely fashion. We won a major victory say, “Oops, we better hold that one back because we haven’t talked Carol Atkins, Alex Castillo, Ed. D in that. Members were sometimes waiting for a year or more before to the people in the schools about it.” Robert Colon, Jermaine Garden they could move on with their careers. Hundreds of members Back to diversity. When they were trying to do this rezoning Marlene Lazar, Ph.D, Steve Rosen watched as their advancements were stalled. Sometimes over real in District 3 on the Upper West Side, we heard from the principals Director of Communications and the administrators that nobody had talked to them. And we Clem Richardson trivial garbage: because someone called 311 and said, “I don’t like his tie today.” We went to court over that and we won and we said started making noise. Now, again, they’re saying, “Oops, let’s talk Assistant Director of Communications Corey Bachman know what, “When the investigation is unsubstantiated, appoint to people and let’s slow this up a bit.” That comes straight from the the person.” We did even better than that. We worked on getting people in District 3 telling us, “You know what? Something’s hap- Director of Political Affairs Herman Merritt people the back time they lost while they were waiting for the pening here and no one asked us.” And school climate and discipline. I am really tired of hearing Assistant Director of Political Affairs appointment. Gabe Gallucci When the DOE decided that per session hours should be that suspensions lead to every child going to jail. Let us get realistic Assistant Director now. Let’s talk about poverty, let’s talk about homelessness; let’s John Khani talk about families in need. Don’t just throw all responsibility on Special Assistant to President us. And because we discipline a child, all of a sudden you say we’re Gary Goldstein sending them to jail. CSA Conference Chair Pierre Lehmuller • • • CSA Historian o when I heard about the new discipline system, the first Manfred Korman thing I said was you know what, I love restorative justice. But CSA Retiree Chapter why are we starting it in high school? Every restorative justice Gayle Lockett, Chair S Mark Brodsky, Director step we take has to start early. It has to start with our universal pre-K population. We start it where it really matters. If we want to do restorative justice, we do it where it makes a difference in the CSA NEWS long run. Editor Chuck Wilbanks I’m all for this, you know, I like this stuff. But can somebody Design Consultant Michele Pacheco explain to me: Where are the resources? Where are the educa- Production Assistant Christine Altman tional guidance counselors; where are the social workers; where are the mental health workers; where are the crisis management trainers; where are coordinators to work with the community? No. Mostly, they want you to do it on your own. CSA News (004-532) is published I love the idea of community schools, too. Betty Rosa ran a monthly except July and August for $35 community school. Not just because we call something a com- per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage munity school it is one. It has to have the resources behind it and paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional that is sometimes the case and sometimes not. We can’t continue mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send RACHEL ELKIND to do that. If we’re truly honest about making a difference in a address changes to CSA News, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006. n CSA President Ernest Logan with Chancellor Carman Fariña and NY child’s life, we’ve got to do the things that make a lot of sense. State Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan. Continued on Page 3 Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 3 Meeting, Retiree Creates Fund for Marines Celebration Foundation Offers Grants to Actives in Dire Straits and Contest BY KATE GIBSON run by family members, including a son Joseph, who joined the Marines in 1992 at ABENY Michael Marotta, a retired high school and served for six years. principal and former U.S. Marine, wanted to “We are keeping the red tape to a mini- ABENY’s General Membership do something for active-duty Marines who mum,” says Marotta, whose older brother, Meeting will take place on Dec. find themselves in dire financial straits. Pat, was also a Marine. “All they have to 18 from 3 - 6 pm at the Bedford So Marotta, a Staten Island resident and do is get collaboration of their need either YMCA at 1121 Bedford Ave., in active member of the Council of School from their commanding officer, chaplain, Brooklyn. There will be a celebra- Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), sold or a social agency, and we’ll shoot them tion of Christmas, Kwanzaa and his train set. out a check the next day.” other festive holidays. Parents It was a pretty big set – Marotta had “I meet these young Marines, young and educators are invited and been collecting model trains his entire life. men and women, and I personally feel I refreshments will be served. He used the $100,000 he got for his have a debt to them,” says Marotta, who This year, the topic of beloved collection to start “The Aiding joined the Marines in 1962 and served in ABENY’s Black History Month Marines Family Foundation,” which offers the Reserves until 1970. “I want to be there Essay Contest is, “The Civil grants of up to $5,000 to Leathernecks in for them” Rights Movement and Its Impact financial difficulty. Marotta spent most of his 36 years in on American Life.” Public school “We’re looking to help any Marine education at Staten Island’s Tottenville students in grades 2 - 10 may par- who has a medical problem, a legal prob- High School, where he was appointed ticipate. The deadline for essay n Michael Marotta joined the Marines in 1962 lem, whether from a natural disaster or assistant principal in 1972 and principal in entries is Jan. 6, 2017. The win- and served in the reserves until 1970. something else, who needs a quick infu- 1992. He retired in 1999. ning students will be honored sion of cash to get back on his or her feet,” He is treasurer of the Staten Island chap- at a reception which will take Marotta said. The incident got Marotta looking to do ter of CSA retirees, and a member of the place at the Brooklyn Historical Marotta started the foundation ear- more for Marines in similar circumstances. recently formed CSA veterans group. Society on Feb. 4, from 1 - 2:30 lier this year after he and members of the A lifetime collector of model trains, pm. The special guest speaker will Staten Island detachment of the Marine Marotta auctioned off his collection in For more information about The Aiding be Diane Reyna, deputy Brooklyn Corps League took up a collection for a for- March. He used the $100,000 as seed Marines Family Foundation, go to: http://www. borough president. mer Marine whose van was stolen. money for his foundation, which is now aidingmarinesfamilyfoundation.org/ CORRECTIONS

In the story in the Nov., ‘Respect for All’ Especially Important Now 2016 issue of CSA News enti- tled, “A Second Act for This Continued from Page 2 Former Supervisor of Bilingual And for that they have got to include us in the conversation. Not Teachers are tense and are looking Education,” we reported that when they’ve already made the plan, but as they’re thinking about Carlo Mitton was the founder of making the plan. to you to help them navigate the the group Soul and Latin Theater And too often we are our own worst enemies. Know why? way through this difficult time. Company (SALT).” Mr. Mitton Because damn, we’re good at what we do. So when they throw gar- was a member of the group, not bage at us, we make it work. And maybe we need to stop trying to the founder. We regret the error. make it work. riorates. You get that don’t you? It’s likely to happen if the haters Due to an editing error, the get into the White House this January or if the haters continue obituary of Richard E. Organisciak • • • to be in the Congress. We have to learn how to model behavior in the Nov. issue incorrectly listed he worst thing that happened was this past week when they for our children. Never before has it been as important to educate his age. He was 65, not 88. We wanted to do something about the tragedy of a child who your students and keep the ugly forces of ignorance, prejudice and apologize for the error. T got lost in the ACS system. And we lost a life – and I cried as hatred at bay. I will say it again, the ugliest of those forces have most parents did about this child. And in my mind I was saying, been unleashed in this last year. Our children – you’ve reported it what could we do that’s different? Well, nobody asked me what I out, you’ve seen it – have been bullied in schools because they’re thought. Nobody asked you what you thought. Instead, they put Muslim, Asian, Hindu, or they’re always afraid that their parents Teachers’ out a whole protocol that took responsibility for those children are going to be deported because they speak Spanish. You’ve heard from somebody else (ACS) and they threw it in your lap. So when them. Teachers are tense and looking to you to help them navigate Retirement I wrote a letter to the chancellor and the mayor and said, “Excuse their way through this hatred. me gang, we ain’t doing this one,” thank God somebody over • • • System there said, “Oops, let us rethink how we’re going to do this.” So now we’re going to have a public comment period on how to deal t could get worse. If this continues and the worst thing hap- Nov. 2016 Unit Values with this. I’m all for being able to monitor children’s attendance, pens on Election Day, the ethnic and racial tensions may be because that’s right. But you know what, we’re ill-equipped to do Iinflamed in your classrooms. The ‘Respect for All’ program Diversified Equity the things they wanted us to do, including tracking down parents may become more important than it’s ever been. You will need Fund: 78.955 of absentees and talking to them. to remember this every single day: the next generation of voters Bond Fund: 17.164 And there are some legal questions. So a child used to be in and leaders are sitting in your schools and in your classrooms. International Equity the ACS system – oh but they’re no longer in the ACS system. Are Remember, it’s up to you to prepare them to want to vote and to Fund: 9.479 you going to go back and open up the old case? Are you going vote from a place of knowledge. It’s up to you to make sure your to be the one to say but this kid is an old ACS kid. You think the students understand what the Constitution and the Bill of Rights Inflation Protection parents aren’t going to come up and take your head off? Why are are and how many branches of government we have. And it’s Fund: 10.287 we being put in the middle of this? It comes from no one asking up to you to be sure that they are being taught how the justice Socially Responsive and listening to us. system works and how to avoid running afoul of the justice sys- Equity Fund: 14.534 Look, we want to be true partners, but we want to be respected. tem. And it’s up to you to convince them that they have a right We want to have our principal discretion. That’s why you were to vote, no matter what their religion, race or ethnicity. And of www.trsnyc.org hired as principals. If you hire the principal, allow them the discre- course, it’s up to you to be sure they’re learning everything else in tion to do the job. the common core. Every program, every initiative that’s veered off course has A tall order. But you know, as educators we’ve always been veered off course because they forgot to give the discretion to the asked to do everything society has failed to do. When I meet you Visit the CSA people who were trying to implement the initiative. Once you go as individuals and in your workplaces, your schools, your class- back and look, everything that’s been a mess – think about it – rooms, I’m inspired by your devotion to great American ideals Facebook Page! every single initiative that’s been a mess, has been a mess because and values. Even those of you who serve children with tremen- they forgot to get the people involved who are doing the work. I dous disadvantages. Especially you. So I know you are up to the See the latest news about our union and its members, and understand bureaucracies; they’re always in a hurry. But I’m going enormous challenges that lie ahead for us as a city, as a school sys- track and post stories about to tell you, this is our last shot to get this right. I told you that tem, as a country. And if love is to conquer hate, you will have to educational and political issues before when I spoke to you two or three years ago when we had a help it along. Let me just say that again. If love is to conquer hate, affecting us. Members can com- new chancellor and new mayor. I said this is our opportunity to get you will have to help it along. ment and discuss posts with this right. We cannot squander this opportunity. Who knows what I thank you for allowing me to be your servant. We’ve gone each other. Join the discussion happens in the next mayoral election here? on a long journey together. There’s still work to do. But you know at https://www.facebook.com/ I’m trying to get back to the positive. But first, climate and and I know that if it has to get done, we’re the people to get it followcsa/. safety are likely to deteriorate further if the national climate dete- done. God bless democracy. 4 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016 DeVos Nomination Opens Up Battle

