In Two Hours, We Make One Single Endorsement

No member-driven business whatsoever is conducted in tonight's UFT Delegate Assembly

For two hours, I sat and took notes at this long, long meeting. Aside from sitting through the same presentation I sat through yesterday, and hearing Victoria Lee name a piece I wrote, we endorsed her candidacy for teacher trustee.

Mulgrew spoke of how the city didn’t respect teachers and wanted to infantilize us by not allowing our cell phones in class. It very much reminded me of the way his beloved trustees addressed the RTC yesterday, showing us no respect whatsoever.

The trustees were allotted 25 minutes and took far more. Vanecia Wilson took even more, and altogether they ate up the entire meeting. We were able to extend and pass one thing that died today in the DA, filled with Mulgrew business that pushed out member business. In fact, rather than ask for the RTC resolution to be first, unless I heard wrong, Michael Shulman got up and asked it be THIRD, guaranteeing it wouldn’t be heard at all. (It doesn’t much matter because Mulgrew ruled him out of order anyway.)

The delay yesterday was certainly deliberate. Tom Brown went on and on, unnecessarily, and insulted us, repeatedly. Christine McGrath screamed at us in a way that would’ve brought disciplinary action from any principal within earshot, if she were a teacher. Vanecia Wilson straight out lied to us about bills designed to protect us. They deliberately, purposefully obstructed us from doing business.

They speak to us precisely the way Mulgrew says the city does. And they wonder why we are upset with them.

Here’s the thing—meetings are for members, not bosses.

If you get a poor reception with messages like, ““We don’t like the way you talk to us,” or. “We refuse to support protecting your health insurance,” you don’t just get a do-over.

How much member business got done today? None whatsoever.

For some reason, though, today they decided to allow Mulgrew to get a little business done, aside from his customary too-long speech. Maybe they respect him more than us. After all, while they can happily applaud a member who sends ageist memes ridiculing retiree DA members to chapter leaders, you won’t see them criticizing Mulgrew anytime soon. Not if they value those double-salary double-pension gigs, anyway.

Sorry, Mike. Despite your self-indulgent do-over, and your typically condescending snide remarks to those with the temerity challenge your reign as President-for-life, yesterday happened, and you failed to change that. All you did was, once again, as usual, keep us from moving forward.

UFT Delegate Assembly March 19, 2025

Minutes (unedited)

Michael Mulgrew—Welcomes us. Says “silly season begins” and had to change up things.

Moment of silence for Hazel Dukes and a chapter leader. Says when we had a mayor trying to destroy system Dukes was not afraid to stand with us. Worked to prevent closings. President of NYS NAACP. Knew her from CTE. Was a secret meeting in Harlem, Dukes, Geoff Canada, Julian Bond, Van Gellis—concerns on charters. Dukes said charter students treated better, needed to focus on inequality. Called charters inequitable, not okay.

National—Becoming clear are two groups organized to push back, AGs, and teacher unions. Seeing bigger plan, complete removal of ed dept workers, same in Medicaid, Social Security. Planning to break privatize and leave in billionaire hands. SS was never regarded as inefficient. All lost workers are a big deal. Will need to organize with AFT, NYSUT.

Have filed lawsuits, stopped things. Tried to get rid of Title 6 with a letter, changing rules and precedents. Letter does not supersede argument. Tish James phenomenal. Said this admin cannot ban DEI with letter. We can continue to be inclusive for all students. Chancellor says we will continue to teach what we’ve been teaching.

Going after personal info. AFT filed lawsuits. Tax and loan info not for private companies. Have been stopping will need to do more. Other states have people who voted for things, cutting Medicaid, SS, and are denying it.

Albany—Cell phone ban. Big fight. Sent email. Contact them. Don’t want to agree to bell to bell. Want to say schools can do ban, but students still have access during lunch and other things. UFT position is cell phone ban bell to bell, when they come in till they leave. School must have line for emergencies. We need enough secretaries, specific line, can’t come out of school budget.

Mayor stopped ban two years ago, now wants one. Said we have to ban for teachers and staff too. We won’t let that happen. Not in bill. More evidence of elected officials who don’t respect people who work in schools, Infantilize us. Of course you shouldn’t be texting in class. Reach out to Senate and Assembly. Backing governor’s plan.

April 2—Para recognition day. Will be teach ins from now until then. Training teams to answer questions. Strategy for changing collective bargaining. No worker should pay for other workers’ raises. We have permit for rally.

Will shorten report, because I need another. Will get this to you tomorrow. Questions about Mulgrew borrowing 11 billion from pension fund. We are in silly season. Everyone needs to remember we are a union. If you’re spreading false info, causing fear and anxiety, is problem. Straight up lies is a bigger problem. We gotta read that silly crap. Flier says your pension may be diminished. Can that happen in NY State? Why would someone in our union write such a thing?

We are lucky to live in a state with very strong union laws, right to organize, pension guaranteed in state constitution. Will take a break and have a presentation. Slides not loaded. Victoria Lee will come up. We have to have the facts straight. When people want to play games with internal union politics, we won’t let that happen.

You have been elected to protect this union.

Lee—Bennett Fischer asked me to do this presentation, gave 25 minutes, Usually two hours. Today 20 minutes. Tom Brown is here, Christina McGrath is here.

Goal is you will understand UAL. What is it, reamortization bill.

Bucket is TRS, two pipes, first actuarial contribution, member contribution, and (something). Part protected by constitution. Money flowing in, retirees collect pension, doesn’t change regardless of contributions. Should come to pension clinic.

Tier 4 april 8, 6 April 22.

Money invested so we can make more money give out more pensions.

In 2010 we were off financial crisis. Wanted to help get new stream of income. Investments were not doing well. Everyone wants good funding. Actuary was conservative approach—UAL. unfunded accrued liability. said how much needed to go in—by 2032, we’d be well funded. 22 years to fund. payment plan began in 2010.

Last year were well funded ahead of schedule. This year, estimated even higher. In 2025 ahead of schedule. Predicted would take until 2032 to be in this position. Still eight more years.

Reamortization bill. Since ahead of schedule, can slow down money coming in. Allowing more time before we use this increases time by 20 years. By doing this we’re increasing stability and allowing consistent and predictable payments. Makes investor lives easier. Want consistent income to make investment easier.

UAL—Still ARC, admin expenses, and member contributions. UAL payment plan from NYC to TRS. Extend 2032 to 2045.

Pro—reduces contribution volatility and investment risk. allows TRS to make continuous investment decisions over longer horizons. Additional interest payments from city. Collecting more over time.

Con—Slows down contribution result temporarily. Even if we slow down money, it’s only the UAL money. Still ARC, etc, going in bucket. Just talking about additional piece. you want to diversify portfolio. Real question is do we believe investments can outperform 7%?

If we believe it, is it worth risk? We talk about this with stakeholders. Question is not taking 11 billion out of system. should we leave it to invest, or put it in slower and collect 7% interest?

Calendar—unclear to me, can’t see.

Question is how stock market will do. We could predict if we knew.

Combined impact on systems—current plan, come 2032 finished. Proposed plan reamortizes. Less money coming in but comes for longer period of time.

Can pay by 2032. Proposed plan puts in additional 7% interest city has to pay because they’re paying for a longer time. Will pay until 2045. 100% paid, plus extra 7% for 12 years. Guarantees more money for our pension fund.

Shows graph she says is disingenuous. If we don’t read original article it appears this amount is in the negative. Headlines like buy now pay later, (mine). Original author explains current payment schedule versus smoothing the money. Either way, TRS will receive 100% of payments. Neither will remove money and pension benefits can’t be diminished.

Do we want money coming in fast, or coming in slowly.

By passing this bill are we unfunding system? All retirees are 100% covered by current assets, so if you’re a retiree, you’re covered. Someone speaks of solvency test. All retirees are 100% covered, inactive covered, and big chunk of actives.

We are not unfunding system. Matter of coming in quickly, or slowly. We’ve done it before, last time in 2013, do it about every ten years. This is just a took actuaries use to make sure our pension is funded. Everything was good until February 20th, went to governor without approval from boards.

They sent it but we never voted on it. Was a deliberate decision made to exclude reps of city workers. That’s why we had a concern. When someone injects political agenda is problem. We no longer trusted them and would not support it because of political agenda. We were no longer confident this admin would be viable partner. Will not have convo until we have viable partner.

March 9, articles circulated from concerned members. Info came out, was misunderstood, misinformation, circulated. Author linked board meeting, bothered me, made me feel it was a campaign of disinformation. Author saw board meeting and wrote article clearly incorrect, deliberately deceptive.

Need to focus on important piece—TRS will receive 100% of UAL payments. Voice says no bad choice here. Would be surplus in 2023. Less contributions also good thing.

Volatility now always bad—you can make or lose money. Regardless, we will not work with anyone who does not prioritize your pension. We need to keep politics off pension table. Thanks people. Yesterday at RTC meeting did presentation, retiree said I like it but why not just tell us earlier.

Board meetings are online, public information.

Mulgrew—Thanks Victoria. You gotta really listen to Victoria, Tom and Christina. Smoothing not new, been done many times, we can figure out why it’s politicized.

We are well funded fund, managed well, highest rated because we have a constitution. Next we have absolutely best trustees in country, don’t play games. When they came to me over two years ago, I sad let them do the work. Good luck following them around 60 hours a week.

This union should never question the integrity of our trustees. Doing work because they know how important it is.

In terms of politics, shame on you. This is TRS, UFT’s pension. Don’t want to hear from anyone else. proud of ow we treat retirees, some will politicize at all time. We believe in freedom of speech but there are concerns. Let them do their work.

We said bill was off at Lobby Day that was it. Misleading people, fear mongering to retirees, don’t take tools away from professionals.

Five years ago school system shut down, March 15. Sunday, 3:20, I got phone call. De Blasio said he was reluctant, but closed for two weeks. We took a deep breath that day. Other systems already closed for a week. Extra week probably caused more people to die.

Sunday people were elated, but was tough road, where more died. Had to use virtual learning, never done before, no support in place. Needed all in place until we had all we needed. We had health and safety go out measure every room in every building.

Wants to remember sacrifices members made. Work with children, know about infectious diseases, didn’t know what covid was, but let’s remember all the people. Story needs to be told. When city needed us we were there for them.

Ends report. 5:11 PM.

LeRoy Barr—March 22 para fest, sold out. Also 21 annual counselors conference. Mar 29 UFT family day. 2K registered. Global sports center Garden City NY, still room. Child abuse deadline April 1 take course. April 2, power rally city hall. Bring our fight for respect for paras. Want to see all of you there. Wil fight for 10K to start. Middle school awards May 15. 17 annual early childhood april 5. next DA April 9.

Mulgrew—Asks who has not taken course—says you will have to. Created 10K spots for this class. Requirement for all educators. Must take class. I took it. On UFT website tonight. If retiree wishes to keep certificate, can take it.

Barr—March 16—Had honor privilege to sit with founders of union. One here, Mel Aaronson. Cheer for him. Had Mel in office today. Always educational. Always learn more about this union. Only thing I ask you is don’t take it for granted. Lunch periods, preps, people had to fight for these. Choose between benefits and money. Took less money so you could have benefits. Have to negotiate for what we have today, and tomorrow. Strongest union in country, Happy bday UFT.

Mulgrew—Questions 5:17

Q—With fed cuts to DOE, how will they affect D75 and section ?

A—Have stopped cuts to special ed. services. Was first they tried. We assume they will come back. They were about to sign exec order to destroy DOE. Starting to get pressure. Red or blue states, local school important. Elected officials show up for little kids, picture in paper, if they love public school they have to protect them. Meeting with city council. We will visit congress people too. Need to tell us what they will do.

Q—retiree, ss teacher, active member of PSC. Last night James Davis, PSC president went to meet with unions to discuss resistance to Trump. Had presence at demonstration against cuts. UFT hard to find. Why? UFT going to Chicago, (no) doing anything in chapters to mobilize?

A—We had contingency there Saturday, Were events in three boroughs. Biggest thing now is coordinate legal attack. Will hit streets sooner or later. A lot of our members want to do their jobs. We have a lot of activists. took 1K to Albany. Paras meeting w council. Our coordination w AFT most important. We will have more and more, if activists want to go they will go. Long process. Long way to midterm elections. Cant take them for granted. Have to be out there, heard.

We have other stuff to do, not going to Chicago. Other locals do things differently. We have differences of opinion. Will always help others to work with us.

Q—Is there any update w D75 with providers being told to take away services?

A—DOE says not happening, says we are over evaluation. This is issue. Meeting with parents of special needs students. not first time they’ve tried to reimagine D75. Remember being disciplined for refusing to sign IEPs. Found out they aren’t allowed to do that. I am child’s rep. you need to look at that differently. You hear everyone has to have ICT. Can’t change because school doesn’t provide service. If you disagree, don’t sign IEP.

Trying to take kids out of D75 now. Sometimes not appropriate. It’s our judgment. We want our judgment valued as it should be. If you’re a pro, you have the knowledge base to do that work. Professional responsibility to sign or not.

Q—Will new city admin affect new curriculum?

A—Good question. They have a vision.

I am cut off. I call back in.

Want mayoral candidates to see what we face every day. Only choosing teachers who understand if you keep changing everything no good. Changed fidelity to bad word. Said you can’t change any of this ever. Trying to teach people running for mayor what this is all about. 5:32.

Motions—

Bennett Fischer—Resolution to oppose budget amendment for this month’s agenda, at top of agenda.

Mulgrew—Will be no debate, someone can speak against.

Fischer—applies to make sure that Mayor Adams proposed amendment not in budget, we can’t trust that the city’s deferred obligations will not cut into education, social services later on.

Vote—

y 704 n 108 online 263 y 52 n 86% passes

Jenny Smith—moves to place this resolution next month. Resolution in opposition of dismantling US DOE. All together in this. Concerns, many members scared. I tell them we can’t be scared. We have to be ready. Let’s put this on agenda.

UFT will support national affiliates in lawsuit against illegal actions, call Congress members, mobilize members to lobby, insure rights of students protected.

Mulgrew hums Jeopardy theme.

y 797 n 60 online 310 y 6 n in room passes.

Mugrew says not to shame anyone who doesn’t agree with you.

Michael Shulman wants to make opposition to budget as third item.

Mulgrew says is motion out of order. Motion period over.

Peter Lamphere proposes we extend motion period 5 minutes.

y 473 n 288 online 165 y 149 n 59% motion does not pass.

? from FDR HS—I am cut off again. (My fault this time, pressed zero by mistake.)

Something about mass deportation, democrats and GOP.

Mulgrew rules out of order.

NYS Trustee election, Tom Brown TRS—7 members on board, three of whom are teacher members. One elected each year. This year Victoria lees position is up. Nominates Victoria Lee, respected and trusted advocate. Has made mark on pension community. Spoke to many national orgs. Smart, strong, competent, fast learner, gives great presentations. Oversees policies, funding, we are impressed by her. Have confidence to serve another term as teacher member trustee. Look forward to working for all of our members. Pensions stronger and safer, please support nomination.

Point of info—Daniel Alicea—Last election under article 78. According to UFT, was run illegally. Case not settled, members not informed, asking our members be informed about election and whether DOE will run according to law.

Mulgrew—DOE runs elections, did improperly. Said file article 78, we did. Pretty sure it was settled. Can’t ask person I need to ask. Will get info. DOE says they are prepared to run it properly, but remember, they said it to us.

Attorney—article 78 not settled. Briefings submitted, short timeline to bring, but none for judge to decide.

Mulgrew—About DOE attorneys refusing to admit”

Attorney—offered to do it next time, asked for online voting.

Mulgrew—now as up to date as me.

?—Asks to extend time for endorsements.

Mulgrew—out of order.

Sean Ramos—Supports Lee. experience, integrity, trust. In 2013 called by Debra Penney. found I used to work in bank. Knew I had experience, asked me to work for pension department. we trained under Penney and Mel Aaronson. Learned macros, legislation, origination, also knows micros. Learned every single thing. Endorses her. Trust is in trustee.

Point of order—wants to extend agenda.

Mulgrew—still out of order.

Nick Bacon—Not speaking against Victoria Lee, against this resolution because of when it’s being done. History where we endorse candidate before we know how candidates are. Don’t know if we’re endorsing over someone else we might like. Maybe are very qualified people. Believe she can get signatures. Ben Morgenroth did it, was not endorsed. Resolution doesn’t say it, but when you endorse before signature, UFT gets signatures for candidate. Problem is she’s up for second election, Treasurer of UFT.

Mulgrew says only thing up for debate is endorsement.

Calling question, says Mulgrew.

Point of order—?

Mulgrew says we finish debate and adjourn automatically.

y 446 n 213 online room 213 y 63 n

Question called over 70%

Resolution to endorse Victoria Lee.

504 y 232 n online 199 y 98 n 68%

Victoria Lee is endorsed.

Mulgrew—Please help us sign petitions.

Point of order—

Mulgrew says we’re at official adjournment, Sorry.