Advocacy Day: Union Members Visit Lawmakers At State Capitol Pages 6-7

Mar/Apr 2020 Volume 53/4, Number 6 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 With Public Schools Closed Members Aid Stricken City BY CHUCK WILBANKS ents and some of the city’s highest-rank- ban on large gatherings. successfully guide their staff and parents ing politicians. “As we have already communicated through the challenges to come,” CSA’s The inevitable decision to close New That Friday before the mayor’s press to the Mayor’s Office, CSA strongly statement read. York City’s schools was announced at conference, CSA had issued a statement urges the mayor and chancellor to close Once the decision to close was made, a late afternoon press conference on calling on the mayor to recognize the our city’s schools now,” CSA said in a CSA’s officers and staff worked hard and Sunday, March 15 by a reluctant Mayor enormity of the spread of coronavi- statement to the public. “We hope that long to answer member questions and . The announcement came rus and close the schools. The mayor our Mayor and Chancellor will hear the sort out conflicting policy edicts by on the heels of a similar decision by refused through much of the weekend, collective voices of our city’s educators DOE. EAs in particular faced uncertainty Gov. , and followed despite his own administration’s issu- and now shift to distance learning. We about having to report to offices; The pressure from CSA, the UFT, many par- ance of a declaration of emergency and are confident that our school leaders will Continued on Page 12 A New Contract! Union, City Ink Deal BY CHUCK WILBANKS

fter months of sometimes heated haggling, a huge rally near the steps of City Hall Aand a massive letter-writing campaign by CSA’s member- ship, a new contract for CSA members is now a reality. By an overwhelming margin, members ratified the deal negotiated by CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, Executive Vice President Henry Rubio and General Counsel David Grandwetter. The contract secures a groundbreaking fam- ily leave policy, a new tenure framework, revised salary schedules and pattern raises, and a host of other important measures for our members. More than 96 percent of CHUCK WILBANKS voting members approved n All in favor say, “Aye!” Executive board members vote unanimously for the terms of their groundbreaking new contract with the city. Continued on Page 3 Memorandum School Holds Endorsements Delegation Of Summary Event To Assist For Upcoming From Croatia Agreement Puerto Rico Political Races Visits NYC 4 5 9 9 2 CSA NEWS March/April 2020

PRESIDENTíS PAGE Raises, Reversion Rights,

Council of School Parental Leave, And More Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Hard-Fought Battle Ends Well. You Deserve This Win. By Mark Cannizzaro 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 ever is a sense of purpose and no way that CSA and our members who Fax: (212) 962-6130 belonging as powerful in a union hope to start a family were going to take www.csa-nyc.org as when a contract is fought for no for an answer. Pregnant school leaders and won. This is such a moment and new mothers candidly described the President Nfor CSA as we stand poised to ratify a very hardships of the status quo at rallies and in Mark Cannizzaro good contract. A great one, in fact. the pages of this newspaper and helped us Executive Vice President This was hard-won. The best part was that force the city to accept the common values. Henry Rubio you stood up for and literally rallied behind CSA members are now entitled to First Vice President a relatively small segment of your brothers receive up to 25 work days of paid parental Rosemarie Sinclair and sisters who desperately needed a paid leave at 100 percent of their regular salaries Treasurer Christopher Ogno parental leave benefit. To me your solidarity without coming off payroll. Immediately is the glory of unions. Another word for it is after being hired, CSA members can choose Secretary Steffani Fanizzi empathy in an age so lacking in it. their start date for the leave, continue to Vice Presidents Every single win reflects what you’ve accrue annual and sick leave, use other Sam Akel told us matters to you. All these gains come applicable leave benefits. CSA also fought Jose Garcia thanks to your patience and support, and hard to secure a rare retroactive benefit to Ramon Gonzalez Lois Lee the single-mindedness of CSA Executive Vice members who became parents on or after Katiana Louissaint President Henry Rubio and General Counsel October 1, 2019. The emails and phone Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter David Grandwetter, warriors at the table. calls have been joyous and occasionally Executive Director Operations There is a lot to celebrate. We will have even tearful. This is an hallelujah moment. Erminia Claudio a tenure framework that will provide concise guidelines Another matter on which feelings ran high was school General Counsel regarding tenure decisions. There will be reversion rights for safety and security. Although we supported recent changes David Grandwetter any appointed supervisor who is denied completion of proba- to the discipline code, including restorative justice and de-es- tion or discontinued. Excessed APs will get their assignment calation techniques, many of you were alarmed by the way Executive Director Field Services notifications much earlier. Principal evaluations will be more DOE had implemented these practices. You felt that training Sana Q. Nasser fair. There will be fewer meetings for principals. There will in these techniques was woefully deficient and your own Field Directors also be a differential of $15,000 per year above the maximum discretion had been allowed to erode which made it difficult Juanita Bass, James Harrigan, EA salary for the creation of the position Lead Education for you to maintain school discipline, safety and a climate of Christine Martin, Frank Patterson, Mercedes Qualls Administrator. The contract has many other achievements respect. that are too numerous to recount in this column. Moreover, 100 schools were left without APs who are nec- Assistant Field Directors essary to help keep students safe. But going forward, thanks Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, • • • Mildred Boyce, Laverne Burrowes, to this agreement, all principals at all levels will now have Dominic Cipollone, Peter Devlin, Kenneth ore than a few words are in order about winning the option and discretion to create an Assistant Principal Llinas, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, paid parental leave, an intensely emotional issue. In for Climate, Culture and Security. The DOE has agreed that Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, the past, living without it was, “just the way it was,” from now on there will be at least one AP per school. In the Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, M but in the twenty-first century, it is a non-starter. There was absence of one, superintendents will have to develop a plan Dorothy Morris, Beverly Pascal-Miller, that ensures a safe environment. That’s some- Wanda Soto, Yvonne Williams thing, but I strongly recommend that if you don’t have an AP, you hire one. Meanwhile, Grievance Director Dale Kelly I assure you that CSA will continue to be vigi- lant. There is still a lot to do. Assistant Directors Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, Jermaine Garden- • • • Director of Communications s for salary increases, this new con- Craig DiFolco tract provides a raise of greater than Director of Political Affairs A7.5 percent, with compounding, over Gabe Gallucci the life of the contract, which runs retroac- Assistant Director, Political Affairs tively from April 23, 2019 to Jan. 28, 2023. Herman Merritt For decades, more equitable salaries among Assistant Director principals has been a consistent goal of this John Khani union. I couldn’t be more pleased to tell you Special Assistant to President that with this contract, elementary and mid- Gary Goldstein dle/junior high school principals will receive CSA Conference Chair Pierre Lehmuller an additional increase effective Feb. 23, 2021. (See csa-nyc.or/moa for salary details). CSA Historian Manfred Korman I will never forget that afternoon of last CSA Retiree Chapter Oct. 30, when thousands of you rallied Gayle Lockett, Chair outside City Hall for a contract that would Mark Brodsky, Director include paid parental leave and would address your growing concerns about school safety. Our brothers and sisters from the CSA NEWS United Federation of Teachers, District Editor Council 37 and the AFL-CIO Chuck Wilbanks Central Labor Council showed up to sup- Design Consultant port us. Our retirees were there in force. So Michele Pacheco were many of the elected officials who have Production Assistant Christine Altman always been on our side despite recalcitrance from the city administration. The agreement we now have is the embodiment of that CSA News (004-532) is published Blue Ribbon Schools rally. Now, let’s pay attention and bear in monthly except July and August for $35 mind that these wonderful provisions need per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector n CSA President Mark Cannizzaro paid visits to two Blue Ribbon Schools in St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage February. Above, top, he congratulated Principal Monique Lopez-Paniagua and her to be enforced and the DOE needs to be held paid at , NY, and additional staff, and later stopped in at PS 40M, shown above with Principal Susan Felder and accountable to implement them faithfully. mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CSA News, 40 AP Christopher Lamot. Congratulations to all the staff, students and parents of the Rector St., NY, NY 10006. schools for the federal government’s top honor! Mark Cannizzaro is president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. March/April 2020 CSA NEWS 3 ‘Members Are The Reason We Phi Delta Kappa To Were Able To Get This Deal’ Honor CSA Continued from Page 1 the contract. The American Executive Arbitration Association conducted the voting and BY CHUCK WILBANKS tallied the vote. At a Feb. 26 general he St. Johns University membership meeting at Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, John Bowne High School in T International, (the education Queens called to discuss the fraternity), will be honoring CSA contract, Mr. Cannizzaro Executive Director Henry Rubio thanked the other members on Wednesday, May 20, at the of the negotiating team, Inn at New Hyde Park, 214 Jericho but reserved special appre- Turnpike, New Hyde Park, New York. ciation for CSA members, The installation ceremony of new who patiently stood strong members and our award for educator during the city’s recalci- of the year will be conducted in the trance. Conservatory Room at 7 pm. Tickets “The membership was are $110 and may be secured by con- the reason we were able to tacting Professor Rosa Smith Norman get the deal we were able to at 129-41 154th St., Baisley Park, NY, get,” he said. “The city was 11433, or Dr. Candice Scott, chapter banking on you turning on president, at (516) 378-5722. us, but you stood strong.” In addition to raises for CHUCK WILBANKS all members, the contract n On Feb. 12, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations Renee Campion, NYC Public Schools takes a significant step Chancellor Richard Carranza, and CSA President Mark Cannizzaro autograph the union’s new contract at CSA towards achieving more headquarters. Teachers’ equitable salaries for princi- pals of elementary and mid- plained extensions of Retirement dle schools. probation. Now, all System There is also a tenure framework that proposed extensions will provide clear and concise guidance of the probationary February 2020 for school-based and non-school-based period of any super- supervisory tenure decisions. The agree- visor must be shown Unit Values ment also provides all members with to the supervisor and Diversified Equity anti-retaliation protections, clarifies CSA in writing, along Fund: 104.047 reversion rights, and guarantees more with the reasons. collaborative observations and evalua- “I wish I had a Balanced Fund: 16.472 tions. dollar for every time International Equity Perhaps as important as the gains someone called to say, Fund: 10.996 that were made in the new contract “I was given an exten- Inflation Protection stands the fact that CSA maintained sion of probation and Fund: 10.079 all its current benefits. Many union wasn’t told why—I was members, when presented with a new only told to sign or Sustainable Equity contract, are unaware of the tremendous I will be dismissed,’” Fund: 19.178 pressure city officials bring to bear on Mr. Cannizzaro said. U.S Equity Index union negotiators. “This gives us the abil- Fund: 9.880 “We maintained all of our healthcare ity to keep the DOE International Equity benefits, and another 2.28 million is honest and advocate Index Fund: 9.554 being added to our welfare fund,” Mr. on your behalf.” Cannizzaro told members. CHUCK WILBANKS www.trsnyc.org Please see the sum- n CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, CSA Executive Vice President mary of the contract’s Henry Rubio, and CSA General Counsel David Grandwetter made provisions on page 4. an effective negotiating team. Direct, Immediate Effects Of Contract On CSA’s Members n CSA’s District 19 PAGE 5 March 10 din- ner meeting, conducted by District Chair Mr. Grandwetter underlined that fact, Melessa suggesting the team’s tenacity at the bar- Avery gaining table. “The fact that there were (Principal of no givebacks was no small feat,” he said. PS 273) was During the months that the negotia- at Matteo’s tions dragged on, CSA staff and officers in Howard began to hear more and more from Beach. members about worsening school safety Attendees and diminished discretion of principals. signed a CSA officers incorporated those concerns huge “card,” into concrete demands and as a result, seen on wall the new contract provides that all princi- behind them, pals can create an assistant principalship showing for climate, culture and security. The their appre- DOE must also explain how in schools ciation to where there is no AP, safety is addressed. CSA’s nego- The contract also tackled some tiating team long-simmering problems with what for the new at times were capricious and unex- contract. 4 CSA NEWS March/April 2020

NATION Education New Agreement Summary

NEW JERSEY Provisions Of Your Contract With NYC, Ratified Feb. 26 Unfair Practices TERM EXTENSION OF PROBATION placed into excess by the existing June 15 The Jersey Shore Area School District The contract runs retroactively from April All proposed extensions of the probationary notification deadline, the DOE will provide had an unfair labor practice charge 23, 2019 to January 28, 2023. period of any supervisor will now be given an assignment no later than July 15. filed against it by the Education to the supervisor and CSA in writing, along Association (JSEA), which contends SALARY INCREASES FOR ALL MEMBERS* with a written statement of reasons for the DIFFERENTIAL FOR LEAD EDUCATION the district refused to bargain, hav- extension, no later than 7 days prior to the ADMINISTRATOR POSITION ing not met for seven months, and CSA members will see a raise of greater than completion of the probationary period. This CSA has negotiated a differential of $15,000 came to prior meetings unprepared. 7.5% with compounding over the life of the will enable any CSA member to properly per year above the maximum EA 4 sal- Teachers reportedly began the contract. consult with CSA about their decision. ary for the creation of the position of Lead school year without a contract as a Raises will be paid as follows: show of good faith. They have been • Effective 4/23/2019, 2% increase Education Administrator. The posting for working under an expired contract • Effective 7/23/2020, 2.5% increase REVERSION RIGHTS these Lead EA positions will be jointly created and are receiving the same salary as • Effective 9/23/2021, 3% increase • Any appointed supervisor who is denied by CSA and the DOE. In addition to their last year. The district had not com- Retroactive payments will be paid as follows: completion of probation or discontinued regular responsibilities, lead EAs will provide mented on the charge at this writing. • Spring 2020 (TBD): 2% increase fully retro- will have the undisputed right to revert to day-to-day organization and coordination of (Williamsport Sun-Gazette) active to 4/23/2019 their most recent prior appointed supervisor assignments to other EAs. They will not serve • February 2020: 25% of lump sum retroac- or EA position in the system. as the rating officer or supervisor of other EAs and will not participate in disciplinary con- COLORADO tive pay from the 2014 agreement (4th install- • For the purpose of clarity and consistency, ment) CSA has negotiated that the DOE is obli- ferences of other EAs. The Lead EA is a three- Mental Health • February 2021: 25% of lump retroactive gated to advise any supervisor moving from year assignment, subject to annual renewal. Colorado may put another $1 pay from the 2014 agreement (5th and final an appointed position to an interim-acting million a year to train teachers in installment) position of their reversion rights in writing ADDITIONAL SALARY INCREASES FOR mental health first aid. The state *These figures do not reflect contributions to the prior to taking the position as an inter- ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE/JUNIOR HS Senate Education Committee CSA Welfare Funds or compounding. im-acting supervisor. PRINCIPALS supports a few related bills, For decades, more equitable salaries among including one to authorize train- HEALTH CARE ANTI-RETALIATION principals has been a consistent goal of the ing for teachers to talk someone union. In addition to the general increase for All current health care benefits have been CSA has negotiated the protection of our through a crisis and recognize all members, Elementary and Middle/Junior fully maintained for in-service members members against harassment, intimidation, warning signs. The program is not High School principals will receive an addi- and retirees. retaliation and discrimination of any kind. intended to replace counselors, If a CSA member is so aggrieved, or retali- tional salary increase effective February 23, social workers and psychologists, 2021. New salary charts can be found at csa- WELFARE FUND CONTRIBUTIONS ated against for raising a concern, reporting but rather as a supplement. a suspected violation of any DOE policy or nyc.org/moa. (Chalkbeat) • On July 23, 2020 there will be a payment of contractual provision, or cooperating with $2.28 million to strengthen and protect the an investigation, they now have recourse NEW HARD TO STAFF DIFFERENTIAL Welfare Fund and the Retirees Welfare Fund. FLORIDA under the grievance and arbitration provi- Recognizing the challenges of staffing princi- • The additional $136 per employee per year sions of the CBA. pals at certain sites, CSA has negotiated a dif- Comfort Corner that CSA secured in 2014 will be enhanced ferential between $10,000 and $15,000 annu- Hunter Green Elementary School by 2%, 2.5% and 3% on the dates that each SAFETY AND SECURITY ally for schools that the Chancellor designates in Tampa is helping students with salary increase takes effect. • All Principals at all levels will now have as “hard to staff.” autism, special needs and anxiety the option and discretion to create an with a “Comfort Corner” – a sensory ANNUITY FUND CONTRIBUTIONS Assistant Principal responsible for Climate, PRINCIPAL OBSERVATIONS room to help calm them. It includes Each member will continue to receive the Culture and Security. • Each Principal will now have the benefit of hanging chairs, weighted blankets, $708 annuity fund contribution which will • In order to ensure a safe and secure envi- an individual, in-person meeting with either smooth, touchable objects, soft increase by 2%, 2.5% and 3% following the ronment in every school building, the DOE their Superintendent or Deputy/Assistant music and dim lighting. The room effective dates of each salary increase. was funded, in part, by Sydney Has has agreed with CSA that it is best practice Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the to have at least one Assistant Principal per first PPO of each year. a Sister, a local nonprofit that helps PAID PARENTAL LEAVE WITH school. Going forward, superintendents will • The APPR Committee will meet at least two autistic children and their siblings. RETROACTIVE BENEFIT have to justify a plan that ensures a safe and times a year to discuss any issues, including • CSA members are now entitled to receive up MINNESOTA secure environment in the absence of an disparities between school supervisor overall to 25 work days of Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Assistant Principal. ratings and the overall rating of the supervi- Housing Pilot at 100% of regular salary without coming off sor’s teaching staff. payroll. PPL is defined as leave for the birth St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter AP EVALUATION & REDUCED of a child to a CSA member or the placement announced a Family First Housing PROBATIONARY PERIOD PLACEMENT OF EXCESSED STAFF of a child, under the age of 18, with a CSA Pilot program that will allow CSA will participate in a joint commit- Schools with outstanding budget appeals as of member for adoption or foster care. families with students enrolled in tee with the DOE to explore the potential August 1st will not have excessed staff force- • The start date of an eligible employee’s PPL seven schools to qualify to receive of a new evaluation system for Assistant placed prior to October 15th. will be their option. Additionally, CSA secured subsidized rent. Teachers are on Principals that continues to value their the right for eligible employees to take the 25 the front line, helping to determine import within the system and fairly cap- work days on an intermittent basis up to six INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES potential students who might ture their critical contributions to school months after the birth, adoption or foster The DOE will issue annual guidance to prin- need help. Qualifying families are leadership. If the parties come to an agree- placement. cipals about funding and budgeting instruc- required to have an income at or ment, then the probationary period will be • Eligible employees will continue to accrue tional supplies, including the funds available below 30% of the area median reduced to four years. for instructional supplies and where they are income and using 40% of their annual and sick leave during PPL, and they may also use accrued leave, child-care leave within the overall school budget. income for rent. (KARE11) AP SPECIAL EDUCATION and any other applicable leave benefits. PILOT IN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS • Eligible employees may use PPL immedi- PRINCIPAL MEETINGS NEW YORK For the duration of this agreement, DOE ately after being hired. As a result of CSA’s ongoing efforts to make will institute a pilot program for Assistant Edible Schoolyard • CSA fought hard to secure a rare retroactive sure the DOE honors the value of our mem- Principals of Special Education in HS dis- benefit extending PPL to eligible employees bers’ time, there will be one defined meeting The staff of Edible Schoolyard tricts that will allow them the option of not NYC, who teach students about who became parents (birth, adoption or fos- per month for principals to meet as a group working during the summer on an annual food justice and healthy eating, ter) on or after October 1, 2019. Those CSA with their district Superintendent during basis. The Assistant Principal, Principal and are unionizing with CWA Local members are entitled to use up to 25 work the workday for professional development Superintendent must annually agree to a 1180 members at non-profits and days of PPL up to six months from the date of or trainings, except for the months of Oct., 10-month schedule by April 1st of the given city agencies. The 18-person unit the birth, adoption or foster placement. Jan., and March when there may be two such year. Assistant Principals may rescind their includes teachers, program and meetings. Superintendents will provide a request to participate in this pilot by July network managers, coordinators schedule of meetings by the first day of each TENURE 6th of the given year and requests to do so and assistants. Workers first term and, in the event that a meeting date For the first time, CSA has guaranteed that shall not be unreasonably denied. delivered a petition for union the DOE will establish and distribute to all must be changed, the Superintendent will recognition last Oct., followed by members a tenure framework that will pro- provide at least two weeks’ advance written letters, petitions and meetings vide clear and concise guidance regarding EXCESSED ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS notice to each principal in the district. In July, with management and the board. school-based and non-school-based supervi- In order to enable members to better plan the DOE may schedule professional develop- (NYC Central Labor Council) sory tenure decisions, consistent with New and prepare, each Assistant Principal in ment sessions for principals that will take — Compiled by York Education Law and the APPR agreement excess as of June 1 will receive their assign- place over a period of one week will be sched- Christine Altman between CSA and DOE, for the start of the ment for the following year no later than uled throughout the month to accommodate 2020-2021 school year. June 15. For each Assistant Principal newly vacation schedules. March/April 2020 CSA NEWS 5

Union, New York City Agree To Contract Puerto Rico Meaningful, Quality-Of-Life Needs Help Event Held Improvements For Members In ‘Takes A Lot Of Stress Away’ ‘You Had School BY CHUCK WILBANKS of contract I figured it wouldn’t happen. BY CHUCK WILBANKS When I heard the news, I was so grate- My Back’ Early in the Feb. 26 general mem- ful. Now, I’ll be able to spend more than In Late December and into or years, some CSA mem- bership meeting at John Bowne High six weeks with my baby. It takes a lot of 2020, a series of Earthquakes bers have found them- School to discuss the then-tentative con- stress off my back.” devastated the island of Puerto selves facing a frightening tract with the city, CSA President Mark Ms. El-Ammari, an AP at Wave Prep, Rico. Famous landmarks, local and potentially crushing Cannizzaro highlighted what, for many a Pre-K to five in Far Rockaway, said she business, schools and homes were Fdilemma: When one position members, was the most emotional ele- and her school’s other AP and principal greatly affected. With the help of ended, they had no right to pick ment of the entire negotiation, the new are a tight-knit group of people who their teachers, the students of P.S. up where they left off at their old family leave policy. support each other when needs arise. 380 came up with the idea to col- jobs. Natalie Tirado-Buehl, who “It’s great to see a few pregnant Then there was Rachel Staroba, prin- lect items to send to the people of started as a school aid and went people in the crowd tonight!” he said cipal of Q 329 in East Elmhurst, and her Puerto Rico. They partnered with on to serve as a para-professional, to roaring applause. “This was personal husband Richard Hallenbeck, principal Saint Nicks Alliance to organize a teacher, EA and an AP, has lived for me. I remember what it was like to of JHS 123 in . The couple had “Puerto Rico Needs Help Event”. through that for nearly two return to work the day after my wife given up on conceiving a child and for “Empowering our youth to years, and with the new contract, gave birth.” two years have been working on adopt- make a difference in the world is the nightmare is over. That sentiment was not lost on the ing. “Then Rachel became pregnant,” essential for them to be become In November, 2018, her job crowd at John Bowne High School at the said Mr. Hallenbeck. global leaders of tomorrow,” as an AP ended and she sought membership meeting on Feb. 26. Not “I’m 45 years old,” Mrs. Staroba said. said fifth-grade teacher Johann to revert to her previous position the people who stood and cheered who “We really weren’t expecting this.” Cariello, who organized the stu- as an EA. But as a school-based had nothing personal to gain from the They’re naming the baby boy Atticus, dents’ efforts. P.S.3 80 is a “WE” administrator, she had no rights new benefit – some of them were grand- after the lead character in To Kill a school which teaches students to of reversion to her district based parents. And certainly not the expectant Mockingbird. At the same time, they’re be community and global lead- job as an EA. Morever, she didn’t mothers in the crowd. moving ahead with the adoption as well. ers. Principal Victoria Prisinzano even have reversion rights to her There was Stalina Hernandez, an They expect that child to become part of encourages students to make a old position as a teacher. She ulti- AP at PS19Q. She had her baby Oct. 1, their family about a year after the birth mately found a job as a teacher at just as the new family leave provisions of Atticus. a low salary. kicked in. She told the crowd how grate- Their story underlines just how “I went back to a classroom ful she was that she would be compen- important the new policy that CSA position, losing seniority, salary sated for the six weeks of unpaid leave negotiated is. The couple had relocated and benefits,” she said. “I had to she had taken when her baby was born. from Schenectady, and have no imme- take a second job as a tutor. I’ve Emilia El-Ammari, due to deliver her diate family near the city. Now, they’ll been working seven days a week baby March 15, also told the crowd how both be able to have time off to use as to make ends meet.” grateful she was for the new benefit. they see fit. “We don’t have anyone to Now, with the terms of the “What a miracle,” she said. “It couldn’t help us,” said Mr. Hallenbeck. “Under new contract guaranteeing rever- be better timing. I had my fingers the old system, we wouldn’t have had sion rights, she is on the cusp of crossed all year, but while we were out anything.” reentering her last position as an EA. She’ll get retroactive pay for one year at her old EA level. Her gratitude is enormous. n Two “Technically, I wasn’t a mem- happy ber and you guys could have left members: n Helping Hand To Puerto Rico: From me out there,” she said. “But I was Richard left to right: 14K380 Assistant Principal Hallenbeck treated as a member and you still Laura Cooper; CSA Assistant Director and his pursued this on my behalf. I never Field Services Nancy Esposito; Johann wife Rachel felt lost in this process. I felt that Cariello, the fifth grade teacher who Staroba say someone was looking out for me. organized the event, and Principal the new I have never felt that like I felt it Victoria Prisinzano. family leave with CSA. That to me is what col- lective bargaining is meant to do – agree- difference in the world around you fight for your members when ment will them. They learn that, in times of help them they’ve got no fight left. That was crisis, they must put aside their immeasur- certainly how it was in my case. differences and work together to ably. You guys had my back and I’ll for- help those in need. ever be grateful for that.” Fifth-grade students helped CHUCK —CW WILBANKS organize items and packed emer- gency care kits. Some of the items included deodorant, baby wipes, batteries, first aid kits, flashlights, mouthwash and wipes. Each Big Bold Vollyball Victory In Queens grade was assigned a specific item to collect and students in he IN-Tech coached by Ms. Odaly being champion ath- all grades, from Pre-K through Academy girls Aponte, while the letes, many members fifth-grade, were asked to donate. varsity vol- athletic director is Mr. of this team are our Students also included motiva- leyball team Jarrod Ernst. top scholars. We are tional bookmarks with words of T(pictured, right) beat “The strength of very proud of them.” strength and encouragement. the top-seeded Scholars this team is how well Ms. Aponte was One quote written by a student Academy of Queens they play as a unit,” selected 2019-2020 read, “Tough times don’t last. to win the Division said Stephen Seltzer, Coach of the Year, and Tough people do.” B championship at the principal of the Lisanel Rodriguez was With the help of the CSA, P.S. Queens College on Bronx high school. selected 2019-2020 380 was able to ship these care Nov. 19. The unde- “It’s also worth noting Player of the Year. packages straight to families who feated team was that in addition to —CW needed them the most. 6 CSA NEWS March/April 2020

IN ALBANY Two Days Of Passionate Political Advocacy

PHOTOS BY CHUCK WILBANKS n ABOVE (L to R): Yonkers Assembly Member , CSA President Mark Cannizzaro and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte. Mr. Sayegh, a former principal and superintendent, has put forward bold budgetary proposals.

n RIGHT: Assembly Member getting a detailed presentation by MS 226Q Principal Rushell White. Mr. Taylor is a fierce advocate on behalf of NYC’s students.

BY CHUCK WILBANKS • With the dramatic rise of vaping and e-cigarette use among young peo- group of 50 active and retired members of CSA ventured to ple, CSA is urging lawmakers to pass a bill introduced by Sen. Shelley Albany on Feb. 3, a two-day whirlwind of meetings in which B. Mayer to establish guidelines to assist schools in developing policies state lawmakers were peppered with a wide variety of issues and procedures regarding this new health problem and identify poten- CSA backs. tial funding to discourage and combat its rise among youth. Participants credited CSA Political Director Gabe Gallucci Awith organizing another extremely effective trip, in which a large selection • While our lobbyists were very clear that the union supports initiatives of lawmakers from across the spectrum heard from the union. A Monday to allow early voting, they made a forceful case that the polling places evening reception prompted several visits from influential lawmakers, fol- should not be located in schools, sometimes describing through per- lowed by a legislative breakfast the next morning which brought dozens sonal experience just how disruptive it can be when a school loses of them from across the political spectrum, including those holding top its gymnasium or cafeteria to an outside function, and issuing a clear education positions such as Sen. , chair of the education com- warning about the security implications of allowing the public into mittee. schools when students are there. “This is about building relationships,” CSA President Mark Cannizzaro told CSA members at the evening reception. “No one is ever going to say • Several of CSA’s retirees gave moving accounts of their own experi- publicly that they aren’t going to support the children of New York, but we have to have the relationships to make things happen.” What follows is a summary of the issues lobbyists took to lawmakers and their staffs, whether in their offices or off the floor of the legislature.

• Foundation Aid should be fully funded, and lobbyists urged against targeting Foundation Aid by school.

• CSA’s lobbyists argued strenuously against the 2020-21 executive bud- get proposals to reissue “zombie” charters which have been surren- dered, revoked or terminated.

• While CSA supports the community school model, lobbyists argued that funding for community schools should not be a set-aside within Foundation Aid. Rather, CSA believes additional state funding should be provided to support the integration of support and community ser- vices within the school day.

• CSA is asking legislators to bump funding by $100,000 to the Executive Leadership Institute, to $575,000. The extra money would help ELI train school leaders on how to deal with unfunded mandates such as creating LGBTQ-friendly school environments, and on the impact of social emotional intelligence in our schools. Members offered pointed warnings that the city could be facing a big round of retire- ments among principals, and ELI’s Advanced Leadership Program for Assistant Principals, or ALPAP, is there to foster a new cohort of strong n Retired AP John Oricchio speaks with Sen. Robert Jackson, a lead plaintiff in the and inspired leaders. 1993 Campaign for Fiscal Equity and a longtime friend of CSA. March/April 2020 CSA NEWS 7 The Welfare Dr. Douglas Fund Hathaway Note: Prescription Two Days Of Passionate Political Advocacy Program Changes he Board of Trustees of the CSA Welfare Fund, after exten- sive deliberation, Tannounced changes to the CSA Welfare Fund pre- scription benefit program, administered by OptumRx, which will enable the fund to n LEFT: continue offering this most Principal necessary benefit. Marie There is discussion about Guillaume the ever-increasing cost of speaks with Assembly prescription medications Member all around us: on TV, in newspapers, social media, and Nathalia at the center of political campaigns. Exorbitant price Fernandez increases for life-sustaining and life-saving medications from the are announced daily. Pharmaceutical firms routinely Bronx. increase the cost of their medications, even those that have been marketed for years, simply because they can. The trustees of the Welfare Fund and I have taken several cost-saving steps in the past, including imple- menting prior approval for very expensive medications where there are less expensive alternatives, adhering to Federal FDA guidelines for allowable quantities, and working to control access to and possible abuses of opi- oids and additional contributions have been negotiated through collective bargaining. Despite our best efforts, cost continue to skyrocket. As a result, additional changes are being implemented effective April 1, 2020. The changes being made are designed to provide as little disruption to members as possible, but there will be minor disruption. The first change is to implement a slightly more restrictive list of preferred brand name drugs. Where there are several brand-name medications that will treat the same condition, the less-expensive medications are given preferred status. As a preferred medication, your member co-payment is lower and cost savings accrue to n ABOVE LEFT: CSA Deputy Political Director Herman Merritt shares a happy moment with Sen. Shelley Mayer, the Fund. Optum has notified those whose medications chair of the education committee. ABOVE RIGHT: Minority Leader of the New York State Senate John J. Flanagan are moving to preferred status or out of preferred status. greets a CSA member. In some cases, generic medications will be dropped since the equivalent medication is available over-the-counter without a prescription. ences of price gouging by pharmaceutical companies and urged sup- • • • port of legislation to require any manufacturer of a brand or generic drug to notify the Commissioner of Health and the Drug Utilization Union second change is implementation of a program Review Board (DURB) if they institute a wholesale acquisition cost designed to restrict access to new-to-market increase of 100 percent or more within a 12 month period. Lobbied medications until efficacy can be verified and the decision on whether or not to cover the • Longtime CSA friend Assemblyman Peter Abbate introduced legisla- In Favor Amedication can be made. Optum Rx, and other phar- tion to increase the base benefit amount for computation to $21,000 macy benefit managers, maintain an independent panel and then increasing it by an inflationary factory annually. Retirees of medical providers and researchers to review clinical urged passage of the bill. Of Fair studies, review incident reports once a medication is gov- ernment approved, and consider the cost-benefit analysis • CSA supports legislation by Sen. James Sanders Jr. to prohibit the dim- Funding, inution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and before including the medication for general coverage. their dependents or reducing the employer’s contributions for such Member The third change will provide automatic discounts at insurance. point of sale for medications no longer covered by the Benefits, fund. Your OptumRx ID card will provide this discount, • Members who are veterans and reservists honorably discharged from which is similar or better to those provided by stand- the reserves or National Guard should be able to purchase pension And For alone programs such as GoodRx. credit on the same payment basis as those members who served on If there is a demonstrated medical reason why you active duty. Veterans such as AP Rhonda Pekow (USMC) offered up a Various must remain with a medication being dropped, you strong rationale for such a system. No legislation is yet pending. Issues have the right to request an appeal. To request an appeal, • • • have your provider send a letter of medical necessity and estimonials from participants poured in after the event. “Thank you Crucial backup documentation to the Fund. We will present to for allowing me to be part of such a great team,” said retired princi- Optum for clinical review. pal Tom DeGrazia. “The work was so vital to everyone in education’s To Our As always, please contact me at [email protected] future. I had fantastic teammates and an outstanding team leader in or the fund office at 212-962-6061 for more information. Maribelle Ferreira. With such unity we can’t ever lose!” Schools T Dr. Douglas Hathaway is the Welfare Fund Admin- istrator. You may reach him at [email protected]. 8 CSA NEWS March/April 2020

loved classical music and opera, reading, NATION In Memoriam travel and the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. He was president of the n LAURIE A. ADRAGNA, 54, of Wantagh, work as a guidance counselor and assis- JCC of Spring Valley from 1976-1979, and Labor NY, died Dec. 18. Mrs. Adragna was into tant principal, before being appointed served on the boards of Citizens Council the 32nd year of her career with NYC’s principal of JHS 117 (Francis Scott Key) for Education in the East Ramapo School Department of Education. Born in Jamaica, in Manhattan. He went on to serve in the District and Israel Bonds. Mr. Kalish and his PENNSYLVANIA Queens, and graduated from St. Agnes District 13 Office, before retiring in 1988. wife, Janet, are survived by two daughters, Asbestos High School in the borough’s College Mr. Fraser worked during the summers as Andrea Aaron, her husband and their three Point community. She earned a bache- a basketball and softball coach at a junior sons and Marina Schwartz, her husband The Philadelphia Federation of lor’s degree in education from St. John’s high school in the Bronx. He was also an and their daughter. Teachers (PFT), with the support adjunct professor at the College of New of the American Federation of University, graduating in 1987. She earned n JOEL KASS, 88, a resident of Coral Rochelle where he taught education. In Teachers (AFT), is calling for a master’s degree, as well as her adminis- Springs, Fla., died Nov. 4. Mr. Kass retired resources to remediate asbestos in trator’s license from Queens College. Mrs. addition to his wife of 63 years, Mr. Fraser in 1989. Adragna began her career as a special is survived by the couple’s three children a number of the city’s schools, with n CARMINE MARTINO, 94, a resident of education teacher at PS 90 in Richmond — Alleyne, Allan and Allyson — as well as as many as seven being forced to Sag Harbor, N.Y., formerly of Noyac, N.Y., close this year. They are calling for Hill, Queens, shortly after earning her four grandchildren. died in the Bronx on Oct. 9. Mr. Martino a rapid response team to identify bachelor’s degree. In 1987, she moved to n GERALD GARET, 88, died Oct. 21, 2019, was born in the Bronx, he graduated and eliminate the problem. The MS 210 in Ozone Park, where she worked a resident of Boynton Beach, Fla. Mr. Garet from Hunter College, before becoming a teacher’s union has sued the dis- first as a teacher, then a supervisor, then retired in 1987. teacher, then a supervisor, of special needs trict over its handling of the issue, an assistant principal — a position she held n LEONORE GOLD, 93, died Dec. 15. She students in New York City. He retired in stating that the district has failed at the time of her death. Mrs. Adragna and had been a resident of Teaneck, NJ. Ms. 1987. Mr. Martino served in the US Air to keep students and employees her husband Paul met during their senior safe from asbestos. The Governor Gold was born and raised in Manhattan. Force during World War II, and when living year in high school, and married 10 years recently called for $1 billion to She earned degrees from New York in Noyac, was a member of the Sag Harbor later in 1993. They lived in Ozone Park clean up asbestos and lead in University, eventually accumulating American Legion. He married Angela before relocating to Wantagh. “She always aging public schools. (PhillyVoice) enough credits toward a doctorate, Luongo in 1951. The couple had three chil- put students first,” said her husband. “She though she did not complete her disser- dren, Celeste, Damian and Elvira Shanahan. cared for each kid individually.” In addition MINNESOTA tation, according to her daughter, Beryl Mr. Martino was also the grandfather and to her husband, Mrs. Adragna is survived Agreement Reached Tobin. Ms. Gold began her career with great-grandfather to nine. by the couple’s two children, daughter NYC’s Department of Education at the Unionized clerical workers have n KENNETH MOSS, 76, a resident of Taylor and son, Paul. former George Washington High School in reached an agreement with the Ellwood, NY, died Oct. 28. He retired on n JAMES ANELLO, 84, of Basking Ridge, University of Minnesota, following Manhattan, where she taught business-re- March 1, 1993. N.J., died April 19, 2019. Mr. Anello retired lated courses like typing and bookkeep- months of contract negotiations. n in 1988. ing. She went on to be named an assistant HARRIET OXMAN, 92, died Oct. 25. A The workers pushed for wage resident of Sarasota, Fla., she retired in increases and fewer steps to reach n HARVEY BIEN, 85, died Feb. 22, 2019. principal at the school, retiring from that 1982. the top pay scale. AFSCME Local A resident of the Bronx, Mr. Bien retired position in 1988. “She stayed in touch 3800 members voted in favor of the in 1991. with a number of her students over the n IRIS POLLARD, 94, died Oct. 16. The tentative agreement. The Board of years,” said her daughter. “She dedicated Durham, N.C., resident retired in 1980. n RICHARD BOYMAN, 81, died Aug. 22. Regents was to vote on the contract her life to teaching. She loved it.” Ms. A resident of Deerfield, Fla., he retired in n LEONARD H. PTASCHNIK, 91, of Fort in February. Members of another Gold is survived by her daughter and a Lee, N.J., died Nov. 15. Born in Brooklyn, campus union, Teamsters Local 320, 1993. son, Alan Gold, four grandchildren and six Mr. Ptaschnik graduated from the former have yet to come to an agreement. n JOEL EISEN, 82, died Dec. 13, 2019. great-grandchildren. Hall High School in Flatbush (Minnesota Daily) He lived in Walnut Creek, Calif. Mr. Eisen n DOROTHY GOODMAN, 100, a resident and earned his bachelor’s and master’s was born and raised in Brooklyn. After his of Delray Beach, Fla., died Oct. 31. 2019. degrees at . His wife, graduation from CALIFORNIA Ms. Goodman retired in 1983. Marion Lazer, said her husband worked and , he spent his entire for a year as a potter before beginning Showing Solidarity working life in the New York City Public n ROBERT GUMEROVE, 88, a resident of his career with NYC’s Department of Teamster Union representa- Schools, nearly all of that in high schools. the Bronx, died Oct. 24. He retired in 1987. Education. Mr. Ptashnik began as a tives protested outside of the He began working at Port Richmond n BETTY ANN JENKINS, 90, of New woodshop teacher at the John Paul Jones Embassy of France in D.C., as High School in 1975, transferring from Castle, Del., formerly of Brooklyn, died on School in the Mott Haven section of the well as the Consulate General of Sheepshead Bay High School. At Port Jan. 1. A native of Summerville, S.C., she France in Los Angeles, in a show Bronx. He was later named an assistant Richmond, he taught French, served as a was born in 1929. She graduated from of solidarity with striking work- principal at the school. Mr. Ptaschnik college advisor and became an assistant Allen University in Columbia, S.C. in 1949, ers in France. The workers, many was also involved in administering adult principal, the job he held until he retired before deciding to move to . Miss of whom are transportation education programs citywide, though he in 1991. Advising students remained in his Jenkins eventually found work in a day- workers, had been striking for 36 was based on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. blood and he had a brief return for a few care center. Over time, she came to work days. In addition, the Teamsters He retired as a supervisor in 1987. After years as a College Advisor at St. Joseph at Marcy Children’s Center in Brooklyn, called for French company his retirement, he worked for the DOE Air Liquide, which owns the Hill Academy on , which he where she initially taught pre-school for 12 years as a consultant, after being US-based company Airgas, to enjoyed tremendously. In addition, in the before becoming a supervisor. Located recruited to help open and operate the respect the right to organize, as late 1970s, he was one of the founders of in District 14, the center currently enrolls Vida Bogart School for All Children in the well as provide a dignified retire- College Night at the Staten Island Mall, students in 3K and pre-kindergarten. Miss Bronx. “He was a very special person who ment. The Teamsters represents where representatives of colleges from Jenkins retired in 1991. Her nephew, Eric worked diligently on behalf of 1.4 million workers throughout across the country could interact with Best, said that in retirement his aunt loved the , Canada and kids,” said Bob Lerman, a retired principal prospective applicants from Staten Island. shopping, cooking and traveling. “New Puerto Rico. (International from District 9. “He mentored a tremen- He successfully led the event for most of Year’s Day was her favorite day of the Brotherhood of Teamsters) dous number of teachers.” Mr. Ptashnik its first two decades. Mr. Eisen is survived year,” he said. “She loved kids. She was a served in the US Navy, shortly after the by Eveline, his wife of 58 years, his sons wonderful person.” MASSACHUSETTS Jeffrey and Richard and five grandchil- end of World War II. In retirement, he was n SAUL KALISH, 94, of Spring Valley, N.Y., Strike Avoided dren. Donations in his memory may be particularly interested in investing. “He made to St Jude Children’s Research died Oct. 21. His wife, Janice, died four days loved the stock market,” said Ms. Lazer. In the largest child labor pen- Hospital. later. Mr. Kalish was born and raised in He also enjoyed traveling. In addition to alty ever issued by a state, the Bronx. He graduated from the former his wife, Mr. Ptashnik is survived by a son, n LEON DOUGLAS FRASER, 88, died Dec. Massachusetts fined Chipotle Morris High School in the Melrose section Gary Ptaschnik; two granddaughters, and 25, a resident of Middletown, N.Y. Born in $1.37 million for some 13,253 and went on to earn a BS degree from City six step-grandchildren. Manhattan, he grew up in the Bronx. He child labor violations, as well College and a master’s degree from New graduated from Stuyvesant High School n CLARE RAUCH, 96, a resident of as wage and hour law viola- York University. A veteran of World War II, tions. Many violations involved in Manhattan, and went on to earn a Stewart Manor in Franklin Square, NY, he served as a corporal in the US Army/Air minors working too late, too bachelor’s and master’s degree, both in 2019 died Oct. 6. She retired in 1980. Force from 1945-1947. Mr. Kalish began many hours, or without work science, from the City College. According n and ended his career at the former George JULIUS SARNOFF, 95, a resident of permits. Chipotle reportedly to his wife, Verna, her husband began Washington High School in Manhattan. Great Neck, N.Y., died Aug. 16. He retired did not regularly inform work- working in NYC public schools part-time From 1950-1952, he taught biology, chem- in 1988. ers of their rights. Chipotle’s even before completing his bachelor’s n JOSEPH TEDESCHI, 94, died Oct. 27. He labor practices have been under degree. He was hired full-time to teach istry and physics. In 1961, he was named scrutiny, as workers have made retired in 1980. science at JHS 117 (Joseph H. Wade) in the an assistant principal, a post from which attempts to organize due to Bronx. “He was deferred from the service he retired in 1982. Mr. Kalish and his wife n LUCILLE THOMAS, 97, a resident of working conditions. (eater. married on Dec. 15, 1956. They lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., died June 15, 2019. Ms. com) because they wanted science and math teachers available,” said his wife. The the Bronx until 1964, when they moved Thomas retired in 1983. — Compiled by couple married in 1956, living first in the to Spring Valley, N.Y. where they lived for Christine Altman Bronx, and then Yonkers, before settling 55 years. His daughter, Marina Schwartz, Send obituary notices to CSA News Editor in Middletown, NY. Mr. Fraser went on to said her father was a history buff who Chuck Wilbanks at [email protected]. March/April 2020 CSA NEWS 9 Croatian Delegation On Learning Trip To High School For Health Professionals

BY CHUCK WILBANKS

roatian educators in search of knowledge Cabout programming and other practical educa- tional issues in New York City Schools visited Principal Robert A. Gentile and his staff at the High School for Health Professions and Human Services on Feb. 14. After a visit to Tweed, the delegation of headmasters, superin- tendents and other officials headed to Mr. Gentile’s school. The group was originally to be much larger, but early fears

Visitors wanted to know about community-based CHUCK WILBANKS organizations, a n Principal Robert Gentile discusses some of the particulars of his school with a delegation of educators from Croatia. phenomenon that Stuyvesant High School. “We guidance counselor for about selors are not seen as distinct how you organize your classes, are a commuter school,” he 1500 students. Now, through from the other educators. and how you teach so we can doesn’t yet exist in told the visitors. “Most of our the auspices of the CBO “Students and faculty think of apply it to our own schools students travel to get here. It’s Comprehensive Development, us as part of the school,” she of health education.” She their home country a testament to how much they Inc., or CDI, the school boasts said. “ Our mission is to have explained that in Croatia, want to study here.” six guidance counselors for every student graduate and high school students studying One particular area of the same amount of expendi- know exactly what they want healthcare finish their last two over coronavirus prompted interest to the Croatians was ture. “They are the best-kept to do next.” years at a hospital, where they many of them not to fly. the work of community based secret in New York City,” Mr. The Croatians found the typically become nurses, a Mr. Gentile offered up organizations, a phenomenon Gentile said. experience enlightening and qualification that is recognized a detailed snapshot of the that doesn’t yet exist in their • • • moving. around the European Union. demographics and other home country. Mr. Gentile “I didn’t expect such a “At the moment there are atimah Shalash, the details about the CTE school, explained how when he took warm welcome,” said Vesna few possibilities in Croatia and CBO’s site director, said one of three schools housed the helm of the school 11 Andelic, a Croatian superin- we lose a lot of people to other she and her fellow coun- in the building that was once years ago, it had only one F tendent. “We came to learn countries in the EU.”

ENDORSEMENTS CSA’s Picks For Upcoming Political Races

Following endorsement screenings by CSA members, our Political Action A.D. 62 – Mike Reilly S.D. 8 – Committee recommended, and the Executive Board approved the following endorse- A.D. 63 – S.D. 9 – ments in upcoming elections. These allies of our union deserve our support based on A.D. 65 – Yuh-Line Niou S.D. 10 – James Sanders their advocacy of issues important to our members and the public school students of A.D. 67 – S.D. 11 – New York City. A.D. 69 – Daniel O’Donnell S.D. 12 – Mike Gianaris A.D. 70 – S.D. 13 – • • • A.D. 71 – Al Taylor S.D. 14 – Citywide A.D. 29 – A.D. 72 – S.D. 15 – Joe Addabbo Queens BP – Donovan Richards A.D. 30 – A.D. 73 – S.D. 16 – A.D. 33 – A.D. 75 – Richard Gottfried S.D. 19 – Congress A.D. 37 – A.D. 76 – S.D. 20 – C.D. 5 – Gregory Meeks A.D. 39 – A.D. 77 – S.D. 21 – Kevin Parker C.D. 6 – Grace Meng A.D. 40 – A.D. 78 – Jose Rivera S.D. 22 – C.D. 7 – Nydia M. Velazquez A.D. 41 – A.D. 80 – S.D. 23 – C.D. 8 – Hakeem Jeffries A.D. 42 – Rodneyse Bichotte A.D. 82 – S.D. 26 – Brian Kavanagh C.D. 9 – Yvette Clarke A.D. 43 – A.D. 83 – S.D. 27 – C.D. 13 – A.D. 49 – Peter Abbate A.D. 85 – S.D. 28 – C.D. 14 – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez A.D. 50 – A.D. 86 – Victor Pichardo S.D. 29 – Jose Serrano C.D. 15 – Michael Blake A.D. 51 – Felix Ortiz A.D. 87 – S.D. 30 – C.D. 16 – Jamaal Bowman A.D. 52 – A.D. 91 – S.D. 31 – Robert Jackson A.D. 53 – A.D. 97 – Ellen Jaffee S.D. 32 – Luis Sepulveda Assembly A.D. 55 – S.D. 33 – Gustavo Rivera A.D. 23 – Stacey Pheffer-Amato A.D. 57 – Walter Mosley Senate S.D. 34 – A.D. 24 – A.D. 58 – Nick Perry S.D. 2 – John Flanagan S.D. 35 – Andrea Stewart-Cousins A.D. 25 – A.D. 59 – S.D. 3 – S.D. 36 – A.D. 26 – A.D. 60 – S.D. 5 – Jim Gaughran S.D. 37 – Shelley Mayer A.D. 27 – Daniel Rosenthal A.D. 61 – S.D. 7 – S.D. 39 – 10 CSA NEWS March/April 2020 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE ADVOCACY Gayle Lockett Virus, Albany, More... Productive Visit To n March 12, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Data from Capitol Lawmakers the Center for Disease OControl shows that some people are BY RON IMUNDI quently meets with Bronx State Sen. Jamaal at higher risk of getting sick from this Bailey, who represents a large part of the illness. This includes older adults and On February 3, 50 CSA retirees and in-service Northeast Bronx that includes almost all of people with serious chronic medical members arrived in Albany for a two-day stay. District 11. Sen. Bailey has been a strong advo- conditions like heart disease, diabe- Teams of five to six of us visited state legisla- cate of public schools; for example, he recently tes, and lung disease. tors with a carefully crafted list of issues. My teamed up with Speaker Carl Heastie to launch Scientists are saying that social wife, Janice, and I were members of a team that special reading programs that encourage kids distancing is probably the best way included Marie Guillaume, a Bronx high school to read every day. Sen. Bailey graduated from to prevent the virus from spreading. principal, Aminah Lucio, a supervisor of school PS 83, where he attended a special program for Since we do not know when this will peak, let alone start to psychologists, and Lark Morrison, the Northern gifted children, and IS 181 in District 11, both abate, the officers and director of the Retiree Chapter have New Jersey Retiree Chapter Unit leader. schools where I was the principal. all agreed to postpone the 15th CSA RC Anniversary that was Our talking points focused on top priorities Janice and I met with Sen. Alessandra scheduled for Friday, May 15. We want to be cautious and vig- for CSA, including Foundation Aid, boosting Biaggi off the floor. Senator Biaggi represents ilant. We look forward to celebrating with you at a later date. funding for the Executive Leadership Institute, Westchester and parts of the Bronx. strengthening health benefits through Senate CSA sponsored a well-attended breakfast • • • Bill 2284, and support for legislation mandat- for the legislators. At this event, we met with edicare-eligible retirees with the GHI prescription ing affordable prescription drugs and pricing Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate drug rider should’ve received what Welfare Fund transparency. Education Committee, among other influen- MAdministrator Dr. Doug Hathaway calls a Valentine’s During our visit, we met with our neigh- tial lawmakers. Day check for up to $480. You don’t need to apply – it comes bor to the north, Yonkers assemblyman Nader This year’s visit was very productive. It was automatically. You received it because CSA is a member of the Sayegh, a former middle school principal, evident to everyone that CSA continues to earn municipal labor coalition which negotiated for it. If you hav- who is a strong education advocate. His con- the respect and attention of our elected offi- en’t received it, contact the Welfare Fund. cerns are similar to those of his Bronx District cials. Our message was clear and concise. Both Once again, in Feb., a team of in-service and retiree CSA 11 neighbors and he has put forward sophis- retirees and in-service members spoke with one members, including Mark Brodsky and me, traveled to Albany ticated budget proposals. We also met with voice for our members, and more importantly, to meet legislators and advocate for 2020 budget and legis- Assembly members Tom Abinanti and Steven for the children of NYC. lative priorities, such as cost-of-living adjustments for public Otis. Both were supportive and understanding employee retirees, affordable prescription drugs and pricing of our positions. Ronald Imundi retired as principal of PS 83, a transparency, and more. Special thanks to retiree volunteers CSA Political Director Gabe Gallucci fre- K-8 school in District 11 in the Bronx. Eathelle Clay, Naomi Drouillard Sandy DiTrapani, Eugenia Ellsworth, Debra Handler, Janice Imundi, Ron Imundi, Al Jurpalis, Manfred Korman, Patricia Weston-McNabb, John Oricchio, Constance Testa, Michelle Winfield and George Young. Thank you to CSA’s Director of Political Affairs Gabe Round-Up: Current, Of Interest Gallucci and Mitra Lutchman for extensive planning and coordination. BY MARK BRODSKY . Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ven- In March and April, scheduled unit meetings were pru- tilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respi- dently cancelled due to the coronavirus. At the Jan. RC If you are at high risk for serious illness ratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in Executive Board meeting, the Unit announced it from COVID-19 because of your age or a crowded settings with little air circulation if developed a website. It can be accessed through a link on the health problem, take actions to reduce your there are people in the crowd who are sick. CSA site under RC Units and also at: csaliretirees.com. Other risk of getting sick. Units with sites are: Northern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, • Have supplies on hand Census 2020 Brooklyn and Queens. • Obtain extra necessary medications The US Census is underway. The infor- • Consider using mail-order for medicine mation gathered during the census affects • • • • Have over-the-counter medicine and everything from government funding to lthough most, if not all of the March and April, supplies to treat symptoms (most people democratic representation. It is crucial for the Educational/Cultural events were cancelled or post- can recover from COVID-19 at home) census count to be as accurate as possible to Aponed, congratulations to Lucie Elio, educational and • Have household items/groceries; be ensure states receive their fair share of federal cultural coordinator and her team for another spring brochure prepared to stay at home for a period of dollars and the correct number of represen- that provided a wide variety of events, trips and classes for time tatives in state and federal governments. The our members. Watch for the Retiree Chapter Updates by email • Take everyday precautions data collection will take place from March for any upcoming events later in the Spring. (Do we have your • Avoid contact with people who are sick through the end of June. current email address?) Data will initially be collected by phone, Take Everyday Precautions by paper survey and, for the first time, online. .Wash your hands often and well, espe- Based on census counts, federal money goes In Unity, cially after blowing your nose, coughing, or to programs like Title l funds, school lunch Gayle Lockett sneezing, or having been in a public place. If programs, special education, career and tech- soap and water are not available, use a hand nical education, school aid, public housing, sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. senior centers, SNAP, Medicaid, roads and . Avoid touching surfaces in public places, bridges, emergency preparedness and more. or use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your CSA is encouraging everyone to participate. hand or finger if you must touch something, The Link below explains everything that or wear gloves. Wash your hands after touch- you will experience when you go online to ing surfaces in public places. Avoid touching respond to the census invitation letters that your face, nose, eyes, etc. Clean and disinfect most will receive between March 12 and your home, especially frequently touched March 20: https://2020census.gov/en/ways- surfaces. to-respond.html. March/April 2020 CSA NEWS 11