Continued from Page 1 that state. She used her position to leave her Minnesota and Washington State’s Patty I funding “portable”– originally intended They oppose educator unions and favor imprint on education in the state, includ- Murray, a former teacher. While the GOP to help alleviate the effects of poverty in Christian schools – Mrs. DeVos has said ing a rise in charter schools with little or no will control the 2017 Senate and question- schools, the Title I grants would instead education reform will “advance God’s king- benchmarks for accountability, and falling ing from the Republican members will be doled out in school vouchers, or “back- dom.” student achievement. likely be mild, some Republicans, including packed,” given to families to spend on edu- In another age, it would have been hard “I have deep concerns” about DeVos Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, blanch at Mrs. cation as they wish – on religious schools, to find a more improbable candidate to run being named education secretary, said DeVos’ support of the Common Core cur- private schools, or even home schooling. the federal education bureaucracy. Neither Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, riculum, which Sen. Paul, while a big fan of One problem: individual voucher Mrs. DeVos nor her children attended pub- school choice, militantly opposes. amounts would likely not be large enough lic schools, she didn’t study education and Forceful Democratic opposition to her to pay for most private schools. This means has never taught or worked in a school. ‘The public school confirmation could lay the groundwork for more affluent families – those who could Indeed, Mrs. DeVos has never had what the mega battle to come over the future of make up the difference in private school most people would consider a job. She has systems around our public education in the U.S. tuition costs – could use the program to sup- instead focused her life work on being a nation are a bulwark “What makes this pushback import- plement tuition costs while poorer students philanthropist for ultra-conservative causes ant is to start drawing a clear line in the would remain in public schools weakened and foundations. of our democracy.’ sand that we will not allow our schools to by the loss of millions in Title I funds. The battle lines are clear. be privatized,” said Carol Burris, a retired, On the other hand, the 2015 Every “We have spent our lives as public edu- award-winning principal from Long Island Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was passed cators and the public school systems around a Democrat. “She and her husband have and executive director of the nonprofit, edu- with bipartisan support. The GOP liked our nation are a bulwark of democracy,” been very involved in advocating for poli- cation advocacy group Network for Public ESSA in part because it gave state govern- said CSA President Ernest Logan. “Public cies that have seriously undermined public Education. “Fighting against the approval ments more authority over local education, schools have been the great equalizer – cre- education in Michigan.” of DeVos is a first step in alerting the public allowing them to use block grants as they ating opportunity for people by educating Before DeVos can wrangle federal edu- to the danger we are going to confront with chose. A return to a top-down, Washington them regardless of their race or class. If Mrs. cation policy, she must pass Senate confir- the privatization of schools.” approach, even in the service of privatiza- DeVos’ goal is to privatize public education, mation hearings, where she is expected to Mrs. DeVos has not said anything about tion, might not sit so well with senators we will fight her with everything we have.” receive a hard vetting by notable Democrats what agenda she would pursue once in who must answer to their state leaders. DeVos family donations stretch wide on the Senate education panel, includ- office. Many fear her main and immediate Mr. Trump has also said he wants to and deep. They are part of a network of ing Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth goal will be to fulfill Mr. Trump’s promise convince states to come up with an addi- super wealthy families, including the Koch Warren of Massachusetts, Al Franken from to make approximately $20 billion in Title tional $110 billion to be used to give poor brothers and the Coors, who have funded families vouchers. far-right causes for decades. Mercedes Schneider, a Louisiana based The DeVos’ fund the Mackinac Center educator and activist, predicted that selling for Public Policy, a think tank that publishes such a policy would play out differently in “A School Privatization Primer.” The couple See You In Court different states. “There is always going to be give significant money to the ultra-con- that war for federal money,” she said. “Some servative Heritage Foundation, Federalist places won’t go for it.” Society and American Enterprise Institute, Legal Assaults On Unions Likely to Multiply There is also the question of just how among others. Perhaps most alarmingly, much political capital the new adminis- they have been among the funders of the ne likely effect of the election will Another case, currently at the federal tration will want to spend on education, Center for National Policy (CNP), an asso- be renewed legal attacks on labor appeals level, is Janus v. AFSCME Council which seemingly ranks far down the list of ciation of the wealthiest conservatives in Ounions. On the judicial front, unions 31. Like Friedrichs, that case involves a immediate priorities such as infrastructure are likely to once again face a case or cases public sector union. Even if it were taken the country. The Southern Poverty Law spending and overturning Obamacare. challenging rights of unions to collect dues. up as soon as possible by the Court, a final Center (SPLC) notes that the CNP has over But few political observers rule out the Labor dodged a bullet earlier this year decision likely would not be handed down possibility of a determined push from a many decades bankrolled the Pioneer Fund, when the Supreme Court, after the death of until 2018. which has in turn spent millions of dollars Justice Antonin Scalia, was deadlocked in Legislatively, the chair of the House Trump administration for vouchers and underwriting racist “research” into genetic the case of Friedrichs v. California. That case Committee on Education and the other school choice policies. “DeVos is not differences and issuing openly racist and argued that collecting dues infringed on the Workforce has promised to undo many going to have unlimited power, but look anti-Semitic publications. First Amendment since unions, by their very Obama Administration protections of at the Congress you have now,” Ms. Burris The Pioneer Fund has given money to nature as collective bargaining units, are labor, including recent overtime guar- said, noting that the 2018 mid-term elec- many of the academics cited in The Bell practicing political speech with which some antees. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-NC, has also tions will take on even more importance. Curve, a widely criticized 1994 book by psy- members may not agree. suggested that labor unions in general are Ms. Burris said New Yorkers live in chologist Richard J. Herrnstein and political After Justice Scalia died, Republicans unnecessary. Many observers fear that the “a little bit of a bubble,” unaware of how scientist Charles Murray that claimed dif- refused to consider President Obama’s new Congress will pass a national “right-to- far other parts of the country are advanc- ferences in intelligence were at least partly nominee to succeed him, U.S. Court of work” law, prohibiting any reprisals against ing money making educational ventures, determined by race. Appeals Judge Merrick Garland. Now, with employees who refuse to pay dues. including online learning, especially in In New York City, the DeVos’ gave Donald Trump taking the White House and While many union officials and oppo- states like Arizona and Mrs. DeVos’ home $165,000 to Eva Moskowitz’s Success GOP in control of the Senate, a new conser- nents alike consider such a law to be a death state of Michigan. Academy, and $400,000 to former CNN vative justice is all but certain. sentence on unions, organizers note that “There is a lot of opportunity for a lot of reporter Campbell Brown’s “The 74,” a At least two cases are poised to take many successful unions operate in right-to- people with no educational background to “news” website dedicated to boosting char- up where Friedrichs left off. One is before work states. They have organized members make a quick buck, and they are doing it,” and collect their dues with no government ters and denigrating unions. Ms. Brown the Supreme Court already: Serna v. TWU. said Ms. Burris. Unlike Friedrichs, Serna is a private sector involvement, and are arguably stronger recently financed a lawsuit seeking to over- “The barn door was opened when pri- case, but could be a vehicle by the Court because members see the need for collec- turn teacher tenure. vatization started with charter schools,” Ms. to overturn agency fees in general. It is tive bargaining and other protections. Burris said. “If we’re not careful, we’re going Mrs. DeVos is a former chairwoman of also perfectly timed to be decided in 2017. – CW the Michigan Republican party, and her to find we lose our public education system.” husband ran unsuccessfully for governor of –With reporting by Kate Gibson College Board Eases Path for Test Accommodations CHUCK WILBANKS ically approved for taking the “Educators, students, and fam- if the student has used the accom- to testing instructions in several SAT, PSAT10, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT ilies have asked us to simplify our modation for school testing. native languages and approved The College Board, which Subject Tests, and AP Exams.” process, and we’ve listened,” said “If the answer is yes to both word-to-word bilingual glossaries. owns the SAT and other tests, Testing accommodations will David Coleman, president and questions, eligible students can be In the fall of 2017, ELL students said it will make it far easier for be approved directly by schools CEO of the College Board. “The approved to receive most accom- taking a state-funded SAT during students to get special accom- without the need for additional school staff knows their students modations on College Board the school day can also receive modations when taking exams. documentation. Such accommo- best, and we want to cut down on exams,” the Board said. extended testing time (up to time Beginning Jan. 1, the Board dations can include extra time, the time and paperwork needed to The College Board also said it and a half) and the opportunity said, “the vast majority of stu- sitting in a space apart from other submit a testing accommodations has worked with educators and to test in an environment with dents who are approved for and students and more. CSA First Vice request.” The new policy means state partners over the past year reduced distractions. using testing accommodations President Randi Herman, a veteran school officials need to answer to provide testing supports for The College Board expects to at their school through a current educator in New York City spe- only two questions when submit- English language learners (ELL). announce in the near future an Individualized Education Program cial education schools, called the ting most requests for students: Also effective Jan. 1, ELL students expansion of these ELL testing (IEP) or 504 Plan will have those move significant. “It’s been a long whether the requested accommo- taking a state-funded SAT during supports to students taking the same accommodations automat- time coming,” she added. dation is in the student’s plan, and the school day will have access SAT in all states. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 5 ‘To Improve Student Outcomes’ Parking Permits Education Conference Are On Their Way BY LUCIE ELIO opportunity for networking. The keynote speaker was Marc BY KATE GIBSON spare them the aggravation of searching The Association of Assistant Brown, author, illustrator and creative for a space. Principals held its 74th Educational producer of the EMMY award-win- Principals, assistant principals, educa- Janet Heller, the principal at MS 324 in Conference on Oct. 15 at the ning Arthur PBS television series. Mr. tion administrators and other CSA mem- Manhattan, said it typically takes her half LaGuardia Marriott in Queens. Brown was engaging and humorous bers employed by the DOE who spend an hour of driving around to find a park- Educators were treated to exhibits as he shared with us his childhood hours looking for a place to park can now ing spot. “A parking permit would enable and workshops based on the theme memories and adventures that moti- go back to using that time to serving the me to arrive earlier and stay later rather “Enhancing Instruction to Improve vated his illustrations and writings. needs of school children. than driving around in circles looking for Student Achievement.” It was a great We learned that many of his char- “We shouldn’t have to say that our a space to park,” said the principal. acters were based on members, already too busy with the One of the Bloomberg administra- members of his family mountains of work they have leading tion’s parting shots was to reduce by 20 and friends. schools, should not have to waste valuable percent the number of permits given to Dr. Randi Herman, time looking for a place to park,” said CSA city agencies letting their workers park for CSA’s First Vice President Ernest Logan. “Sometimes it takes free. CSA filed a grievance and appealed to President was honored longer than we would like to resolve issues the Public Employment Relations Board, for her unwavering like these, but the important thing here is or PERB, arguing the move violated CSA’s support of the assistant that we got the right result.” collective bargaining agreement by taking principals of New York The agreement entitles all members to a away a benefit without negotiation. City. Also honored were DOE-issued permit, as was the rule prior to An arbitrator ruled in favor of CSA, Assistant Principals who then-Mayor Bloomberg’s removal of them. a decision upheld by a state court that were celebrating their School-based members will be able to park effectively put the PERB action on hold. fifth, tenth, fifteenth or on a first-come, first-serve basis for on-street An appellate court, however, granted the twenty-fifth anniversary and off-street parking near their schools. city’s request and reversed the prior two as APs. Among the spe- When a school-based member is called decisions, prompting CSA to reopen the cials guests were Ernest to a different school, for a meeting with PERB case. Logan, CSA’s President, their superintendent for instance, they’ll In 2014 a PERB administrative law Mark Cannizzaro, be able to print out a location-based day judge ruled in CSA’s favor, a binding deci- CSA’s Executive Vice permit to cover parking. sion affirmed by the full PERB board in President, and Dolores Non-school based members, such as Albany within the last year. Since then, Esposito, Executive DANIEL GOODMAN education administrators, will receive per- CSA and the city have been in discussions Superintendent of n CSA Executive Vice President Mark Cannizzaro, mits for their work locations. on implementing the ruling. Leadership, who rep- Assistant Principal William Voges, CSA First Vice President The DOE is expected to roll out the new “We’re pleased to be able to restore a resented Chancellor Randi Herman, AAP President Sandy DiTrapani, Dolores permits early in the new year. benefit the city should never have taken Esposito, Executive Superintendent of Leadership. Carmen Fariña. CSA members welcomed the develop- away in the first place,” said CSA General ment, saying it will save them time and Counsel David Grandwetter.

LEADERSHIP Principal Matches Resources With Needs to Provide Top Notch Educational Assets at Bronx School

BY CLEM RICHARDSON “I do what I call “community match- unnoticed. He was the 2011 ASCD (for- ing,” Torres said. “I look at the resources merly the Association for Supervision and PS 55, in the Claremont Village sec- I have in the community and I match Curriculum Development) Outstanding tion of the Bronx, has a $1 million play- them with the school’s needs.” Young Educator Award winner, a 2013 ground. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz New York Daily News Hometown Hero, Students grow kale, lettuce and other Jr. paid for the playground in collabo- and winner of many other honors. vegetables in the school hydroponics gar- ration with Success Academy Charter Torres recently outlined his fundrais- den and cook their harvest in the high- Schools, which has a school in the build- ing formula as keynote speaker at a New tech kitchen located along a wall at the far ing. York City Elementary School Principals end of the same high-ceiling, sunlit room. Mr. Diaz also paid for the technolog- Association meeting. Every class in the building has a ical upgrades to the building, including • Find the need. Smartboard, and the pre-kindergarten, the Smart Tables, Smart Boards and wire- • Look for possible partners able to kindergarten, and first grades also have less mics. meet that need. Smart Tables with wireless microphone The group Green Bronx Machine • Do research on the organization systems, so teachers can instruct without supplied the hydroponics garden. The you hope to partner with. Know the raising their voices. New York City Department of Education people in charge and what they and The school has a full-service clinic supplied the iMacs, Mr. Torres said, their organization can do for your manned by a doctor, dentist, nurse, and Montefiore Hospital staffs the school. CLEM RICHARDSON clinic. The New York Yankees and City • Present your idea to them, outlin- community health coordinator and psy- n Luis Eliado Torres, Principal of PS 55, Bronx, chologist. The two computer rooms are Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson funds is a mover and shaker for his students: ‘You’ve ing the school’s needs and how the equipped with the latest iMacs. the school’s arts program. got to be out in the community. You have to organization can help. It is an unexpected bounty of educa- “Wherever there are gaps in funding tell people a story that will get them to under- • Discuss funding the project. tional assets for a school which serves a or need, I know I have to develop some- stand that you’re here for the children and you • Talk about how the project will be large homeless student population and is thing to fill that gap,” he said. “You have need things to make their lives better.’ mutually beneficial to the school located in one of the poorest communi- to hustle in a good way for your children. and the donor. ties in the city, a neighborhood that also Sometimes you have to beg for support, be out in the community. You’ve got to • Always show how the successful has one of the highest crime and incar- but ultimately it is all about the children, be out there talking to people, and once project is going to positively impact ceration rates. so you do what you have to do. you establish your story and you’re able the children and community. Fortunately, PS 55 also has Principal “The only way you get resources is if to share it with them, they’re willing to Mr. Torres has been offered a principal Luis Eladio Torres, 45, a South Bronx you’re able to talk and tell people a story open their wallets. position at another school, but declined. native who has led the school for almost that will get them to understand that “Community leaders and businesses “For a lot of people, this is just a job,” a dozen years. It is Torres’ fundraising you’re here for the children and that you and organizations are willing to give you Torres he said. “For me, this is a calling, and sponsor recruitment abilities that need these things in order to make their things if you’re willing to talk and you’re an opportunity to have an impact in this has made PS 55 a model for improving lives better.” willing to involve them,” he said. “That’s world. I’m a strong believer that your a school community through political, Fundraising, Torres said, is a lot like all it takes.” purpose in this world is to make it better corporate and private giving. community organizing. “You’ve got to Torres’ efforts at PS 55 have not gone than when you came here.” 6 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016 Profiles Navy Veteran Touts Educator, Former Public Service: ‘It’s Aerospace Specialist BY KATE GIBSON about the physiological effects of altitude on their Important to Help’ oreen Seaman, bodies, including how an Air Force to survive cabin decom- BY KATE GIBSON pension service credit not from the veteran and pression and parachute Veterans Administration but from a assistant prin- landings. ngela McBride was 19-years- newspaper story. Dcipal at Staten Island’s While there Ms. old when she and two sisters The option had previously only PS 60, the Alice Austen Seaman married together joined the United available to those that served active School, was teaching and earned a bache- States Navy, following in the duty during specific conflicts. When long before she got a lor’s degree from the Afootsteps of their brother, who joined Ms. McBride was in the Navy, women job with the New York University of Maryland’s the Marines at 18. were not allowed to be classified as City Department of European division, Ms. McBride, a director of eval- active combatants, no matter where Education. “because my husband uation and eligibility in the New they served. “I’ve been teaching was taking courses and n Seaman uses school York City Department of Education’s In May, Gov. Andrew Cuomo for years,” said Ms. I did not feel like sitting assemblies to teach children Division of Specialized Instruction and signed into law the Veterans’ Equality Seaman, a member of home alone.” about veterans, the U.S. Student Support, said Act, which expanded the CSA’s recently formed After leaving the Air military, and our flag. she and her siblings credit to public workers Veterans unit, who views Force, she worked as were raised to be grate- honorably discharged her craft as something an office manager for a ful for and proud of from military duty. (CSA akin to performance art because she did NASA contractor. “I love to learn, so I their country, a mindset strenuously lobbied what was necessary to make learning became the backup graphic designer,” that led to their service. for the legislation that interesting for students. she said. Ms. Seaman also did a stint in “It was during the Gov. Cuomo had pre- After graduating from Susan E. the training department at Prudential Reagan years, when viously vetoed – once Wagner High School, the native Staten Home Mortgage, a job that saw her people thought the on Veterans Day.) The Islander worked as a secretary and then traveling around the country. Russians were com- Federal government has as a supervisor of other secretaries at Ms. Seaman chose a career in edu- ing,” said Ms. McBride, recognized women as Salomon Brothers, the onetime Wall cation after separating from her hus- who now supervises combatants since 2013. Street investment bank. After asking for band. She took her daughter, Michelle, psychologists in the CSA also proved an a bigger challenge, her boss made her a to classes at Staten Island’s Wagner DOE’s Special Education invaluable resource for sales assistant on trading floor. College as she studied for her Master’s Initiatives. Ms. McBride in deter- She learned and rose as high as one Degree. “There’s a similar n McBride removed and mining what the benefit could without a college degree, which “I told the head of my department sense of paranoia, or tested electronic gear as part meant for her. at the time, Ms. Seaman said, she had that I had no family left here, so my fear, today that seemed of a helicpoter squadron in The Teachers no interest in earning. daughter came to every class,” she said. to be so much a part of San Diego, California. Retirement System, “It was in the 1980s and I was in “As a single mom it worked beauti- the politics of the time,” or TRS, was unable to my early 20s making a great salary, but fully.” she said. “I’m fearful provide much informa- I said, ‘I’m looking for adventure,’ so I Degree in hand, Ms. Seaman worked we’re getting back to that now.” tion when Ms. McBride inquired, so quit and joined the U.S. Air Force.” as a student teacher, a permanent Ms. McBride believes every- she called the union. Mark Brodsky, After enlisting in 1983, Ms. Seaman substitute and then part-time at PS 8 one should give something back, director of CSA’s Retiree Chapter, fol- went through basic, technical and Shirlee Solomon in Staten Island. Her “whether it’s the military or serving lowed up on her request, giving her instructor training, starting in Mississippi first fulltime teaching job came at PS 69 in AmeriCorps (the government-sup- the information she needed to add the and then transferring to Germany, where in Staten Island. A UFT Teacher Center ported program that engages adults in additional years toward her pension she served as an aerospace physiology coach, Ms. Seaman presented both public service work), but service where credit. “It’s a very big deal for people,” specialist for nearly five years, instruct- borough and citywide math workshops you buy into being an American.” she said. “It’s a tremendous advantage.” ing new recruits and air crew members and summer institutes. For Ms. McBride that meant being An AP for almost five years, Ms. part of a helicopter squadron in San Seaman still brings her dog tags, basic Diego, a job where she removed and training yearbook and photographs tested electronic gear to make sure it with her as she makes classroom visits functioned properly. to tell students about her military expe- The four-year Navy stint helped pay Benefits Are Available to Vets rience. for college. Afterward she lived in Spain Students especially love her tales of for two years before returning to New PENSION After intense lobby- Center that services your state: www. survival training. York and a job as a bilingual teacher ing by CSA and other groups, Gov. benefits.va.gov/PENSION/resourc- “I learned how to make a fire in before becoming a psychologist and Andrew Cuomo in May signed legisla- es-contact.asp. Locate your regional three minutes, and whatever was under then supervisor. tion expanding the pension credits for benefit office here: www.va.gov/direc- the rock I had to eat,” she said. “When • • • tory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3 the kids found out I ate bugs, they defi- public employees who served in the nitely had a newfound respect for me.” he comes from a family of service. military. Women formerly excluded STwo of Ms. McBride’s siblings from combat operations can now buy DEATH Burial benefits for veterans, • • • became educators and a third, a nurse. back up to three years of state pension spouses and dependents include a s. Seaman also uses school assem- “Everyone in my family wanted to be service credit. Veterans of Afghanistan gravesite at any of the VA’s 135 national Mblies to tell students about veter- of a helping profession, particularly and other conflicts previously left out cemeteries with space. ans, the U.S. military, the history of our helping children of immigrants,” she are also now eligible. For more infor- For information: www.cem.va.gov/ flag and the protocols surrounding it. said. “We think it is so important that mation: www.veterans.ny.gov/con- cem/burial_benefits/index.asp. “I’ll see flags hung the wrong way, or everyone be afforded the opportunities tent/military-service-credit-state-lo- Request a burial flag to drape over backwards, and it really bothers me,” that were afforded our family.” cal-retirement-system-members. a casket at: www.cem.va.gov/cem/ she said. “And don’t sway when you Her Irish father left school at 14, sing the pledge of allegiance!” burial_benefits/burial_flags.asp. A and her mother did the same at 15 Ms. Seaman hopes CSA will use its in northern England. Both parents LONG TERM CARE Veterans Presidential Memorial Certificate is Veterans’ unit to educate members became naturalized U.S. citizens in the and survivors eligible for a VA pension also an option to honor their service: who served in the military about ben- mid-1960s, five years after entering the and who need an aid or attendant www.cem.va.gov/cem/pmc.asp. Free efits they are entitled to, but might US by walking across the Canadian or are housebound could be eligible headstones or grave makers are also not know they are due. For example, border. for monetary aid in addition to their available: www.cem.va.gov/cem/ A friend’s father told her Veterans and Though she prides herself on monthly pension. For details: www. hmm/. Some veterans may be eligible eligible family members are entitled to being well informed, Ms. McBride benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_atten- for burial allowances: www.benefits. burial allowances to cover cremation was amazed to find out how little she dance_housebound.asp. Apply by va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/burials/ costs or to be buried at a Veterans’ cem- knows about Veterans’ benefits. For writing to the Pension Management Burial.pdf. etery for no cost. instance, she learned that Veterans “A lot of us don’t know about that,” can buy back up to three years of state she said. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 7

Bob Grievance Corner Reich President-Elect Trump is Anti-Union, Congress is in GOP Hands, and the Supreme Court May Follow

Continued from Page 1 • Your union actively works with elected officials to get their support for school funding, safety issues, sible that your union will be Weakened unions may have and other matters crucial to your work as educa- weakened, and may have dif- difficulty providing services. Are tors. You can contact our political director, Herman ficulty continuing to provide Merritt, and he will gladly include you on screening all the services you currently unions perfect? No. Do we need committees and invite you to events where you can have. meet your elected officials. There are many examples a union? Without a doubt. • Your union provides a field staff that visits you of benefits that flow from at your school, that answers your questions and who supporting the work of your meet with you and your superintendents at monthly vibrant union. Perhaps you and yes, in some precedential matters, takes the case consultations. The agenda for the consultations is are unfamiliar with what to court. Just last month we reported in this newspa- developed by the elected chairs of your districts in they may be. Let me go over per the story of a member who was awarded $200,000 consultation with the field staff. Without some of them: in back salary. • Your union has a central staff including former • If a parent or child • If you participate in the TDA program – and you administrators, investigators and attorneys that rep- a union, makes a false allegation and all should – you receive 8.25 percent interest guaran- resents you during investigations, at grievances and you are arrested, your union teed should you opt for the fixed investment. arbitrations, at at the New York State Public Emplyee your provides you with outside • If you are having difficulty obtaining a prescrip- Relations Board (PERB), etc. legal counsel through the tion, our Welfare Fund can be reached at all hours. • • • benefits arraignment. There are Doug Hathaway and his staff take the steps necessary many members who can to ensure that you get the help you need. re unions perfect? No. Do we need a union? can be attest to how important this • If you are thinking of retiring, your union offers Without doubt. Without a union, many of the benefit is. up to three vouchers during your career to reimburse Abenefits you currently have can be taken away. taken • Your union represents you for pension consultations with a consultant of Without a union, your working conditions can be made you when allegations are your choice. untenable. Without a union, you and your family can away made against you or when • Your union is home to the Executive Leadership be harmed. If you have concerns with your union let us investigators try to entrap you. Institute, one of only a few entities which are know. Let us continue to work for you, support you and If a case drags on, we continu- approved sponsors of Continuing Teacher and protect you. You, in turn, must support your union. ally prod the DOE to close it in a timely manner. Leadership Education in New York City, providing • If the DOE attempts to improperly terminate professional development courses that fulfill manda- Questions or concerns? Contact me via email at bob@ you, your union represents you at appeal hearings tory requirements with the state government. csa-nyc.org.

ANALYSIS The Plan to Retire Medicare, Social Security

FELICE HANNAH include the Medicare Prescription Drug • Preventive health care at no cost reactivation of the voucher plan that he Plan (Part D). The MMA ended subsi- to beneficiaries previously proposed. Now that there is t has been 105 years since President dized prescription drug discount cards. • Created the Community Care a Republican president and Republican Teddy Roosevelt envisioned a Private prescription drug insurance Transition and Community House and Senate, Ryan feels embold- Inational health insurance system. companies determine prescription Health Care programs that allow ened to push through the voucher plan. Since then, Medicare has become the drug costs and establish drug restric- seniors to remain in their homes How will it work? Beneficiaries will only government single payer plan for tions. Restrictions include formulary receiving medically necessary be given a limited amount in the form Americans, a program relied upon by coverage. If a drug is not on the plan’s health care of a voucher to pay for their health and many millions of people. formulary (covered) the Medicare ben- • Created relief in the ‘doughnut prescription drug insurance. Now emboldened by the election eficiary will pay 100 percent of the cost hole’ through discounts victory of Donald Trump, House of the prescription drug. Now, more than a hundred years hat are the protections for lim- Speaker Paul Ryan is pledging to end President Barack Obama made after Teddy Roosevelt first envisioned ited-income beneficiaries who the program as we know it – in 2017. comprehensive changes in Medicare a national healthcare system, Speaker Wcannot afford out-of-pocket He argues that President Obama’s and health care when he signed Ryan says it’s time to phase out costs when the amount of the voucher Affordable Care and Patient Protection into Obamacare into law in 2010. Medicare, reform Social Security and has been exhausted? Rights Act has made Medicare’s Obamacare was a market-based system end Obamacare. What will happen to disabled peo- finances unsteady, a claim which I will intended to make health care afford- Let’s analyze buzzwords such as ple who have Medicare because they address shortly. able and accessible to all. It limits “reform” and “phase out.” To phase suffer from End Term Renal Disease, The history of Medicare is one unnecessary costs, thus increasing rev- out Medicare means to end Medicare Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) and long which has deep roots in American enue by encouraging hospitals to ‘bun- and privatize health care. Reforming term disabilities? thinking. President Teddy Roosevelt dle’ costs and rewarding doctors and Social Security means to privatize What will happen to people receiv- ran on a platform for a national health hospitals for the quality, not the quan- Social Security. ing health coverage through the Health system in 1912. In 1945, President tity, of care. Obamacare also stream- Exchange Program? Do they lose their Harry Truman also envisioned national lined services to Medicare beneficiaries ontrary to claims by Speaker Medicaid low-income subsidy to pay for health coverage for all Americans, but through integrated health systems. Ryan, Medicare is not going insurance? it wasn’t until 1965 when President Key features of Obamacare include: Cbroke, and Obamacare did What’s next in the proposed Lyndon Johnson signed into law • Affordable health insurance not deal it a mortal blow. In truth, ‘reform’ ending Medicaid? amendments to Social Security that through the Marketplace Obamacare’s cost guidelines actually These are among the many ques- created Medicare and Medicaid. Exchange with subsidized help bolstered Medicare’s financial under- tions the new GOP hierarchy isn’t Former President Harry Truman through Medicaid for low income pinnings. For example, hospitals and answering as the president-elect and became the first Medicare enrollee. beneficiaries doctors under Obamacare are encour- leaders of the Senate and House con- President Richard Nixon expanded • Ends denial of coverage based on aged to bundle payments and submit sider moving to end Medicare and the law in 1972 to include persons pre-existing conditions for chil- one claim for services. Thus, a hospital privatize Social Security. It is up to under 65 with a long-term disability. dren and adults surgical team would submit a single us to ask them, and fight to preserve It wasn’t until 2003 that another • Adults age 26 or under can claim. Such efficiencies add up. these programs that help millions of major change was made to Medicare. remain on their parents’ health Ryan plans to adopt a ‘Premium Americans maintain their dignity and President George W. Bush signed into coverage Plan’ for paying for health insurance. decent living standards. law the Medicare Modernization Act • Ended lifetime limits for cover- Again, I caution everyone to examine (MMA), which expanded private sector age and arbitrary cancellation of this language and consider its true Felice Hannah is the AFSA/CSARC participation in health care coverage to insurance by insurers meaning. Ryan’s Premium Plan is a Outreach Liaison 8 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016

Array of Topics, Inspiring Speakers Mark Annual Event

PHOTOS BY RACHEL ELKIND n Left: CSA’s Executive Board member and Principal Juan Vives during the keynote speech. Right: A rousing speech by CSA President Ernest Logan brought members to their feet. Assistant Principal Tommy Torres of Progress High School applauds.

BY CHUCK WILBANKS Tyrone C. Howard, a professor in the ‘There is no more Graduate School of Education and strong turnout of mem- Information Studies at UCLA, offered up bers, elected officials and powerful thing an inspirational speech on important education heavyweights issues of race, the importance of edu- marked CSA’s annual than to have a cators and how they are under assault conference on Nov. 5 at from so many quarters. the New York Hilton. child come back “Your jobs are difficult, not because A of the babies, but because of the adults you have to deal with,” said Mr. 10 years later to Howard. thank you.’ • • • n his speech, Howard denounced plumbing in the school building. Unlike the nation’s for-profit prisons, say- last year, when she sat uncomfortably I ing they are part of a system that invests in the failure of children. “I’m as CSA President Ernest Logan spoke n AP Loydie Vertus and Principal Donna Anaman explore the offerings of the not the only one in the room who gets forcefully about a long list of differences New York Historical Society with Sales Coordinator Susan Zatt. the union had with DOE, this year she this,” said Howard, adding that he’s had departed after delivering her address. “more than my share of collect calls” from incarcerated friends and relatives. • • • “There is no more powerful thing t was Deputy Chancellor Dorita to have that child come back five or 10 Gibson who was left to publicly years later and say thank you,” Howard I take in the issues which Mr. Logan said. If we don’t intervene with a sense brought to the fore, which she did mag- of urgency we are going to lose a lot of nanimously. Although in his address children,” said Mr. Howard, who drew a n Keynote speaker Tyrone C. Howard is an he credited the chancellor for “disarm- standing ovation from the CSA crowd. author and professor at UCLA. ing some of my speech today,” he none- There were nearly two dozen work- theless offered a list of examples of how shops offered, addressing topics such school leaders are left holding the bag as the mindfulness movement in educa- for sometimes hastily introduced and tion, strategies to improve high school In her speech, Chancellor Carmen poorly communicated programs ranging graduation rates, and how to manage Farina, once a principal herself, offered from lice protocols to student discipline complex change. (See sidebar on p. 10 up a knowledgeable and empathetic to cutting per-session hours. (See the on one important seminar.) summary of the workday of school text of Mr. Logan’s address on page 3.) CSA’s Retiree Chapter had its tra- leaders, with headaches ranging from In addition to the many political and ditional hot breakfast, which was emotional teachers to crises with the educational speakers, keynote speaker Continued on Page 10 n AP David Newman and Principal Randy Asher, of Brooklyn Tech, left, get the low- down on a 3-D printer from Eva Richards and Eric Pagan of R & M Letter Graphics. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 9

NATION Labor

Array of Topics, Inspiring Speakers Mark Annual Event MASSACHUSETTS: Student Union Eligible Harvard students were poised to vote in November on Elected officials and education whether or not they want a union for collective bargaining. The heavyweights joined members union would represent students serving in positions such as teach- ing assistants, course assistants, at the day-long conference. graders, preceptors and gradu- ate student research assistants. Graduate students from three private universities, including Harvard, have affiliated with UAW and have made progress toward unionization. NYU forged the way; Columbia and Harvard have election dates. (thecrimson.com)

VIRGINIA: Right To Work Conservative lawmakers wish to make the Virginia right-to-work law – a staple of state government for decades – part of the state consti- tution. Unions are working hard to defeat the plan, as the law prohibits labor agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment. An AFL-CIO repre- sentative said the law seeks to keep corporate interests powerful, make unions weak and keep membership low, all of which is not helpful to working families. (www.wdbj7.com) PHOTOS BY RACHEL ELKIND n Left: CSA’s Executive Board member and Principal Juan Vives during the keynote speech. Right: A rousing speech by CSA President Ernest Logan brought members to their feet. Assistant Principal Tommy Torres of Progress High School applauds. SOUTH CAROLINA: n NYC Council member Daniel Dromm, CSA Executive Vice President Mark Student Loans Cannizzaro, with Middle School Principal Clemente Lopes. A coalition comprised of con- sumer groups, labor unions and student loan servicers petitioned the Department of Education to re-enroll students automatically in income-driven repayment programs. The proposal would allow students consent to share information for multiple years rather than having to re-file each year. More than 5 million students currently take advantage of income-driven plans. (goodcall.com)

NEVADA: Trump: Union Buster The National Labor Relations Board recently ruled Donald Trump’s conduct constituted an “unlawful failure and refusal to recognize and bargain with the union” at his n CSA Assistant Director of Political Affairs Gabe Gallucci catches up with Las Vegas hotel. He was ordered n AP Loydie Vertus and Principal Donna Anaman explore the offerings of the Public Advocate Letitia James at the guest of honor reception. to post notices of the violation at New York Historical Society with Sales Coordinator Susan Zatt. the hotel and to begin negotiating. Trump’s employees reportedly earn $3 less an hour than other hotels in the area and have no health bene- fits. (SustainableBusiness.com)

ILLINOIS: Charter Cap Despite an enrollment cap in the Chicago Teachers Union contract, Chicago’s charter schools could enroll some 77,000 students through June 2019 – up from 58,000 this year. Nine new char- ter schools could also be added. A spokesman for the Illinois Network of Charter Schools said the caps were more symbolic than practical, indicating a policy shift from charter schools being central n Several happy winners took home large smart TVs, courtesy of NTA Life to the administration’s strategy. n AP David Newman and Principal Randy Asher, of Brooklyn Tech, left, get the low of New York, one of the conference vendors. (chicagotribune.com) down on a 3-D printer from Eva Richards and Eric Pagan of R & M Letter Graphics. - — Compiled by Christine Altman 10 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016 A Successful Annual Event

Continued from Page 8 “You left out several committees but I won’t list and New York City education in general. In his attended by many lawmakers as well. This year, them all otherwise you wouldn’t get out of here remarks, Sen. Golden said he opposes a state con- the chapter honored Marvin Goodman, the before noon,” he said. “I don’t intend to give up.” stitutional convention and believes that schools Bronx Unit leader, for his long service to CSA. Mr. Logan called Mr. Goodman the union’s should be fully funded. After an introduction that listed many of the “senior ninja.” “Principals should be the captain of their committees and organizations he serves, Mr. The Retiree Chapter also honored State Sen. ship,” he said. “And you can’t be captain with- Goodman chided the incomplete description. Martin Golden for his support of the union out any money.”

Key Lessons for Retirees Award the Faithful Attendees at Tenure Seminar

BY KATE GIBSON

ew topics can generate as much angst as the tenure process. Attendees at CSA’s conference were offered some important Fpointers in the rigorous process, which underwent changes after the passage of The Education Transformation Act of 2015, which lengthened the probationary period for administrators with probationary appointments on or after July 1, 2015. Some key lessons: • Non-tenured assistant principals and principals are employed at will, and only enjoy full due process rights after they complete probation. And, getting tenure does not mean you’re guaranteed a job for life, only that you are guaranteed due process. • Tenure belongs to your district, so if you leave or are trans- ferred to another, you start all over again, but it can be granted after two years. Supervisors hired and appointed before July 1, 2015 fall under the old law, with tenure for assistant principals remain- ing at five years, and for principals, three years. If you were appointed on or after July 1, 2015, you can be recom- mended for tenure if deemed effective or highly effective in three of four years. You can’t get tenure if rated inef- fective for the final year of probation, but your probation can be extended for KATE GIBSON an additional year. n Lois Jenkins, an AP at PS 184 Newport St. If that happens, ask School in Brooklyn, was a participant in the for a statement of seminar on tenure. reasons why that occurred in writing. For assistant principals, principals make a recommendation, and the superintendent makes the final decision on tenure. For princi- pals, tenure is up to their superintendent. Once the probation period concludes, tenure can be granted, extended, denied or discontinued. “Extending agreement has become standard in recent years,” Sonia Martinez-Nieves, a coordinator of your union’s Supervisory Support Program, told attendees. “If you feel like it’s only happen- ing to you, it’s not.” Other advice? Know the start and end dates of your probation n TOP: The Retiree Chapter gave a special award to Ronald Jones, founder and period. “When that date arrives, you get tenure,” said Ms. Martinez- former leader of the Brooklyn Retiree Unit, for his many years of dedication. Nieves. “There are cases where some get tenure because some prin- Martin Golden, spoke about education n MIDDLE: Honoree New York State Sen. cipals forget,” she added. and his opposition to a state constitutional convention. n BOTTOM: Seen here with family members, Bronx Unit Leader Marvin Goodman To ask questions or learn more about creating a tenure portfolio, con- tact: [email protected] or [email protected]. was honored for his many years of tireless devotion to education and CSA. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 11

POLICY NATION Amid Calls For Diversity, High Education

NEW YORK: School Application Process Eyed Title IX Violations BY KATE GIBSON The process, “although School’s Center on Race, Law An agreement was reached between Public schools, intended to have an impact on and Justice. CUNY, Hunter College and the US The high school application diversity, didn’t do what they LaShawn Robinson, exec- Education Department for failure to process undertaken by 80,000 particularly in hoped it would,” said CSA First utive superintendent at the promptly respond to sexual harass- eighth graders each year is Vice President Randi Herman. DOE’s Office of Equity and ment and violence complaints. Title under scrutiny in New York New York city are The symposium “raised a lot of Access, described her office’s IX prohibits sex discrimination in City, as the DOE faces calls to questions,” said Ms. Herman, efforts at combatting implicit education programs and activities create a chief diversity officer more segregated adding: “There’s no good bias in the system where the that receive federal financial assis- to oversee desegregation efforts. than in 1954. answer.” student population is about tance. The agreement demonstrates From the steps of City Hall Schools today are more seg- 85 percent minority, and more CUNY and Hunter’s commitment to on Nov. 2, Public Advocate regated than in 1954, the year than three-quarters of whom address and prevent sexual harass- Letitia James denounced a improve educational access and the Supreme Court ruled that live in poverty. ment and violence. (www.ed.gov) system where “a child’s zip equity in a system where more racial segregation of children “We work one on one with RHODE ISLAND: code still determines far too than three-quarters of students in public schools violated the principals to show them data,” much about their future,” say- live in poverty, and some 96 equal protection clause of the said Ms. Robinson, herself a Lighting The Way ing the city needs a broader percent of black students and Fourteenth Amendment, John former principal and teacher. Revolution Lighting Technologies not a “patchwork, piecemeal 95 percent of Hispanic students C. Brittain, a law professor at “They can be difficult conver- (RLT) was recently the recipient approach.” go to schools that are majority the University of the District sations.” of $2.7 million from public edu- On hand to voice support, low-income. of Columbia, said in delivering Mr. Brittain and several cation facilities for the purpose CSA President Ernest Logan The daylong gathering the conference’s keynote. other speakers touted con- of retrofitting lighting fixtures said it was not fair to only ask sought to examine the chal- New York is the state with trolled choice as among the with LED bulbs. There are con- parents in some neighborhoods lenges and possible reforms, the most segregated schools best practices for integrating tracts with 26 Rhode Island to desegregate. “What about specifically in regards to the in the country, and New York schools. The idea behind the schools, as well as projects in New the rest of the city?” Logan “match” process, adopted City is no exception, as noted policy is to let parents and stu- York, New Jersey and Connecticut. asked. in 2003, of applying to high in a video from “Last Week dents rank their preferences, The LED lighting improves light A day earlier, participants school, with the city’s method Tonight with John Oliver,” Mr. but then socioeconomic status output and is 60 percent more at a conference at Fordham unique in the U.S. in terms of Brittain played for the gather- is also factored in to obtain a efficient. (www.ledinside.com) University considered ways to its scope and complexity. ing Tuesday at Fordham Law diverse mix in each school. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: For the Toolbox The US Department of Education Herman has a new tool that will allow Legislative Agenda Merritt school districts to quickly measure results of education technology. As technology changes so quickly, teachers sometimes find them- The Election Over, The Hard Part Follows selves using programs and prod- ucts with no way of evaluating if ow that the emotional they really can deliver what they responses from the recent elec- We have many issues on the table at claim to deliver. The tool is called tions have (hopefully) calmed, Ed Tech Rapid Cycle Evaluation it’s time to reflect, analyze and the state legislature, and must try to (RCE) Coach. Still in the prelimi- Nplan. CSA endorsed Hillary Clinton nary stages, it was rolled out at a based on the Democratic Party’s plat- prevent a constitutional convention. Texas symposium. RCE Coach will form after examining the party’s goals be available in January. Schools and deciding that its agenda would be can apply to test the product. better for our members and the coun- more control back in the hands of state and local governments, (hechingerreport.org) try in general. Although the Democrats but if the federal DOE’s role is muted, there may be a wide dis- won the popular vote, there was con- parity in how it is implemented across the country. TEXAS: centrated discontent in enough areas Early Diagnosis of the country to reject that agenda. • • • Researchers are optimistic about a The Republican Party won not only erhaps the most frightening menace on the horizon is possible way to diagnose dyslexia Donald the presidency but retained control of the selection of the ninth Supreme Court justice. When early. A new test uses an electronic the House of Representatives and the P the court agreed to hear Friedrichs v. California Teachers maze that children navigate with Trump Senate. This will allow the president Association, a case in which the plaintiffs sought to overturn a joystick. Depending upon how to have his agenda ratified and his agency shop rules and decimate the collection of dues, the a child negotiates the maze, he or wants to appointments approved. Education Court had a 5-4 majority. When Justice Antonin Scalia died, she may show deficiencies that are policy in the United States is in for the court deadlocked in its June 2016 decision. Unions lived related to a cognitive disorder sim- abolish dramatic changes. to fight another day. Now, with Mr. Trump committed to ilar to that of people with dyslexia. Our agenda for the next Congress appointing a conservative justice, and the Senate in GOP The ultimate goal is to patent the Common will be a defensive one: Trying to hands, expect another such case to come at us soon. maze online so it can be available counter educational policies sought We also face key challenges on the local level. The to anyone who wishes to be tested. Core and by President-Elect Trump. He is pro- state legislature is divided, with the Senate controlled by It is hoped that with early diagno- posing a $20 billion federal invest- Republicans and the Assembly by Democrats. We have many sis, more students will receive early the US ment towards school choice. He is issues on the table, including the Education Investment intervention. (dallasnews.com) calling for states to contribute up to Tax Credit, the Dream Act, funding of the Campaign for Dept. of $110 billion collectively to ensure Fiscal Equity, implementation of the Annual Professional CALIFORNIA: that 11 million school children living Performance Review (APPR) and selection of a delivery model Education. in poverty will have a voucher of for governance of New York City public schools. Finally, we Flipped Market Up $12,000 that could be used for pri- will also be campaigning to prevent a constitutional conven- The market for flipped classrooms vate schools. Mr. Trump says that he tion, in which everything could be on the table, including is anticipated to grow 35 percent will “reprioritize existing federal dollars.” That’s measured lan- your retirements. between 2016 and 2020 in North guage for making Title I funds portable – meaning they will fol- • • • America. Reportedly, the focus on low the child, not be allocated to a school. He wants to abolish STEM education is the driving force the U.S. Department of Education, although few people believe n the words of the African proverb, “When the music behind the growth of flipped class- this could be done immediately. He also wants to abolish changes, so does the dance.” We must watch and listen to rooms. The model is now being Common Core. That too won’t be straightforward: It has been Iwhat is happening and make moves based on what we see linked to having a role in reducing adopted or rejected by individual states; though, many states and hear. If these changes are not working for us, in 2018 student dropout rates and improv- opted into this program because of the carrot of extra funding there will be new congressional and state elections. That is ing learning methods. (The Journal) it would bring. President Obama wanted the program, but the beauty of our system. — Compiled by now, with the president-elect opposed to it, states may begin Christine Altman to opt-out. The new ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) puts Herman Merritt is CSA’s Director of Political Affairs. 12 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016

GOOD THINGS FOR YOUR SCHOOL Schools Network Caters to Career and College Pathways BY COREY BACHMAN Generation Schools Network, We ask them: ‘How does this work a national nonprofit organiza- for you?’” Inside one of the classrooms tion, has been working in collabo- College trips that include stu- at Brooklyn Generation High ration with Brooklyn Generation dents and their parents are also School, seniors recently got High School to foster workplace a key component of the pro- a pep talk by staff members internships and to train teachers gram. From Daemen College to from Medgar Evers College, on post-graduation pathways for Princeton University, students on campus as part of National students. “Our educational model get to tour and meet with recent College Week, hoping to entice takes a 360-degree approach to Brooklyn Generation High School students to enroll at the senior creating successful academic, graduates who attend these uni- college. social and emotional outcomes versities. “We believe every single per- for youth,” said Claude Aska, The BGHS graduates are son in this room has a college the northeast region director at helpful in giving students a real to go to after graduation,” said Generation Schools Network. glimpse into life as a college fresh- Jeffrey Sigler, director of enroll- The program has made a man. “They help put students at ment management at Medgar splash at the school since it began ease over SAT scores and GPAs Evers. “And we are commit- as a pilot in 2007, said principal and shift the focus to the fun years ted to making sure you get Lydia Colon Bomani. Last year, ahead,” added assistant principal the tools to go where you are COREY BACHMAN each of the 45 program mem- Louis Garcia. going.” n Jeffrey Sigler, director of enrollment management at Medgar Evers bers from the class of 2016 was But the college and career and BGS Guidance Counselor Michele Hill (seated). accepted into college. If you are interested in hearing readiness conversation doesn’t “We don’t just focus on about what Generation Schools happen at the school only 11th grade. In a partnership pens year-round from fresh- post-secondary education,” said Network can do for your school, con- during National College Week with Generation Schools man year until even after they Ms. Colon-Bomani. “Our pro- tact Claude Aska at caska@genera- or when the students reach Network, the preparation hap- receive diplomas. gram is also career intensive, too. tionschools.org.

lowing year. He described his wife as “a perfect 68 years. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Ostrow stud- In Memoriam wife and a super perfect mother.” She was a ied electrical engineering at the City College of housewife until the couple’s five children were New York before serving nearly four years as n ROSEMARY ABATI, 84, died on Sept. 2. Kantor became the association’s president. In in school, at which point she worked as a school a U.S. Air Corps navigator during World War II, Born on Staten Island, she graduated from St. the late 1960s, he was transferred to PS 305K secretary for the NYC Board of Education, retir- seeing action in the Pacific arena. After the war, John’s University and earned an MA in English and then to PS 32 S.I. In those days, there was ing in 1995. “She loved music and played guitar, Mr. Ostrow married his childhood sweetheart from New York University. She taught English a great deal of excessing of staff. Many profes- and with our neighbor gave performances at and studied to be an educator, earning a BA at Brooklyn Technical High School and spe- sionals were moved around, and educators did schools and bar mitzvahs,” said Mr. Nagler. “She from Brooklyn College and an MA in Supervision cial education at PS 13 on Staten Island. She not become a principal with only five years – or was gorgeous, and a good bridge partner,” and Administration from NYU. During a 35-year returned to teaching after her three children no years – In education. In Staten Island, he he added of his wife of 60 years. In addition career, he worked as a teacher, an assistant prin- were grown, finishing her career at St. Peter’s was an acting principal at PS 46. Finally, he was to her husband, survivors include sons Barry, cipal and principal in elementary, secondary Elementary School. “She dedicated herself to appointed principal of Staten Island’s PS 16. Mr. Jonathan, Eric and Herbert, and a daughter, and special education in NYC. After retiring, Mr. children and teaching,” said Alfred Abati, her Kantor retired in 1985, and he was asked to join Debbie, along with grandchildren Nicole, Kim, Ostrow and his wife lived in Sarasota, Fla., for husband of 54 years and the principal of PS the union staff of CSA as an assistant director Jenna, Michael and Jared. 26 years, where he worked in a computer shop 3 in Staten Island when he retired 25 years of appeals and review. He served our union in n EDUARDO ORDONEZ, 79, a retired assistant and played golf and tennis. A passionate travel- ago. Active in the Staten Island branch of that position during the presidencies of Ted principal, died on Sept. 29 in Ft. Lauderdale, er, Mr. Ostrow visited more than 85 countries. Ladies of Charity of New York, which operates Elsberg and Donald Singer. In 2004 he was one FL. Mr. Ordonez was born in Madrid, Spain, He and his wife moved to Morgantown, West under the Catholic archdiocese, Mrs. Abati of the first to become a member of the newly and immigrated to the United States when he Virginia, in 2010 to be near their son, Andrew. In took the helm of the borough branch after formed Retiree Chapter of CSA and a member was a boy. He served as a teacher and assistant addition to his son, survivors include a daugh- the former president passed away. “Rosemary of the S.I. Regional Unit when it was formed. Mr. principal in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. ter-in-law, Lynne, two granddaughters and six took over and brought the North Shore and Kantor is survived by his wife Susan, daughters He also taught at William Patterson College great grandchildren. South Shore together, and now it’s a thriving Hallie, Michelle, Allison, six grandsons and one in New Jersey. He served in the US Army from n IRMA SCHONHAUT, 87, died on Aug. 17. A organization,” said Mr. Abati. “We did some granddaughter. Condolences can be sent to the 1960-1962, and in the Army National Guard teacher, guidance counselor and chairperson cruises with CSA several years ago, and I had family at 21 Aspen Ave, Englishtown, NJ 07726. from 1963-1966. An avid soccer player, he of what is now called the Committee on Special planned the one for next spring break, for Donations in Mr. Kantor’s honor can be your represented Puerto Rico in the Pan American Education for District 22, she retired in 1989. A April 2017, for our 55th wedding anniversary. personal choice of charities. and Caribbean Games of 1966. He earned a tireless worker, she would take home shopping She was the sparkle in my life.” In addition n EILEEN NAGLER, 86, died on July 29. A Boston bachelor’s degree in Puerto Rico, his master’s bags full of evaluations of children to read in to her husband, survivors include son Steve native, she came to New York City in 1954 after degree at the University of New York at Albany, the evening, recalled Pam Montague, a friend and daughters Maria Candrilli and Regina graduating from Boston University. Her hus- and pursued further graduate studies at the and former colleague. “She approached every Colonna, and eight grandchildren. band, Harvey Nagler, was the principal at PS 175 University of San Francisco. He is survived by his situation, every experience, with curiosity and n STANLEY KANTOR, 87, one of the educators in Harlem and PS 135 in Queens before working wife, Edna Myriam Estevez Ordonez, his sons a zest for living,” said Ms. Montague. “She was who fought for and helped create our union, for CSA as assistant to the union’s then presi- Eduardo Jr. and Bryan, and a grandson. very inclusive. If she had a lunch date with died on Nov. 2. He lived in Englishtown, NJ. dent Ted Elsberg in the 1970s. Mrs. Nagler met n PHILIP OSTROW, 93, died on Oct. 24, three some people and she met you, she’d invite you Stanley was among those who fought to form her husband in 1955 and they married the fol- years after the death of Ruth, his wife of nearly along.” A longtime member of the executive a union for teachers, the UFT, and then later board of CSA’s Retiree Chapter, she and her for the creation of a union for supervisors and husband “were the first to pay dues” when administrators, which became CSA. He never the Manhattan unit opened, recalled Stanley sought glory for himself but was motivated LEGACY Wilson, leader of the unit. A committee of by his common concern for his colleagues. one, she was consistently finding interesting, Described by those who knew him well as an educational places for us to go, and always unassuming force, he did not seek the lime- negotiating the best deals for restaurants to go light but diligently and effectively accomplished ‘On The Shoulders of Giants’ after our trips, which always included a glass of what he believed to be right. He had the ability wine,” said Mr. Wilson. “Every time we drink a to look at both sides of an issue in order to find BY DEE DEE GOIDEL glass of wine we will think of Irma.” Her efforts a better path for a sound resolution, a talent that on behalf of the unit continued right up until served him as he worked his way up as an edu- Those of you who are new to CSA and reaping the benefits of our union weeks before her death: Mr. Wilson received a cator and a union leader. Mr. Kantor was born should pause and pay tribute to founders such as Stanley Kantor by not tak- call from Ms. Schonhaut, who was in the hospi- on May 4, 1929, at the beginning of the Great ing your union benefits for granted. Instead, pick up the baton and work to tal, because she was concerned about returning Depression. He served stateside during the perpetuate what the founders started in their quest for better working condi- stamps to the union. “She never wanted to Korean conflict. His first education assignment tions, health, and retirement benefits. depend on anyone; Irma could do the job of was as an elementary school teacher in the late Without the foundations they built, all of us would be in far different six people,” he said. Her husband, Charles, was 1950s. In the early 1960s, he was appointed to situations today. These men and women were the giant shoulders that CSA deputy chancellor of New York City schools in PS 155K as an assistant principal. It was at that President Ernest Logan reminds us all he stands on. I retired in 1996 and I am the 1980s under Chancellor Nathan Quinones. school that he had the good fortune to meet still active in our union. CSA members, whether working or retired, should For a brief time after Quinones resigned in fellow AP Jack Zuckerman. The two men formed never walk away from “the hand that feeds them.” 1988, he served as acting chancellor. He also a deep and lasting friendship, and the begin- The security educators have been able to enjoy – something that benefits was dean of the Long Island University School ning of an activist partnership as well. Their first not just us but the students we teach — will continue into the future only if of Education. Charles Schonhaut died in 2008. step was to become active in the Association of we maintain our unity and membership strength. Survivors include daughters Amy and Cindy, a Assistant Principals as officers. Eventually, Mr. son, Jack, and numerous grandchildren. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 13

Dr. Douglas The Welfare Fund V. Hathaway Reimbursement for Home Health Aide in the Hospital uestion: I am an active EA, and necessary care. If you have unreimbursed etc. Can I be reimbursed for the services of fell on the sidewalk while traveling out-of-pocket expenses, you next submit a a home health aide even though he isn’t between schools. I have filed the copy of the provider’s bill and health plan home? proper paperwork with the accident explanation of benefits to the CSA Welfare ANSWER: The purpose of our home Qunit, what do I do now? fund for consideration. The final place to health aide benefit is to help you cope with ANSWER: You have done the most submit expenses is the DOE Line of Duty situations you have described. As far as important thing already—filed a report Injury Unit, which will reimburse a maxi- we are concerned, home care is where the with the Department of Education. You mum of $750. patient is. If you need medically justified would be surprised how many members Please call me at the Fund (212-962- assistance, and it is obvious your husband call to tell me they have been injured on 6061) if you have additional questions or does, we will provide the coverage if he is the job but have not reported the incident are having problems getting your claims home, in the hospital, in a rehab center in a timely fashion. By reporting the inci- paid. or nursing home. The key is, is the service dent, and letting the DOE Line of Duty necessary? And is the service being pro- Incident Unit know you have had a claim, uestion: I am a retired special vided by a trained professional? Remember Report getting them to reimburse their portion of education supervisor. My husband also that if he is to be moved to a rehab the expenses will be easier. suffers from dementia or the begin- center, the Fund will also reimburse the incidents As an employee of the Department of ning of Altzheimer’s disease. He fell ambulance or ambulette costs since your Education, you are not covered by work- Qand broke his hip, necessitating surgery Medicare or health plan does not. in a timely ers’ compensation, since the Department and hospitalization. After surgery I could of Education is self-insured for workplace not leave him alone in the hospital because Dr. Doug Hathaway is the Welfare Fund fashion. injuries. The procedure is to use your he required constant attention. He tries to Administrator. You may reach him at dhatha- city-provided health plan and obtain the get out of bed, he spills things on himself [email protected].

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[email protected]. 14 CSA NEWS Dec. 2016 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE ANNIVERSARY Gayle Lockett We Must Remain A Celebration, Honoring Vigilant, Engaged a Pioneer, and History e are now finished with BY DEE DEE GOIDEL on fixed incomes i.e. home health aide ser- an appalling campaign vices, hearing and other appliances, phys- season and are rapidly When the CSA Retiree Chapter was estab- ical, occupational and speech therapies. In approaching the end lished it first had to merge with the Retiree his remarks, he said he was really surprised of what seems to have Association (RSSA) which was a professional at being honored, stating that he was happy Wbeen a very long year. Being an optimist, social group of school supervisors and admin- I still have hopeful sentiments about our istrators. Irwin Shanes, who was the chair of democracy and our great country. We the new CSA Retiree Chapter, was elected by an Irwin Shanes chaired the supported and campaigned for former overwhelming majority. He had a mandate to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and form a solid retiree organization that would exist first CSA Retiree Chapter, as you all know, although she won the forever. His elected officers had a commitment popular vote, Donald Trump won the to support him in that effort. Our concept was established in 2004. electoral college. As President Obama said, to bring the union activities to where members the transition is like a relay race where the lived. In that endeavor I, as the first vice chair, We must runners pass the baton to the next runner. suggested that we form regional units so that and felt fulfilled by the fact that retirees were We are all on the same team and must be we could politically educate local legislators to living more secure lives because of the CSA fight tooth supportive where we can. retiree and educational issues. Irwin said, “A Health and Welfare Fund and the political On the other hand, we need to be very wonderful concept – organize them gradually.” and social activities they are experiencing by and nail clear about our positions, and those of the Since I lived in Queens I formed the first being members of the CSA Retiree Chapter GOP on labor, education and social pro- unit there in 2006 as a prototype for units to and its offshoot regional units. Len Sterman, GOP efforts grams. While we should have open minds, follow. The first Queens Regional Unit leader the current Queens Unit leader, presented him we must watch very closely any proposals was Joe Rosenberg. The Queens Regional Unit with a gift certificate which Irwin immediately to privatize made by the new president and Congress celebrated its 10th successful year at its gen- converted to his personal donation to the CSA and ask how their initiatives will impact eral membership luncheon meeting on Oct. Scholarship Fund presented to Mark Brodsky. Medicare. education, unions and retirees. Already, 18, 2016, at Terrace On The Park. The keynote The guests and members in attendance gave alarming signs have come from House speakers were Commissioner of Jurors Audrey him a standing ovation. Speaker Paul Ryan, who has said it is time Pheffer, who spoke about the jury system and President Ernest Logan spoke about standing to dismantle Medicare and turn it into a private system. We must the importance of being civic minded to serve on the shoulders of giants who worked hard to fight such a proposal tooth and nail. willingly. Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein form CSA and who continue to volunteer their More than ever we must and will remain vigilant, engaged and spoke about upholding promises made to retir- time and energy. He also spoke about the elec- passionate. One way of helping make our voices heard is by donat- ees in retirement making reference to protecting tion and what is at stake for unionism. Gayle ing to our political action committee. That money is used judi- retirees benefits. Lockett, the Retiree Chapter chair, gave brief ciously to make sure lawmakers understand the issues we are most The Queens Unit felt that the occasion was remarks mentioning the up and coming con- concerned about. It will be four years until the next presidential an opportunity to honor Irwin Shanes as a spe- vention and the fact that retirees can join as election, and while that seems a long time away, it will pass quickly. cial surprise for his outstanding accomplish- many regional units as they wish. In preparation, we must work at the local levels and help county ments at CSA and the Retiree Chapter. Irwin Under Len Sterman’s leadership, the Queens and state legislators who support our concerns. We will continue to was one of the founders of a union of supervi- Unit has grown and blossomed, offering mem- advocate for retiree benefits, education and a fairer economy. sors and administrators. He also was recruited bers many club activities, luncheons, meetings, a • • • to become the first official administrator of the newsletter, email address and a website for up to fledgling welfare fund. date information about events and happenings e had a fantastic turnout for the General meeting held Under his leadership he not only thought both at CSA and the Queens Unit. The concept during our annual CSA Conference. For the first time, about the benefits for working members but of units introduced some 10 years ago has truly Wthe RC had an omelet station that was well received. Our had the vision to create benefits for retirees undergone a major, positive metamorphasis. honorees were State Senator Martin Golden from Brooklyn, NY, our own Marvin Goodman, RC Bronx Unit Leader, and member of our legacy committee, who represents CSA at many union and municipal monthly meetings. We honored Ronald Jones, former Brooklyn RC unit leader, who is still involved in his community and in the union. Some of us never retire but move on to other causes. We now have 10,519 members, including spouses, and we con- tinue to increase our numbers with recent retirees. What an accom- plishment we have achieved in establishing 17 dynamic retiree units. n Audrey Last month the Staten Island unit provided a delicious breakfast Pheffer, besides providing information on health care benefits to our mem- Commissioner bers. The Rockland, Orange, Bergen, (R.O.B.), Brooklyn and Central of Jurors, CSA NJ units provided their members with speakers who addressed phar- RC Legislative maceutical matters and long-term care, respectively . Liason Dee On behalf of the RC officers and Executive Board, it is my pleasure Dee Goidel, to extend to you holiday greetings and a healthy and happy New and guest Year! speaker Assemblyman Ed Braunstein celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Retiree Chapter Queens Regional Unit on Oct. 18. Dec. 2016 CSA NEWS 15

Ceremony Inhumane Immigration Policy from the Past Service to Education Saluted Retired CSA member and author Ira Zornberg’s latest offering is a book about a particularly painful chapter in US immigration history: Jews, Quakers and the Holocaust: the Struggle to Save the Lives of Twenty Thousand Children. The book uses congressional testimony to shine a light on the fight to pass the Wagner-Rogers Bill, which would have permitted the admission of 20,000 unaccompanied children from Germany after the 1938 Kristallnacht attacks on Jews. The bill, introduced by Sen. Robert Wagner (D-NY) and Rep. Edith Rogers, R-Mass., failed after nation- alist opposition from Sen. Robert Rice Reynolds, D-N.C., an anti-semite who opposed immigration in general. Zornberg notes that the book looks at our history of immigration policies at a particularly relevant time. Zornberg’s earlier book, Forty Eight Years in the Trenches, is a memoir about his career as a teacher and assistant principal in charge of social studies, includ- ing stints at John Dewey High School and New Dorp High School. His books are available at Amazon.com. –Chuck Wilbanks

Outreach Workshops

All workshops will be held at 9 am - 1 pm at CSA Headquarters, 40 Rector St., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006

Representatives from Medicare, Social Security, Office of Labor Relations Health Benefits Unit, CSA Retiree Welfare Fund and The Veteran’s Administration will present on the following topics: • Medicare and Affordable Health Care Updates • Social Security Benefits n Carol Atkins, Assistant Grievance Director at CSA, was honored for her educational work and • City Health Coverage Plans and Medicare Reimbursement service to the community by the “Black Women Rock 2” Brooklyn Committee. A crowd of more than 800 people attended the ceremony. “The group does not say who nominated you,” Ms. • CSA Retiree Welfare Fund Benefits for Members and Atkins said. “It could be former students, my church, volunteer organizations etc. This is what Survivors makes it so special. I am humbled by this award.” • Veterans Benefits and Health Coverage

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Representatives from the New York City Department for the Aging and Access-A-Ride will present on the following topics: • Resources and Benefits available through the Department for RC Regional Units the Aging for the Disabled, Homebound and Active Seniors • How to access Caregivers services, resources for homebound and disabled individuals LOWER HUDSON VALLEY SOUTHEAST FLORIDA • How to apply for various services provided by Access-A-Ride In Dec., members will receive a member- On Nov. 7, we had our first Dine-Around dinner at Madison’s New York Grill in Boca Wednesday, May 17, 2017 ship (renewal) application for 2017. We must The workshop will help you to understand information renew our unit memberships each year for only Raton, thanks to Al Levy who arranged the event. Please be reminded that on Dec. 12, from provided on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Medicare $15. Please note the membership in the Lower Summary Notices (MSN) and how to avoid becoming a victim Hudson Valley Regional Unit entitles members 4-6 pm, we will have a holiday wine and cheese get together at the South County Civic Center, of Medicare Fraud. Felice Hannah, also a CSA Retiree member, to participate in all events and meetings from will discuss Medicare Part A/B and Part D. She will explain Jan. through Dec. 2017. Another copy of the 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. It is free and we hope to see you there. Music will be provided. how Medicare Advantage Plans and Original Medicare with a membership application will be included in the Supplemental Plan provide health coverage. winter newsletter. If you have any questions, If you plan to come and did not fill out a reg- istration form, e-mail Elizabeth Moss at eamto- please contact me at [email protected] or write Wednesday, September 13, 2017 me at 26 First Street, P.O. Box 8545, Pelham, NY [email protected]. Please note that our Health and Welfare meeting will be on Jan. 23, 1 pm An attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law will 10803. present on how to protect your assets and other related areas. — Janice Imundi at the Civic Center. Dr. Douglas Hathaway and other CSA representatives will visit and answer Representatives from TRS and the Veteran’s Administration questions. explain how to protect your beneficiaries. Forms that you will need to submit to federal, state and city agencies will be — Lois Turetzky BROOKLYN provided. Ms. Hannah will present a hands-on workshop on Our Unit Holiday luncheon will be held advanced planning and getting your papers in order before a on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at 12:30 pm at MANHATTAN crisis occurs. Chadwick’s on 8823 Third Avenue in Bay Ridge. Members should bring a wrapped Our next General Membership meeting will gift for a child in grades K-6 for our Kianga take place on Friday, Dec. 9 at 1 pm. It will take Name House Project. Our Jan. 21 outing will be at place at the Manhattan Comprehensive High the BAM Rose Theatre for the live MET HD School located at 240 Second Ave. on the cor- performance of “Romeo Y Juliette” which ner of E. 15 Street. The topic will be “Identity Address includes a noon pre-performance presen- Theft and Avoiding Scams.” Valuable materials tation followed by the 1 pm performance. will be given out. We will have our usual raffle If any members have changed their phone and refreshments will be served. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Stanley Wilson numbers or email addresses, please contact Home Number: Cell: our unit treasurer, Arlene Becker. at [email protected] or (212) 421-2649. — Rosalyn Allman-Manning — Stanley H Wilson E-mail Address:

Mail coupon by Dec. 1 to: CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector Street, 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006. For more information call: (212) 823-2020, Welcome New Members ext.2075. You will receive a reminder prior to the event if you give us an active email address. Make checks payable to CSA Abdellarif, Beshir Eng Sang, Susan Mashel, Melodie Rios, Judith Retiree Chapter: $5. for AARP members and $25 for non-mem- bers. A separate check must be mailed for each workshop. Cohen, Anne Hales, Ellen Papson, Maria Wechsler, Leslie Defilippis, Olga Hamil, Linda Rasul, Shaheed Collaboration ics and photography. ics andphotography. team sports,dance,guitar,drums,robot- itated bytheschool’sownstaffsuchas participate inenrichmentprogramsfacil- Students arealsogiventhechoiceto BRICS ARTSandtheSalvadoriCenter. orate withoutside organizations,such as week programs,thestudentswillcollab- enrichment program.Duringtheeight- thought aboutthemthatweek. so they see that someone had a positive floor oftheschool.Childrengetacopy the yearandarehighlightedoneach and Grows” will continue throughout social growthnotedbythestaff.“Glows can beeitheracademicachievementsor students acrossallgradelevels.Theglows to validate,love,praiseandencourage for anychildtheychoose. the timetowrite“3Glowsand1Grow” twochildren per week. The staff then take week, school staff are assigned one to system throughout the school.Every Meija initiatedthe“GlowsandGrows” learning community.PrincipalConnie verance andvalidatingmembersofour experience focusedonpassion,perse- in atwo-foldsocialemotionallearning ‘Glows and Grows’ colleagues to support implementation, colleagues tosupport implementation, vided professional development totheir Assistant PrincipalAngelaPalmeri, pro- Department, under the supervision of to thefourmajorsubjects.The Literacy program has expanded to this practice ent andteacher conferences. Now,the Department adoptedstudent-led par- Student Ownership Staten Island Brooklyn Manhattan PS 310 has begun the first cycle of an PS 310 has begun the first cycle of an The notes allow for the opportunity Teachers atPS/IS18haveengaged Last year,theIS61Literacy

Borough DECEMBER 2016 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper (DIST.

(DIST. 13-23,32) (D-31) 1-6) 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC Briefs ful to all who contributed to the event, ful toallwhocontributed totheevent, BELL Academy. Both schools were thank together,” saidDavidAbbott,principal of much wecanaccomplishwhen wework brate thecommunityandshow justhow idea toputsomethingtogether tocele- Rosa and I thought it would be a great businesses. “PS 169 Principal Vanessa mation fromtheFDNYandcommunity their facespainted,andlearninginfor- partaking ininteractivegames,having ties enjoyedthedaybygoingonrides, 6. Familiesfrombothschoolcommuni- by hostinga10-YearFallFestivalonNov. celebrated 10yearsasco-locatedschools and Apprenticeship Festival, Symposium and weaknessesowntheirlearning. Students areabletoidentifytheirstrengths listening standardsofthecommoncore. work, allwhilepracticingspeakingand thus promoting student ownership oftheir of theirworktoparentsandfamilies, pared their portfoliosand apresentation PowerPoint presentations.Studentspre- everything from watching videos to BELL Academy (Q 294)andPS 169 Queens P (SCA) told the school that the (SCA) toldtheschoolthat School ConstructionAuthority as theprojectprogressed, to rebuildtheplayground.But Council MemberInezDickens and additionalfundingfrom Manhattan BoroughPresident secured aRESOAgrantfromthe ment. Theschoolhadoriginally in 1998andhasbrokenequip- current playgroundwasinstalled New YorkRoadRunners.The ovated throughadonationfrom completely redesignedandren- existing playgroundwouldbe Persistence PaysOff news that the school’s news thattheschool’s Learning Centerreceived S 154HarrietTubman (DIST. 24-30) /

In The - Jarrett, principal. principal. Jarrett, for ourschool,”saidElizabeth a newplaygroundreality the financialsupporttomake who werewillingtoprovide in theireffortstofindfunders for PublicTrustwerepersistent “Our partnersfromtheLand munity onthedesignselection. receiving inputfromthecom- design theplaygroundwhile organization helpedstudents Public Trust.Thenon-profit partnership withtheLandfor CS 154withanewplayground. they wouldbeunabletoprovide funding wasinsufficientand The school then formed a The schoolthenformeda (PAIHS) gives students a paid internship (PAIHS) givesstudentsapaidinternship American InternationalHighSchool bonds withthelocalcommunity.” tinue tocreatepartnershipsandbuild Mutakabbir stated,“Ourstudentscon- High School Principal Khurshid Abdul a fullbreakfastandlunch.Maspeth zations and raised funds to provide reached outtolocalveterans’organi- school’s JuniorStatesofAmericaClub sium onVeteran’sDay.Membersofthe nity honoredveteranswithasympo- especially CouncilMemberPaulVallone anniversary ofco-locationanniversary withafunfallfestival. n Onagorgeous autumnday, BELL Academy (Q294)andPS169celebrated their10year The Apprenticeship Program at Pan The MaspethHighSchoolcommu- Schools can expect aredesigned, expect can renovated playground. n PS154, Harriet Tubman Learning Center, inManhattan, Corey Bachman Compiled by sional emailsandrespectcolleagues. and dressprofessionally,generateprofes- workshops where they learn how toact provides studentswithworkrelatedskills, After School Program. The program also school studentsintheArtsandLiteracy pants are trained toassist elementary opportunities. PAIHSstudentpartici- PAIHS studentsexperientiallearning create apartnershipwhichwouldgive for Hispanic Family Services,in2014, to The school wastaskedbytheCoalition ties, careerexplorationandcollegefairs. ing resumewriting,skillbuildingactivi- experience andacademicsupport,includ- and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals