Abraham: Funding is essential to reopen schools safely

In a national roundtable on reopening schools, NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Philippe Abraham Thursday pointed to a fact that is often overlooked during this time of the pandemic: The lingering effects of the 2008 recession were still stifling public education when the COVID-19 crisis happened.

How to Organize Your Health and Safety Committee

NYSUT is committed to ensuring that our collective voice is heard on all issues related to the health and safety of our school communities. One way this can be done is by working with our schools to establish effective health and safety committees. We encourage you to review this how-to guide (PDF) to learn more about best practices and what the state law requires.

Governor releases timetable for school budget revotes

On July 3, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.47 establishing July 28 as a date for budget votes for school districts that had defeated budgets on June 9.

NYSUT statement on reopening of schools

“Health and safety of students, families, educators and other school staff, and equitable access to a high-quality education must be the top priorities in reopening schools. The federal government’s demands that schools reopen without concern for health, safety and equity are simply out of touch. Thankfully here in New York, we know the governor, the Regents and fellow education stakeholders are taking this seriously," says NYSUT President Andy Pallotta.

Planning for School Reopening: The instructional questions that must be answered

Above all else, as the education community looks to reopen New York schools, we must look through the lens of
educational equity and access for all students. That is why we have assembled a series of thought-provoking
questions for you to consider when developing your local union’s positions about reopening.

Andrew Pallotta: 'Education - An Avenue To Equality' (via WAMC)

"When it comes to addressing these issues, let’s not fool ourselves," says NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. "The work isn’t done. Racism and economic inequality remain pervasive; and everyone has a responsibility to speak up."