Reviews are in: RA 2024 a resounding success

YSUT’s annual policymaking convention made a triumphant return to New York City with plenty of changes. The focus on completing the union’s work was enhanced this year with lots of interactive exhibits and F-U-N — including an opening number that got delegates to their feet.

In her opening address, NYSUT President Melinda Person thanked members for all they do and encouraged them to advocate and stay engaged.

“You’re the architects, the engineers and the builders of greatness … shaping minds and our future,” Person said.

With all the interactive elements and greetings from guests and lawmakers, delegates were laser focused on bringing resolutions to the floor that address issues vital to our progress as a union — and directing the union’s course for the next year.

A resolution advocating for increased staffing of paraprofessionals and teacher aides passed unanimously. “I can’t say how important this is,” said Sandie Carner-Shafran, Saratoga Adirondack BOCES Employees Association retiree. “Our teachers are overwhelmed and many of our teaching assistants are forced into being teachers in the classrooms.”

On higher education, delegates passed a resolution to change the way oversight of community colleges is managed by the state, and a resolution to continue advocacy around SUNY Downstate.

UUP President Fred Kowal praised the union’s successful organizing this year to keep SUNY Downstate open, but noted the fight was not yet over. “Despite the success that we have achieved this year … that is just the beginning of this struggle,” he said.

Delegates also passed numerous resolutions related to educational issues, measures to support the integration of career-connected learning with quality Career and Technical Education programs and the expansion of CTE programs statewide.

Another resolution addressed the challenges of artificial intelligence. “AI is scary. It’s coming and we know it,” said Jeff Orlowski, Kenmore TA president. “We need to get ahead of it and get protections for our students and our teachers.”

Delegates enthusiastically passed a measure to support advocacy, education and legislation to reduce U.S. maternal mortality rates. “Racism is a healthcare issue, and when maternal mortality happens, communities are traumatized,” said Janella Hinds, VP for Academic High Schools at the United Federation of Teachers. “We can do better.”

Delegates also passed a resolution to support legislation that prohibits book banning. Florida retiree Ross Stonefield, RC 43, told the hall, “I see every single day what’s happening with banned books in Florida, and I think, ‘Well, it will never happen in NY,’ but as we can see, it is happening in NYS.”

Resolutions valuing and honoring arts education and another resolution encouraging education and information regarding New York state paid family leave both passed.

In the wake of the tragic Farmingdale bus accident, NYSUT delegates called for legislation that would require passengers on all buses transporting students to wear seatbelts.

All remaining resolutions were automatically referred to the NYSUT Board of Directors.

For complete coverage of the RA, including video tributes to winners of NYSUT’s constituency awards, visit nysut.org/ra.