The United Newsletter
March 2022
|
|
A Letter from the President
Once again, we have had a trying year. I will say though, there are many silver linings to the gray clouds which seem to have lingered for way too long.
We have many new members. Some come to us with a wealth of experience. Some are new to the field. This is a beautiful thing. Judi Holler, Author, recommends we find mentors who are at different stages of life…not just mentors who have “been around” for quite some time. I look forward to working with our new members and hope many will consider leadership roles in the future.
I’ve mentioned the Action Committee several times. This is a “grassroots” group of members who want to make a difference. These members have come to realize that they are the Union and have brought many other members together to engage in the role of a union member. Whether or not you are in a leadership position, you can be involved and make a difference.
The USA Executive Board is in a groove. Some officers had prior Union leadership experience. Others were new to the role this term. Many, many distractions were thrown our way. I feel confident in saying that we have the “Power of a Positive Team.”
Our amazing Program Representatives have been working overtime, so to speak. Program Representatives are so committed to the position of helping members (you!) that they are working 24/7. It’s not an easy position, at all. I’ve been in this position at Fox Meadow. Being the first point of contact and having to constantly navigate “next steps” is no small task.
We had an in-person fun-filled holiday event organized by our Hospitality Chair, Cassandra McCarthy. And guess what? More events are in the works! We are getting back to normal…not the new normal…just normal.
I know I say this all the time and it’s pretty much the only theme to my President Letters, but I have an immense feeling of gratitude when I think about the approximate 400 members of the United Staff Association. I look forward to the increasing unity and solidarity amongst programs and our unique positions. We are getting stronger by the minute!
In Solidarity,
Catherine Armisto
|
|
In this issue...
A Letter from the President
Fall Elections
Legislative
Hospitality
Contract Corner
NYSUT News
Special Education Variances
Welfare Fund
NYSUT Member Benefits
Vote Cope
Thinking of our Members
Retirement News
|
|
It is hard to believe that this three-year term is coming to a close. United Staff Association Elections will take place in the Fall. The USA needs an Elections Committee. If you aren’t planning on running for a position, this might be a nice time to “dip a little toe” into the “Union involvement pool.” [I’m ridiculous, I know.] If you’re interested in being on this committee, please contact Melissa Bayeur at [email protected]. (See Article VII of the USA By-Laws for more information on nominations and elections.)
|
|
ELECTED POSITIONS
President
Vice President of CTE
Vice President of Special Education
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Chairperson
Program Representatives (each program)
NYSUT Regional Assembly Delegates
Who can run for a position? YOU! If you are a USA member in good standing, YOU can run for a position. It doesn't matter if you are a teacher, assistant, aide, nurse, related service provider, counselor, etc. YOU can run for a position.
You can read more about the roles and responsibilities of each position in the USA By-Laws. If you’re curious and have more questions about a position, please feel free to reach out. If you know someone who would be fantastic for a position, please consider nominating them in September!
|
|
At BOCES Lobby "Day" this year, we focused on two topics:
- A $100 million mental health grant was awarded to schools, but not to BOCES (possibly inadvertently) specifically for students' mental health, well-being, and loss of learning due to COVID. We reiterated to our representatives that for many of our students, BOCES is the only school they attend, that they do not go back to their home district, and that we need to be able to serve these students' mental health needs.
- The BOCES aid-able salary has not been increased in 30 years. In 1996, the average teacher salary across the State was $30,000, which is the same formula the state continues to use. We advocated for that aid-able salary cap to rise to $65,000, which is more in line with today's average teacher salary.
(I am copying verbatim the NYSUT Talking Points in case you wanted further explanation).
COVID School Learning and Mental Health Grants
The executive budget provides $100 million in grant funding for school districts to address student well-being and learning loss in response to trauma brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Recover from COVID School Learning and Mental Health Grant is to be used for student mental health supports,
such as employment of mental health staff or for the creation of programs to address learning loss, such as summer learning, after-school and extended day and year programs for students. Currently, BOCES is not eligible to receive this critical grant funding.
BOCES Aid-able Salary Cap
The current aid formula for BOCES programs, including CTE, has not changed since 1990, and the state only provides aid for the first $30,000 of a BOCES instructor’s salary. The example below illustrates the
financial constraints of the law.
These factors, in effect, reduce state support for BOCES programs by shifting these costs to public schools, resulting in the underinvestment of high-quality programs that provide students with the skills employers demand. This outdated aid-able formula also negatively effects the ability of BOCES to recruit and retain educators.
In addition to myself and Lou Riolo, Destiny Henry (senior, Carmel, Medical Assistant class) was also present to speak on behalf of CTE students and her experience here at BOCES. Catherine Armisto also attended, along with her student Jericho Hartley (Yorktown, Walden Middle School), who spoke about his progress and growth at BOCES.
My role, with the United Staff Association, is the Legislative/Committee of 100 Chairperson. I'm responsible for attending BOCES Lobby Day and any pre-activities with NYSUT, organizing the CTE students' attendance, and during the meetings, communicating BOCES' concerns to our legislators.
Lobby Day always meets my expectations. Though it's better in person, as one can see Albany in action - it's a unique machine - I'm always grateful that the legislators and/or their aides take time out of their day to hear our concerns. I always find that whomever we meet - Kevin Byrne, Sue Serino, Pete Harckham, Sandy Galef, and Chris Burdick - all are equally supportive in all we do here at BOCES for our students.
Click here to read more about BOCES Lobby Day throughout the state.
|
|
|
|
Take Action! Sign up for MAC alerts so you know about current legislative issues. Through MAC, you can easily/quickly write to local legislators and support important causes.
Click here to access the Member Action Center page.
|
|
May General Membership Meeting |
|
The excitement is building!!! As of right now, it's going to happen! We are going to have our May General Membership Meeting in person! The plan is to have the meeting at a local restaurant. (We'll try to keep the "meeting" part short. Ha!). This will give us an opportunity to honor the USA retirees, meet some new members, and enjoy a beverage and some food with our old pals!
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
May 10, 2022
More details to follow.
|
|
I do X, Y, and Z...can I get a stipend?
Stipends have to be negotiated between USA leadership and BOCES Administration. This is often done during the negotiation process and entered into the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). If the specific stipend is not in the contract, you are not getting it. If you are doing something above and beyond your job duties and not being compensated, it is advised that you stop performing these extra duties. The only way to possibly get a stipend in the future is if members stop "working for free."
Also, depending on the nature of these extra duties, please be mindful of the other bargaining units at BOCES. Our fellow NYSUT local, the BOCES Classified Employees' Association (BCEA), has specific work that falls under their unit. We never, ever want to take on the role of a position in another unit.
How does a teaching assistant get credits approved for the stipend/salary increase?
Per the contract, teaching assistants are able to apply a total of 20 credits. Proof of new pre-approved credits need to be provided to the Director of Human Resources by October 1st. Payments for these credits will begin the 1st of September the following school year.
Courses will need to be entered into My Learning Plan (MLP) and approved by your supervisor. These courses will be routed to HR for review and approval. When submitting your courses, please be sure to select your ‘purpose’ as: “Stipend Hours Grad. Credit towards Salary.” For more information, please contact Maegan Ponticello in HR. (Submitted by Taheera Mushatt.)
|
|
Career & Tech Education
In May 2017, the Board of Regents amended the requirements to obtain Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate titles.
A CTE certificate authorizes the certificate holder to teach a specific CTE subject in an approved career and technical education program in a New York State public high school or BOCES. In NYS, certified teachers progress from entry level certificates (Transitional A or Initial) to the Professional certificate by completing specific educational and teaching experience.
Initial CTE Certification:
To obtain Initial certification applicants need to complete nine credits of pedagogical coursework and the work/education combinations in one of Options for the Transitional A certificate.
Professional CTE Certification:
To obtain Professional certification applicants need to have fulfilled the requirements for the initial certificates and complete an additional nine credits of pedagogical coursework.
Applicants for the professional certificate must also:
Pass the Educating All Students (EAS) certification exam; and Have three (3) years of teaching experience in the CTE field of their certificate.
|
|
Special Education Variances
What You Should Know
|
|
|
Know Your Limits:
Just because your classroom might operate as an 8:1:1 or 12:1:4 ratio, doesn’t mean they can’t squeeze another student in there. In order to do so, teachers should ask and make sure the proper documentation is being filed before that student enters their classroom. A variance can be requested for special class sizes and for chronological age ranges of students assigned to classes. The chronological age range in a special class for students with disabilities under the age of 16 may not exceed 36 months.
So, what are the requirements for filing a variance?
- A variance is requested when unique circumstances surrounding an individual student make a variance the most appropriate way to meet a student’s educational needs;
|
|
- A variance must be requested in writing;
- ∙Written justification (see Attachment A) must document the compatibility of the needs of all students in the instructional group, including the range of academic or educational achievement, social development, physical development and management needs;
- A variance is in effect only for the school year in which they are approved;
- A variance is requested on a student-by-student basis. There is no such thing as a “blanket variance”;
- A variance must be approved in writing; and
- A variance may not be implemented prior to approval.
Submitted by Lisa Giacomini-Essell
|
|
New Employees
Just as a reminder is you are a new employee it is important that you complete the appropriate paperwork necessary in order to receive your Welfare Fund Benefits. Please reach out to the Welfare Fund Committee with any questions. Contact information listed below.
|
|
NYSUT offers the following services to its members:
- Insurance
- Student Loan Center
- Financial Planning
- Shopping, Travel & Personal
- Legal & Financial
|
|
Dear United Staff Association,
Please see your email for a video and information about VOTE-COPE. If you are interested in enrolling in VOTE-COPE, you have a few options…
-
Email Nancy Mazza ([email protected]) to enroll by 5/1/2022. For those that are enrolled in the auto deduction, it will be taken out of your May 27, 2022 check.
-
Complete an online donation via your NYSUT account. To access your NYSUT account, or to create an account, please click here and scroll to the bottom.
- Paper enrollment forms will be available in the near future.
If you would like to change your contribution or opt out of the auto deduction this year, please email Nancy Mazza ([email protected]) by May 1, 2022
.
The suggested amount is $35.00 for certificated staff and $17.50 for classified staff. However, any amount that you can contribute is greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions regarding VOTE-COPE please reach out to me or your building representatives.
Thank you for your continued support,
Danielle Iammatteo
Program Representative Chairperson
|
|
Our Voice, Our Union, Our Values |
|
Celebrations
Jenna Larkin on the birth of her son.
Lucrecia Gonzalez on the birth of her daughter.
Chris Lofaro on the birth of his son.
Amanda Keenan on the birth of her daughter.
Glenda Rivas on the birth of her daughter.
Digna Tenesaca on the birth of her daughter.
|
|
Retiree Sympathy
We received a short note from Bruce Gillespie, his wife, Judith Gillespie died December 30, 2021. They have been in Boca Raton Florida for the past several years. Unfortunately, Judith had not been well during the past year.
Judith started at BOCES around 1970 and was an academic teacher at EOE in Tech South. As programs changed and EOE closed she moved to Special Ed at French Hill under John Carr. Later she continued with the high school English program at Walden. She was involved with the United Staff Association from her first days at BOCES and served two terms as President and served on many committees for the Union and management.
We extend our sympathy to her husband Bruce and son Evan.
Dick Mallette passed away this past July in Buffalo, NY. He was a skilled counselor and served in that position for 30 years in both Walden and Pines Bridge after a career as a vocational counselor at the Department of Vocational Education for the State.
At BOCES he worked on a grant project at pines bridge establishing Vocational Education opportunities for more severely handicapped students.
Dick was extremely well read and travelled and a wizard at the crossword puzzles. Everyday he did the puzzle in fountain pen ink and challenged George O’Brien, Ed Mccarthy and Challis Thompson to finish up first.
Arthur Jakubowitz, of Ardsley, NY sadly passed away on October 29, 2021 at the age of 72. Artie started as a teacher at Walden and then went on to be the supervisor at French Hill. He was respected and showed great educational leadership. He left BOCES to form a model program at Clarkstown in Rockland County. We extend our sympathy to Artie's family and friends.
Stay Up-To-Date
Union initiatives help retirees stay engaged during lockdown
NYSUT offers a series of free, live webinars to help retirees stay engaged, stay healthy, beat loneliness and learn new skills. For a full list and to register, visit nysut.org/retireewebinars.
|
|
United Staff Association Representatives
Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Executive Board
President .....................................................................................................................….Catherine Armisto
1st Vice President - Special Education ...............................................................……...................Nate Ball
2nd Vice President - CTE .............................................................................................Stephanie Buckhout
Secretary ........................................................................................................................…..Melissa Bayeur
Treasurer ......................................................................................................................Marianne Rodriguez
Membership Chairperson .......................................................................................................Stacey Daniel
Grievance Chairperson ........................................................................................…..Lisa Giacomini-Essell
Negotiations Chairperson ................................................................................................…...........Nate Ball
Program Representative Chairperson .....................................................................…...Danielle Iammatteo
Program Representatives
Administrator Representative
Pines Bridge - Csilla Mate …………………………………………………………………....…… Brandy Haight
Pines Bridge - Csilla Mate ..........................................................................................….....Taheera Mushatt
Walden - Matthew Tucker ……………………………………………………………………….…….Ann Moreno
Walden - Matthew Tucker ..................................................................................................... Karen Edmond
CTE - Steve Lowery ...................................................................................................... Bernadine Ordonez
CTE - Jim Belucci...............................................................................................................Maria Pontbriand
Fox Meadow - Turnell Sims .......................................................................................................Patty Lucido
Local School Buildings - Melissa Cafaro ........................................................................…........Donna Gast
Local School Buildings - Melissa Cafaro ..................................................................…........Margo Schepart
Regional Partnership - John Boniello..............................................................................Stephanie Wozniak
|
United Staff Association Welfare Fund
c/o Daniel H. Cook Associates
253 West 35th Street, 12 Floor
New York, New York 10001
Chairperson: .....................................................................…......….Jenna Larkin
Secretary: ..................................................................……...…….Deirdre Toolan
Treasurer: ........................................................................…...…….Doreen Trani
Trustees: .....................................................................…...…..Catherine Armisto
Jessica Fytros
Maria Pontbriand
Alternate Trustees: .........................................................…...…...Cristin Deagan
Consultant: ..............................................................................…...…Flo Laicher
Administrator: ............................................................….Daniel Cook Associates
www.dhcook.com
Contact for USA Members and Retirees:
Lindsay Given
Efrain Medina
914-250-0700, Ext. 438
|
|
Legal Services
To schedule an appointment with the lawyers at Mirkin & Gordon, call 914-997-1576.
|
|
|
A Note of Thanks
Thank you to the Executive Board Members for all of the information included in this newsletter. Please feel free to reach out if you have a topic that you think should be included in future newsletters. Looking forward to some beautiful Spring days. Enjoy your time off during Spring Break
Please email me with announcements, articles and important information for future USA Newsletters at [email protected]. Please send Retiree News for the Newsletter to Wynnie McCarthy, [email protected] or 36 Cheshire Lane Yorktown, NY 10598. We want to reach out to more Retirees.
Be Well!
~Meg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