Attention Artists! Regional Unit Philanthropy Help For Gallery Arts and Crafts Show Sarasota Week of June 24, 2019 Charity Each year, the RC hosts an Arts and Craft show to give members The Suncoast Unit an opportunity to display their artwork in a gallery atmosphere. These cut its first check to events have been hugely successful. Children First, a non- The Retiree Chapter plans to run the event again this year. The plan profit organization is to run the show for a couple of days during the week of June 24 to dedicated to strength- June 27 in Founder’s Hall. ening families. Pictured, If you are a CSA Retiree Chapter Member and are interested in hav- left, are Philip Tavill, ing your artwork displayed at the CSA Retiree Chapter Arts and Crafts Children First President Show at central CSA, please contact Pat Mack at [email protected]. and CEO, Suncoast Please provide all the information shown below. Leader Cindy Salamone (center), and Jessica Rogers(right), Children First Vice President of Philanthropy. PLEASE PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW. Name RC Regional Units Address SUNCOAST MANHATTAN I want to share my gratitude to the The fliers for our spring trips will be Home or Cell Number: Suncoast Retirees who, through their mailed in March. Please mark your calen- generosity with our 50/25/25 raffle at dar: Our annual luncheon will be June 5, E-mail Address: our January luncheon, donated $250 12 pm, at The National Arts Club. We are to Children’s First, a non-profit charity inviting New York City Comptroller Scott here in Sarasota. And to make it even Stringer to be our keynote speaker. There Media of Your Artwork: better, CSA’s Retiree Chapter matched will be three choices for your entree. More it! Children First’s mission is to information will be mailed to you. Number and Size of Your Pieces: strengthen children and their families — Stanley Wilson by improving the quality of their lives. I look forward to supporting this won- derful charity along with the members QUEENS Mail to: CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector St., 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006 or of the Suncoast Chapter in the years to The Queens Unit will be holding email Pat Mack at [email protected] to register or for more information. come. Important dates: March 20, lun- its annual general meeting on April cheon at Tara Country Club; April 30, 21 at The Inn at New Hyde Park at 12 tour and lunch at Cool Today Ballpark. pm. One of our keynote speakers will On Jan. 12, 2021, we’ll have our annual be Dr. Douglas Hathaway, adminis- luncheon at Laurel Oak Country Club. trator, CSA Welfare Fund. A light, Don’t hesitate to contact me with ques- informal meal will be available upon tions. Be well and keep having fun! arrival. This meeting is free to paid Upcoming Events — Cindy Salamone 2020 Queens Unit members. You should have already received a flier with all of the details. You can also BY LUCIE ELIO Location: Belmont Park Raceway, GEORGIA Elmont, NY view and download the flier on our Dining Club Day/Date: Wednesday, 6/10 The Reading Divas will be reading website – www.csaqueens.org. Get the Restaurant Selections for Spring 2020 Time: 11 am – 4 pm Tough Love by Susan Rice to celebrate latest information about our pensions, SP20 C13A Fee: Members $75, non-members $80 Black History Month and Women’s as well as Welfare Fund benefits and Del Posto, Friday, March 20, 12 p.m. Limited: 30 participants History Month. The Book Club will meet updated information directly from Dr. Address: 85 10th Avenue (15th-16th The fee includes lunch on March 18. There is still time to join us Hathaway. If you have any questions Streets); (212) 497-8090 Dress code: Business attire on our trip to New Orleans, April 24-27. you can contact me at: csaqueensretir- Cost: Prix fixe course lunch is $98. A CSA retiree was able to arrange again Save the date for our Spring Meeting on [email protected] or [email protected] Participants pay separate for alcohol, soda for us a day at the Belmont Raceway. May 7. For information on any of the — Leonard B. Sterman RSVP by Feb. 13 and email Connie Testa We will be in the West Wing which events email Georgia Harrison that you plan to go: [email protected] overlooks the finish line. People can — Georgia Harrison SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Transportation: The nearest stop is the sit outside or in the boxes to watch the I want to thank all of the members 14th St station at 8t Ave., accessible on race. We will have lunch before post LONG ISLAND the A, C, E, or L trains time at 1 pm. We will be able to visit who attended our annual Luncheon the paddock to watch horses being Exciting things are happening. Visit at the Indian Springs County Club in SP20 C13B saddled for the races. Pictures will be our website, csaliretirees.com for the Boynton Beach. Thanks to our event La Grenouille, Thursday, April 30, 12 p.m. taken with the winning jockey in the latest information. The next board committee: Mark Jacoby, Eleanor Address: 3 East 52nd Street (5th and winner’s circle. We will be donating meetings will be at the Plainview-Old Pesso, Sharon Shlakman and Bernice Madison); (212) 752-0652 money to the disabled jockey and the Bethpage Library, 999 Old Country Wolodarsky for all their hard work in Cost: Prix fixe is $118. Participants pay race will be named for CSA. Road, 12:30 pm, rooms C&D on April 3. planning the event. All that attended separate for alcohol and soda Prior to the April 3 meeting, at 10 am, had a wonderful day. Please be RSVP: by March 23 Books and Bagels Club we’ll have a Medicare workshop. If you reminded that the annual health fair Transportation: Trains - #6 to 51st St; E Leader: Beth Peller plan to attend, e-mail Renee Shulman: was to take place on March 27 at the to 53rd St; #1 to 50th St Date: April 22, 2020 (note change of date) [email protected]. A winery tour South County Civic Center 16700 Jog Book: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah has been scheduled for May 6, including Road, Delray Beach, FL, at 1 pm. I look SP20 C13C Time: 10 am – 12 noon transportation, wine, gourmet appetiz- forward to seeing you. Milos, Tuesday, May 12, 12 p.m. Place: CSA 40 Rector Street – 12th Floor ers and lunch, live music and dancing. — Lois Turetzky Address: 20 Hudson Yards 5th Floor Register: [email protected] Details are available on our website. The (10th Avenue & 33rd St); (646) 907-1970 The Great Alone is a vividly written next membership meeting is May 19 SOUTHWEST Cost: Prix fixe is $50. Participants pay survival story...about surviving both at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library separate for alcohol and soda the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness as (collation at 11:30 am in rooms A&B; Our March meeting was to be held RSVP: April 20th, 2020 well as growing up in a volatile family meeting at 1:30 pm in the auditorium). on Monday, March 16 at our new loca- Transportation: Penn Station: A, C, E, setting. An excellent read for a lively Don’t forget to send your form for the tion, Mimi’s Cafe in Chandler. Our guest LIRR (8th Ave.); Penn discussion as the themes are both con- Annual Luncheon at the Crest Hollow speaker, Dr. Douglas Hathaway, will be temporary and ageless. Join us! Country Club on June 9. Our guest joining us. As always, winter visitors are SP20 T21 speaker will be CSA President Mark welcome. We are looking forward to see- Day at the Races: Belmont Raceway Register online at csa-nyc.org. Please respond Cannizzaro. ing our members and guests. CSA Leader: Lucie Elio by email to confirm your attendance. — Renee Yarmoff — Dom Nigro and Stephanie Thier After thereading, parentspostedreac- tainty and panic from parents,” hesaid. Moon. “Therehadbeenalot ofuncer- at 8pmandreadingaloud Goodnight ers andstudentstogetherbygoing online Island, triedtohelpbringparents, teach- School intheRossvillesection ofStaten cipal ofthe3-K-5PS56Louis DeSario as thecrisisunfolded.PhilCarollo,prin- tional needsoftheircommunitiesearly camaraderie andspirit.” everyone was.Itwasagreatshowof families. Youcouldtellhowpassionate had reachedouttoourstudentsand other digitally, and by midday, everyone A lotofteacherswerealsohelpingeach sure everyonehadGoogleClassroom. ting up Microsoft teams and making “Fuad wasthefirstpersontoarrive,set- will bebecause of him,” Mr. Roersaid. teaching system. “Our remote learning Chowdhury withsettinguptheironline who hadn’tusedit.” had setupGoogleClassroom,eventhose ilies andstudents,”hesaid.“Everyteacher how quicktheyjumpedintosupportfam- announced. “Iwassoproudofmystaff, into actionearlythedayafternewswas Principal BrettRoerandhisstaffswung the shifttoonlinelearning. most immediatehurdletoovercomewas new, upendedworld.Formany,the city’s students learn from afar in the the gargantuanprocessofhelping reported forworkatschoolstosortout CSA membersandothereducatorsstill leaders becameonlymoreintense. from homewillbehonored. “essential” workers, requests to work the exceptionofthosetheydeemtobe DOE ultimatelyassuredCSAthat,with Continued from Page 1 Together ToAddressCrisis School CommunitiesWork COVD19 Members also tried toaddress emo- Mr. RoercreditedAPFuad At BronxCompassHighSchool, In theschools,workofschool MARCH/APRIL 2020 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC running, meet needs running, meetneeds to getsystemsupand prioritize andorganize’ Leaders ‘communicate, pantry andleft withbagsoffood,clean- many families hadalready visited the support eachotherasacommunity.” “It’s agreatdemonstration of howwe nutritious meals,” said Ms. Harrison. addressed theneedthatpeople havefor families ofthethreeschools. a foodpantrythatisopentoallthe Farrington. Ms.Farrington’sschoolhas School, a transfer school led by Allison Bomani, and Research and Service High High School, led by Principal Tabari two otherschools–NelsonMandela Internet andtechnologytofood.” what their needs were at home, from Everyone reachedouttofamiliesask and establishedsupportstructures. came in,communicatedwithfamilies, the whole process,” she said. “People team, hadhelped. superintendent, JaniceRoss,andher and running, noting as wellhow her had performedtogetnewsystemsup proud shewasofherstaffandhowthey Brooklyn, echoedMr.Roerinhow pal ofBoysandGirlsHighSchoolin malcy tothekids,”hesaid. voice. “It was a way to give a little nor- how thechildrenwerecomfortedbyhis tions onlinepraisinghimanddiscussed By Thursday,Ms.Farrington said “She wantedtoensurethat we Boys and Girls shares a building with “People havebandedtogetherduring Grecian Harrison-Walker,princi- teachers. Supporting aschoolcommu- body of480,a staff of300peopleand89 among 11locations,with astudent she andherstaffhadahead start. until 2amFridaymorning,so inasense with questionsaboutclosing herschool to havecoronavirus.Shewas dealing become illandwasultimatelyconfirmed ment becauseastaffmembertherehad the Fridaybeforemayor’sannounce- Barbara Tremblay,hadalreadyclosed to beverydifficultforalotoffamilies.” cost,” hesaid.“It’sverypainful.It’sgoing such a difficult decision: I know the full who iswondering why this hasbeen closure tosupportingit.“Foreveryone tion onSundayfromopposingschool those mostconcerned,changeditsposi- low-paid healthcare workers and among whosemembersincludemany1199, “out onthestreets,”hesaidearlier. healthcare workers.Teenagerswouldbe from policeandfiretotransit play outwithessentialcitypersonnel, having thechildrenoutofschoolwould voice toworriesabouthowtheeffectsof sure hadmountedtoclose,healsogave children tospendtheday.Aspres- children andasecureplacefortheir schools asasourceofnutritionfortheir cited how deeply poor families rely on had urgedhimtoclose,themayor Johnson, toComptrollerScottStringer– education committee,toSpeakerCorey Mark Treyger,chairoftheCouncil’s politicians –fromCityCouncilMember resisted forsolong.Whileothertopcity cited whenexplainingwhyhehad was amongthe concernsthat the mayor food,” shesaid. school safetyofficerswerehelpingbag ing suppliesandothernecessities.“Even Ms. Tremblay’sschoolis located P721K, aDistrict75schoolledby But inacrucialdevelopment,SEIU At his press conference, nutrition nity wecanget ittogether.” and we know that as a school commu Hurricane Sandywithfood deliveries, Our schoolscametogether during on, butwe’redoingitpiece bypiece. off foodtofamilieswhoneed it. and staffmembershavealready dropped Many parentshavebeenparticipating.” dents, andotherswhowanttodropin. a Zoommeeting,invitingparents,stu- night at7:30,Isitonmybedandhave everyone’s nerves,”shesaid.“Every of ourjobistoquelleveryone’sfears, ramped up dramatically. “A big part families –fromalloverBrooklynhas you’ll receivethesameanswer.” tion sonomatterwhoyouspeakwith, tion andhaveasinglelineofinforma- humor,” shesaid.“Weshareinforma- parents. “Weallhaveagoodsenseof nication, betweeneachotherandwith already haveadeepnetworkofcommu- is spreadoutatvariouslocations,they edented situation. Because the school and organizing as tackle this unprec- together inprioritizing,communicating in herpraiseofhowstaffhascome in learning. music programstohelpinvolvestudents voice. Shesaidherstaffwasworkingon said, aclearnoteofoptimisminher for them?“We’regoingtolearn,”she tion. Howwillonlineeducationwork ically a great need for hands-on atten situations arenotsodire,thereistyp- to bemoved. homes andmaybetoomedicallyfragile members. Somestudentsareinnursing the mostdauntingchallengesfacingour special needs has to be counted among nity withmanystudentssignificant “We understand that it’s a lot to take “We understandthatit’salot totake Her schoolhasaculinaryprogram Now theneedtocommunicatewith Like otherprincipals,shewaseffusive Even forthoseofherstudentswhose and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals - -