ECE: FIGHTING FOR NEW CONTRACT, PARITY P.11

CHUCK WILBANKS

A Great Day for Laborn Unionized workers and their supporters made their voices heard and celebrated their accomplishments by marchingdown Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Sept. 12 at the annual Labor Day Parade. STORY AND PICTURES ON PAGES 8-9.

The Wisdom ofDual Language

7

BY CLEM RICHARDSON

CSA President Ernest Logan usu-ally can’t sleep the night before anew school year kicks off.

“It’s all the excitement,” Logansaid. “So much is going on, so

many things happening at thesame time.”

This year was no different. Mr.Logan was up early, clamoringaboard the Staten Island Ferry toopen the school year with Harbor

CLEM RICHARDSON

n From left: Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, and CSAPresident Ernest Logan at the Harbor View School in Staten Island on opening day.

Drug Coverageand Medicare

10Travel Desk:

Rivers, Seas andLands Afar13

INSIDE First Day JittersNot Just for Kids New Career

Ladder for CSA Members

BY BOB REICH

In preparing for the start of the newschool year, I have been reviewingpromises made. The CollectiveBargaining Agreement is really a longlist of promises and commitments that

the DOE has made to CSA and its members.Unfortunately, there have been many delaysin honoring these promises. In some cases,the DOE has not been honoring them at all.

Let me offer an example. Our contractreads: “Supervisors identified as being at riskof being excessed at the commencement ofthe following school year will be informedof this no later than June 15…” Yet severalmembers received excess notices from anadministrative office at the Department ofEducation after that date. It’s hard to under-stand why a building Principal with moneyin his or her budget is being told who canstay and who should go. Just as troubling iswhen members have been told of their reas-signment but their Principals have not beenasked or even informed about the move.

There are members who have been

YOUR CONTRACT

Continued on Page 6

Continued on Page 4

Oct. 2015Volume 49, Number 2American Federationof School Administrators,AFL-CIO Local 1

NEWSCOUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS

PromisesMade, ButNot Kept

BY MARIA SMITH

The contract negotiated by CSA on behalf of itsmembers with the City last December achievednumerous victories. In addition to the all-importantsalary increase, a true career ladder was establishedproving that educators can and should be treatedas the professionals they are.

Starting with the September term, dozens of qual-ified CSA members have been placed in these sixcareer opportunities, which all come with addedresponsibilites and significant salary bumps: Forexample: a Master Principal may earn additionalcompensation in the amount of $25,000 annuallyabove the applicable Principal salary. For the fullmonetary schedule and requirements, go to CSA’s“Your Contract, Your Rights” section of the websiteto see the MOA. The career ladder provisions can befound on pages 8 – 13.

The six new positions fall under three categories:Master Principal and Master Assistant Principal,Model Principal and Model Assistant Principal and

Continued on Page 6

CSA NEWS 2 Oct. 2015

Council of SchoolSupervisors & Administrators

American Federation of SchoolAdministrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1

40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006Phone: (212) 823-2020Fax: (212) 962-6130www.csa-nyc.org

PresidentErnest A. Logan

Executive Vice President Mark Cannizzaro

First Vice President Randi Herman, Ed.D

TreasurerHenry Rubio

SecretarySandy DiTrapani

Vice PresidentsDebra Handler

Lois LeeChris Ogno

Ronald WilliamsNancy Russo, Retiree Chapter

Executive Director OperationsErminia Claudio

General Counsel David Grandwetter

Comptroller Phil Fodera

Executive Director Field ServicesSana Q. Nasser

Field Directors Juanita Bass, Stephen Bennett,Mildred Boyce, James Harrigan, Christine Martin, Daisy O’Gorman,

Mercedes Qualls

Assistant Field DirectorsEleanor Andrew, Mauro Bressi, Laverne

Burrowes (Special Projects), Rosalie David,Charles Dluzniewski, Nancy Esposito,Martin Fiasconaro, Aura Gangemi,

Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, Robert Jeanette, Kate Leonard,

Monica McDonald, Dorothy Morris, Ralph Santiago, Shelli Sklar, Fran Walters

Grievance DirectorRobert J. Reich

Assistant DirectorsCarol Atkins, Robert Colon,

Jermaine Garden, Marlene Lazar, Ph.D,Steve Rosen

Director of CommunicationsClem Richardson

Assistant Director of CommunicationsCorey Bachman

Director of Political AffairsHerman Merritt

Assistant Director of Political AffairsGabe Gallucci

Assistant DirectorJohn Khani

Director of ITEgal Sanchez

Special Assistant to PresidentGary Goldstein

CSA Conference ChairPierre Lehmuller

CSA HistorianManfred Korman

CSA Retiree ChapterGayle Lockett, Chair

Mark Brodsky, Director

CSA NEWSEditor Chuck Wilbanks

Associate Editor Maria Smith

Design Consultant Michele Pacheco

Production Assistant Christine Altman

CSA News (004-532) is publishedmonthly except July and August for$35 per year per member by CSA, 40Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Periodicalpostage paid at Manhattan, NY, andadditional mailing offices. POSTMAS-TER: Send address changes to CSANews, 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006.

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

Now that Mayor deBlasio’s UPK initiative isa success, the naysayersare turning their atten-tion to his latest plan, to

get all second graders reading ongrade level and all ninth graders pro-ficient in algebra. The usual suspectsare the New York Post, a few charterschool fanatics and a handful of pro-gressive pundits who want the mayorto cater exclusively to them. A coupleof them even said that research does-n’t show that literacy and algebra pro-ficiency will help close the achieve-ment gap. Do they have rocks in their heads?

The programs the mayor announced on Sept.16 inhis “Equity and Excellence” speech are ones wewould take for granted in suburban, private and, yes,charter schools. But even the New York Times whined

about the “high costs and big political risks.” Thiswarning came after critics beat the mayor over thehead for not being visionary enough. Well, they’vegot his vision now: what is good enough for subur-ban, private and charter school kids is good enoughfor ours.

The Mayor’s “Equity and Access” vision implies“Access for All.” Principals and APs will monitor thataccess and be sure none of their students areexcluded. The mayor also aspires to achieve access tocomputer science and Advanced Placement. You willneed to make a commitment to getting the bestteachers in your schools and ensuring they getexactly the kind of PD they need. And you will wantto be vigilant about developing yourselves. If wewant our teachers to be up-to-date, we can’t let our-selves get stale.

There’s no question, the 2nd grade literacy ini-tiative is the most urgent. The mayor promisesthat every elementary school will receive sup-

port from a dedicated reading specialist. School lead-ers will have to use the specialist effectively and findnew ways to enlist families as partners. Schools withchildren who need the most support will have prior-ity with hiring this spring, and approximately 700reading specialists will be in place across all elemen-tary schools by fall 2018. Despite a couple of knee-jerk critics, we know there are reams of research

showing that children who aren’treading by the end of third grade arelikely to fall behind academically for-ever.

Algebra is also critical. The mayorvows that every student will completealgebra no later than 9th grade.“Every” is a big word, but a worthyaspiration. Research indicates thatalgebra is the gateway to higher-levelmath and science. Today about 60%of our middle schools offer Algebra in8th grade. By 2022, the mayor wantsto see 100% algebra access. The firstnew classes and prep programs will

start in fall 2016. For inspiration, middle school lead-ers might take a look at the Algebra Project createdby Dr. Robert P. Moses in 1982, a system of matheducation that has been effective in underservedmiddle schools. Dr. Moses knew early that to succeedin a technology-based society, our children need astrong grounding in mathematics.

In a technology-based society, computer literacy isanother prerequisite to success. One of the hottesttopics among our school leaders seems to be teach-ing children how to code, and for good reason. Ayear ago, job growth in New York’s high-tech indus-try was moving four times faster than in the rest ofthe city’s economy. These are high-paying jobs. Themayor wants our children to benefit from this wind-fall. The city will introduce computer science intoelementary, middle and high school over the next 10years, to give every student the fundamentals of pro-gramming, coding, robotics and web design.

One of the jewels in the crown of our educa-tion system is Advanced Placement. Buildingon the success of the DOE’s AP Expansion

Program, the city will provide at least five AP classesat all 400 high schools. This will start in fall 2016.Considering the rigor of these courses and theexpertise required for teaching them, this programmay be the most challenging. You will want to guideyour best teachers into the College Board’s AP train-ing workshops and become versed in the Board’s feereductions and wavers for students with financialneed.

As I sat at the Bronx Latin School listening to themayor, I couldn’t find one reason why we wouldn’taspire to anything less than the array of initiatives heproposed. That includes proposals such as CollegeAccess for All and Single Shepherd, which will focuson districts with the lowest high school graduationrates. I urge the mayor and the chancellor to makesure they choose the most capable stewards to directeach one of these initiatives. And I urge our schoolleaders to embrace this agenda. It is a testament toour children’s potential.

• • •

• • •

New Programs Focus on Literacy and Algebra By Ernest A. Logan

Embracing ‘Equity and Excellence’ Agenda

The city will introduce computer science into elementary, middle andhigh school to give every student thefundamentals of programming.

CSA NEWS 3Oct. 2015

)COMINGEVENTS

Events are at CSA’s ManhattanHeadquarters, 40 Rector Street

unless otherwise noted. (OCT 7, 10 AM:Chancellor’sConsultation

OCT 13, 5 PM: SchoolSafety Meet and Greet

OCT 14, 3 PM: EarlyChildhood Educationmeeting

OCT 15, 5 PM: NewMember Reception

OCT 21, 3:30 PM:NYCESPA ExecutiveBoard meeting

OCT 30, 8 AM: ExecutiveLeadership Institute’sprofessional development

NOV 4 , 1 PM:Chancellor’sConsultation

NOV 5, 1PM: CSA/NYPDMeet and Greet

NOV 19, 3:30 PM:NYCESPA ExecutiveBoard

Confirm the above meetingtimes and dates with the eventcoordinator before attending.

Teachers’ Retirement

SystemAugust 2015

Unit Values

Diversified Equity Fund: 82.668

Bond Fund: 17.586

International Equity Fund: 10.289

Inflation Protection Fund: 10.575

Socially Responsive Equity Fund: 14.913

www.trsnyc.org

Visit Us Online at CSA’s Website:

www.csa-nyc.org

BY CSA STAFF

According to the CSA Constitution andBylaws, elections shall be held every three years.2015 is an election year.

Nominations for President, Executive VicePresident, First Vice President, five Vice Presidents,Secretary and Treasurer of Central CSA (includedin Article IV, A, Section 1 of the CSA Constitution

and Bylaws), shall be submitted to the CSA officeno later than Oct. 31, accompanied by an officialpetition form signed by at least 150 CSAMembers (Article IV, Section 2).

The official nominating petition is availablefrom Erminia Claudio, CSA Executive DirectorOperations, CSA, 40 Rector Street,12th floor, NewYork, NY 10006, during regular business hoursor via emailing to: erminia@csa-nyc.org.

Candidates for the offices of President,Executive Vice President and First Vice Presidentmust run on a single slate. As a single slate, can-didates for the offices of President, ExecutiveVice President and First Vice President shall benominated jointly, and shall be voted upon andelected jointly on a single ticket (Article IV, A,Section 3).

Executive BoardElections for CSA Membership Classification

Representative(s) to the CSA Executive Boardshall be held within one month of the lastacceptable date for receipt of ballots for theelection of CSA officers. (Article IV, B, C and D.)

Balloting for the Membership ClassificationRepresentative(s) to the Executive Board shallbe conducted by the Central CSA ElectionCommittee, as approved by the Executive Board.

A call for nominations will appear in theOctober CSA News and on the CSA website, andare due by mid-December. Each membershipclassification may also elect alternative repre-sentatives who shall represent the unit atExecutive Board meetings in the absence of theelected representatives(s).

Districts/OfficesAccording to the union's Constitution, the

officers of a CSA unit shall be a Chair, aRepresentative who shall be a member of theCSA Executive Board, a Secretary, a Treasurer andother officers as the district/office may determine.

The CSA Chair is appointed by the CSAPresident. The Assistant Chair, which is not amandatory position, is also appointed by theCSA President.

Prior to the February Executive Board meet-ing, each CSA district unit and the RetireeChapter shall submit to CSA, in writing, perti-nent information with respect to its represen-tative(s) on a form which will be furnished bythe CSA central office.

Official Notice: 2015 CSA Elections

District Chairs: Each District hasa District Chair that is selected by theCSA President. The District Chair attendsmonthly meetings at the CSA CentralOffice and meets with their District peersseveral times throughout the school yearto give updates and get feedback to sharewith the CSA Central Office.

Executive Board: District Chairswill put out a call for nominations andwill hold an election for an ExecutiveBoard Member. To be an ExecutiveBoard Member representing a district,you must be a member in good stand-ing, you can self-nominate or someoneelse can nominate you. The DistrictChair will conduct the election and theCSA member with the most votes iselected and represents their District atmonthly meetings held at CSA Centralheadquarters.

Executive Board MembershipClassification: CSA Central Office willput out a call for nominations and holdthe elections for Executive BoardMembership Classification. Each CSA

title has representation through theMembership Classification ExecutiveBoard. You can self-nominate or you cannominate someone that you feel will rep-resent your classification, and you mustbe a member in good standing. CSACentral Office will send eachMembership Classification a ballot withthe names of members that have beennominated. An election committee ofactive and retired CSA members will tallythe votes. Membership Classificationtitles include: Assistant PrincipalsElementary/Middle, High SchoolAssistant Principal Administration, HighSchool Assistant Principal Supervision,High School Assistant Principal SpecialEducation, Assistant Principals SpecialSchools and Citywide, and SupervisorAdult Education, Day Care Directors andAssistant Directors, EducationAdministrators and CSE Chairs,Elementary School Principals, HighSchool Principals and AlternativePrincipals, Middle School Principals K-8,Principal-Special Schools.

How are District Chairs, Executive Board Members and Executive Board Membership

Classification Members Selected?

BY DARA BERKWITS

On a hot summer day in July, studentsarrived at their summer school at PS36 in the Bronx expecting their usual

routine as they honed their skills for thecoming school year. Instead, they weregreeted by more than 90 volunteers fromGeneral Electric and New York Cares, thecity’s largest volunteer management organ-ization. What followed was a day of schoolrevitalization and student-volunteer part-nership work.

Volunteers helped with revitalizationprojects such as building and paintingbenches and constructing new closetshelves. Others worked directly with stu-dents individually or in small groups,developing and creating business ideasand marketing plans.

The students, from both PS 36 and PS119 in the Bronx, worked with great effortto improve their ideas and finalize theirthoughts, ultimately making presentationsto their classes. They were able to speakabout their products and businesses just asan adult pitching an idea to a potentialinvestor or customer might. Althoughsome may have been nervous, their GeneralElectric volunteers were right by their sideto coach them in their efforts. Groups wereeventually chosen to present in the audi-torium. Their audience was packed withmore than 150 adults and students.

“We were all inspired by your stu-dents,” Tricia Chorlog, one of the GeneralElectric volunteers, said in an email to theschool following the event. “What anincredible group of kids! We loved seeinghow fearless they are and how willing theyare to take risks. Their ideas and creativitywere amazing. You clearly are passionateabout what you do and truly care aboutthe community of your school. The pridewas evident everywhere – among the kids,faculty and staff.”

The benefits from exposure to volun-

teers from all over the world was immeas-urable. Their effort and dedication speaksvolumes and have already proven to be anexcellent model for the children. Thesetypes of experiences are the ones that willlive in their memories forever. The childrenwill look back on this day fondly, hopefullyone day walking through the doors of PS 36 to tell their former teachers abouttheir exciting new business venture.

Dara Berkwits is the Library MediaSpecialist at PS 36 in the Bronx

For a Bronx Public School, theProfound Impact of Volunteers

DARA BERKWITZ

n PS 36 students and staff worked with volunteers from New York Cares and GeneralElectric to revitalize their school.

CSA NEWS4 Oct. 2015

BY CHUCK WILBANKS

Return to the Future

When we say Sept. 9 was the first day of school for 3M291,it was really the first day: The school is brand new andwhen the doors opened to 147 sixth graders from around

the Upper West Side, they were the pioneers in a completely newendeavor. The brainchild and labor of love of Principal JessicaJenkins, the school, located on W. 61 St. near LincolnCenter, is housed in what was until recently the BeaconSchool. Ms. Jenkins plans to add a seventh grade nextyear and an eighthgrade the year after that,and so on until it is afull high school.

Previously thefounding principal ofMarsh Avenue Schoolfor ExpeditionaryLearning in StatenIsland, Ms. Jenkins wasa superintendent forthe last two years, butmissed the hands-onwork with kids andtheir teachers.

The school haspartnerships withOutward Bound, sothere will be anemphasis on outdoorskills and learning, aswell as the Alvin AileyDance Company,befitting a school withan excellent dance space anda location near a preeminent performance center.

After an intense summer of refurbishing the two floors of theschool, the mood was happy among teachers and staff, and the kidswere quiet and extremely orderly. “We’re glad and relieved to havethe kids here,” Ms. Jenkins said as a group of students quickly formeda neat line. “These kids will be the leaders and the personalities ofthe school, so we’re setting this up now.”

BY COREY BACHMAN

Green is the New Black

Erminia Claudio, CSA’s Executive Director, Operations, visitedseveral Staten Island schools during the first day of classes. Ms.Claudio began her day at PS 62, the city’s first “green” school,

to view the new facilities and to meet with Principal Lisa Sarnicola,the former Principal of PS 506 in Brooklyn.

PS 62 is an innovative new experiment for the DOE. Designedto house 450 Pre-K through grade 5 students, this energy-efficientbuilding is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes.

Flat screens, called “dashboards,” allow students from each wingof the building to compete in an energy-saving face-off and monitortheir progress.

“These screens will allow for friendly competitions between class-rooms and will make a cross-curricular math connection,” addedPrincipal Sarnicola.

The state-of-the-art facility also houses a human-powered energyroom and a rooftop greenhouse.

“They will have an opportunity to plant, and then use the foodthat we grow during lunch or community events. Planting and lifecycles lead right into the science standards,” said Ms. Sarnicola. “Iknow students will be excited to use the bicycle room and pedal onthe bikes to create energy for the building.”

Later on in the day, Ms. Claudio was given a tour of PS 42’s build-ing and adjacent annex by Principal Brian Sharkey and AssistantPrincipals Rose Garcia and Aileen Dulski.

There, she met with students and staff and wished them a happyand joyous school year.

View School Principal Carol Mongiello andAssistant Principal Valerie Sanchez. The schooloffers Pre-K through 2nd grade now, and will beadding a grade per year until it has a 5th grade.

At Harbor View, Mr. Logan joined Mayor Billde Blasio, NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray,Deputy Mayor Richard Buery, SchoolsChancellor Carmen Farina, UFT PresidentMichael Mulgrew, Staten Island BoroughPresident Jimmy Oddo, City Councilman DebiRose (D-Staten Island) and other dignitaries totout the breakout success of the Department ofEducation’s Pre-K program.

“I walked in here this morning, and I was soexcited to meet a great educator, to see a greatschool and parents and children who areexcited to be here today,” Mr. Logan said dur-ing a morning press conference at the school. “Ithink the Borough President (Mr. Oddo) said itbest. So many things that are solutions to ourcity, to our country, happen in our classrooms.”

Mr. Logan urged parents and communityleaders to continue to support public schoolsand the Pre-K program, which saw citywideenrollment top 65,000 children this year.

“Now we have universal, high quality earlychildhood education for every child in this

city,” he said. “There is no excuse for a four-year-old not being in school. All of the studiessay high quality universal Pre-K reduces recidi-vism, because children don’t go to jail whenthey have a good education.

“Universal Pre-K makes for really good, pro-ductive citizens, and we need them.”

Mr. Logan joined the Mayor, First Lady andChancellor in a Pre-K classroom, where theyspoke with smiling teachers and parents as abeaming Mongiello looked on.

“This is a good day for Ernie Logan, becausehe is getting to see a great principal in actionand a school that is working as an example toall of us of what is possible in the New YorkCity Public Schools,” Mayor de Blasio said.

Innovation, Partnerships, and the Loveof Learning on the First Day of SchoolDoors Open To Brand NewHigh School and State ofthe Art Elementary School

CHUCK WILBANKS

n Principal Jessica Jenkins and CSA Vice President Mark

Cannizzaro were on hand at the opening of 3M291, a

new Manhattan High School, where students got down

to the business of learning right away (left).

‘An Example of What’s Possible inthe New York City Public Schools’Continued from Page 1

n Left: From left, District31 Education CouncilPresident Michael Reilly,Superintendent AnthonyLodico, PS 62 PrincipalLisa Sarnicola, teacherAnnemarie Summa, andCSA Executive Director,Operations, ErminiaClaudio, all standingbefore the school’s brandnew flatscreens, whichallow students to com-pete in an energy-savingcontest and monitorprogress.

n Below: A wall of win-dows floods the librarywith natural light at PS62 in Staten Island.

CORY BACHMAN

CSA President Ernest Loganurged community leadersand parents to continue tosupport public schools.

• • •

CSA NEWS 5Oct. 2015

BY MARIA SMITH

While the Mayor and Chancellor cele-brated the Pre-K milestone on openingday, long-time Williamsburg early learn-

ing center Nuestro Ninos continued doing what ithas done for the past 40 years, preparing theBrooklyn neighborhood’s youngest students forelementary school.

Nuestros Ninos Executive Director Miriam Cruzwelcomed two classes of four-year-old Pre-K stu-dents. Many of the children were already enrolledin the school’s daycare and EarlyLearn programs,so it was a seamless progression, said Ms. Cruz.

“We are a neighborhood institution and a fam-ily,” she said. “Whether it’s a child’s first day inPre-K or they’ve been coming here since they weretwo, they always remember Nuestros Ninos.”

Indeed, the warm atmosphere was evidentupon entering the school: Ms. Cruz sat at thereception desk welcoming everyone. A visit to sev-eral classes showed brightly-colored and decoratedclassrooms featuring modern classroom technol-ogy as well as old-fashioned standbys such as pup-pets and puzzles.

When students were a bit rambunctious orimpatient, teachers didn’t skip a beat – or lose theirtemper.

“Remember, we are using our inside voices

now,” said Diana DeLeon, Assistant Teacher. While Ms. Cruz is happy for the citywide

expansion of Pre-K, she worries about programsaffecting one to three-year-olds. Cruz and otherECE directors who are CSA members are workingwithout a contract, and face difficult relationshipswith the City on everything from lease renewals tocumbersome bureaucratic regulations. Last spring,

Nuestros Ninosalmost lost its leasedue to the city’s fail-ure to negotiate on atimely basis; 500people rallied for thecenter, includingone illustrious grad-uate of the school,City CouncilMember AntonioReynoso.Ultimately, the leasewas signed.

“What we do isso important to achild’s success,” saidMs. Cruz. “We arethe professionalswho notice if a childhas learning issues.

If our centers close, who will do that?”But, while EarlyLearn’s fate is unclear, it’s certain

Pre-K at Nuestros Ninos has a promising future. On a hot Sept. day, with no tears, lots of giggles,

solid instruction and play, students and staff alikeenjoyed a wonderful first-time experience.

“Together, we’re beginning a wonderful jour-ney,” said Cruz.

Pre-K Expands to 65,504 Students Citywide

MARIA SMITH

n CSA First Vice President Randi Herman visited with children at Nuestros Niños, an earlylearning center in Brooklyn.

Early Childhood

For supervisorreviews,finallygetting itall in writing

From Rector Street Mark Cannizzaro

With all the hoopla over CSA’sstruggle and ultimate successin winning retroactive pay forall members, a couple of othercontract victories go unsung.

Our agreement on supervisor feedback bearssome immediate elaboration because youmay be feeling the effects now that the“PPO” visits have begun. This is the writtenfeedback that the DOE will be required toprovide along with suggestions for improve-ment if the superintendent (or his or herdesignee) perceives deficiencies in your work.

Written feedback is a no brainer, of course.When you rate a teacher, you provide feed-back and next steps along with the rating.That’s the appropriate thing to do, the obvi-ous one, the pedagogically sound way tooperate. Now, this courtesy will be extendedto you and it will foster collaboration amongschool leaders and superintendents.

I still scratch my head over DOE’s resist-ance to this, but they rose above it in theend. We brought the issue to the table afterPrincipals received final Measures ofLeadership Practice (MOLP) scores in Junewith indicators rated “developing” or “inef-fective,” with no prior warning and no sug-gestions for improvement. At the heart ofDOE resistance, may have been concern thatwritten feedback would be too labor intensivefor our superintendents. I know our superin-tendents are more than equal to the task;after all they were once Principals.

After candid pedagogical conversations,CSA and DOE agreed to a few guidelines. Thesuperintendent or his or her designee willconduct all supervisory visits. Within 45 daysof the visit, Principals will receive writtenfeedback in the form of evidence on allQuality Review Indicators observed.

In conjunction with the written feedback,Principals will receive written “next steps” forimprovement for each component rated“developing” or “ineffective/underdevel-oped.” Remember this: these suggestions areformative in nature and are in no way meantto serve as the sole directive for actionablenext steps. They are not exhaustive. You canalso take more creative, independent steps toimprove your practice. You are not confinedto a straitjacket prescription.

In the past, the DOE provided only “areas

for celebration” and a limited number of“areas of focus,” written in ambiguous lan-guage. The effect of that kind of feedback wasquestionable and it certainly didn’t do muchfor your professional growth. When theMOLP ratings came along in June, there wereoften nasty surprises. Now, you will not becaught unaware and you will have thechance to partner with your supervisor infinding solutions to help you move forwardsuccessfully.

Another contract victory that bearsmentioning relates to improvementsin the workday for school-based super-

visors. We are still getting questions about

these improvements so I’m going to elaborateon this as well.

In terms of the longer workday onMonday and Tuesday – which resulted from aUFT/DOE collective bargaining agreement onprofessional development and parent engage-ment – we hammered out an equitable agree-ment with the DOE. We all wanted to ensureadequate supervisory coverage for regular dayactivities, but CSA insisted on flexibility foryou to vary your work hours on a day-to-daybasis.

There are a few things you need toremember about this. You must submita schedule to your superintendent with

the hours your school is in session, includingtimes when professional development andparent engagement occur. Determinewhether or not you and/or your APs will berequired to work additional time (above the 7hour and 15 minute, exclusive of lunch,workday) on Mondays and Tuesdays, in orderto ensure adequate supervisory coverage. Ifadditional time is required, be sure to create aschedule to vary each affected supervisors’workday accordingly on the remaining daysof the week while maintaining adequatesupervisory coverage.

If you have questions about these agree-ments, contact your CSA field director. Itwon’t take long for all of this to become sec-ond nature, especially since these areimprovements you wanted. Your input to thiscontract by phone, email and through CSAreps was constant, detailed and energetic.Thanks again for leading the way.

Mark Cannizzaro serves as the CSA ExecutiveVice President.

Contract Victory Includes Lesser Known Benefits

• • •

• • •

We insisted upon flexibility for you to vary your work hours on a day to day basis.

CSA NEWS6 Oct. 2015

Ambassador Principal and Ambassador Assistant Principal.Principals who participated in last year’s Learning PartnersProgram – Host Principals – automatically became ModelPrincipals this fall. It is up to the Chancellor how many of thesepositions are created and who is assigned to them.

“While contract negotiations were at times difficult, everyoneat the table agreed to the idea of establishing a solid career trackfor exemplary principals and APs already working in the cityschool system,” said David Grandwetter. “The Chancellor andDOE staff were extremely supportive of ensuring that our talentedleaders should be rewarded with career path options commen-surate with financial compensation. This is a tremendous winfor our members.”

Tremendous Win for CSA MembersCSA members welcome the new career ladder. For Daryl

Blank, Principal, High School of Fashion Industries, Manhattan,as a Learning Partner Host, the Chancellor converted his title toModel Principal in September.

“Before, I felt the only way to move up was to change myjob and that was a problem for me because I love what I do,”Mr. Blank said. “With the Model Principal title, it’s an affirmationof my hard work. I am thrilled with this aspect of our contract.We finally have a real career path.”

While the program is new, a joint CSA-DOE committee hasbeen established to review policy aspects of these new leadershiproles. The committee looks at issues such as identifying bestpractices, professional development priorities and design, dis-tributing these positions throughout the school system byschool level, and holding research and focus groups to obtainfeedback. The committee reports findings and recommendationsto the Chancellor and CSA President.

Hard-To-Staff School DifferentialOn a separate career issue, Principals and APs who work in

high-need schools which have staffing challenges, are eligibleto receive a Hard-to-Staff school annual salary differential. TheChancellor has sole discretion to determine the Hard-to-Staffschools that are eligible for the amount of differentiated com-pensation. The Chancellor consults with CSA prior to designatingschools and the differential amount. (See page 14 of the MOA.)

Contract Provides‘True Career Path’Continued from Page 1

Casesremainopen formore thantwo yearsnow

Grievance Corner Bob Reich

excessed in prior years and are in the ATRpool. CSA members in this position are toreceive an assignment once a year. TheDepartment of Education knew all people whowere in the ATR pool during the 2014 – 2015school year, yet assignments for this schoolyear were not made until two days prior toadministrators reporting and in someinstances the day that administrators reported.

Or consider this. The contract is clear onthe time frame for investigations.“DOE shall review each open investiga-

tion open longer than 180 days within 30days from the 180th day.” Open cases pre-vent members from being placed in IA posi-tions, from being selected for positions andfrom being granted tenure. Our contract wassigned in 2014 yet cases more than two yearsold remain open. One must understand thatin April of 2015 the CSA forwarded our list ofopen cases to the DOE so that they couldreview and advise which were closed andwhich remained open. When CSA contactedDOE in May about this, having not heardback, we were told: “We began working onthis request upon receipt and continue towork on it. [We]…will reach out when thiscomprehensive list has been completed.” CSAraised this issue again at the end of May and

the response was even more disturbing: “…Our system for tracking these cases will notbe fully functioning until the end of thisyear.” This is ludicrous, because our databasecontinues to grow and we are only told whensome cases are closed, often with differentcase numbers provided than when the inves-tigation took place.

Again let me quote from Article 7:“Employees who are the subject of an investi-gation by the Office of Special Investigationsor the Office of Equal Opportunity andDiversity Management shall be notified of theresult of the investigation 30 days after theinvestigation is completed. For employees whohave been represented by CSA at an investiga-tive conference, the DOE shall also notify CSAwhen the investigation is completed.”

This has not occurred, and we have raisedthis issue directly with the Chancellor.

I’ll offer one more example. Again, let mequote the contract: “After entering into anextension of probation agreement, upon thewritten request of the CSA representedemployee to his/her supervisors, the DOEshall provide reasons, in writing, for the needto extend the employee’s probationaryperiod. Such reasons shall be provided within15 school (work) days of the written requestfrom the employee.” Some members havesubmitted requests under this clause yet havenot gotten a response. Others have been toldto speak to their principals, yet many of theseprincipals had actually recommended grant-ing tenure. Again, the DOE is not followingthe clear language of our agreement.

Enough is enough! CSA has already filedlitigation to address the DOE’s failure tofollow the C-30 regulation. CSA is tak-

ing steps to grieve and enforce the collectivebargaining agreement – steps that should nothave been necessary. Why can’t the DOEhonor their word and comply with the prom-ises they have made? Be assured, if compli-ance is not prompt, grievances, arbitrationand further litigation will be taken.

Please email me at bob@csa-nyc.org to shareother promises you feel have not been kept,together we must hold the DOE accountable.

The Clear Language of the Contract Has Been Ignored

Grievances, Arbitration andlitigation may be necessaryif the DOE continues torefuse to comply with theterms of the agreement.

Continued from Page 1

• • •

• • •

40 RECTOR ST.

BY CHUCK WILBANKS

Clem Richardson is CSA’s new director ofcommunications. Clem has had a long and dis-tinguished career as a journalist, most recentlyas a columnist for the New York Daily News. Healso served as Daily News Suburban Editor and asDeputy City Editor, managing reporters whocover the transportation and education beats.Earlier, he was Deputy Metro Editor and SundayEditor at New York Newsday. He began his tenureat New York Newsday as a reporter. He also wrotefor The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The ChicagoSun-Times and The Miami Herald.

He has taught journalism in South Africa onan International Center for Journalists fellow-ship and lectured in Nigeria on journalismethics for the National Democratic Institute.

Mr. Richardson earned his B.A. from DukeUniversity. He and his wife live in Park Slope,Brooklyn.

Marvin Pope came on board in August ascounsel for the union, working with GeneralCounsel David Grandwetter. Mr. Pope began his

career as an assis-tant district attor-ney in Brooklyn,prosecuting casesin the majoroffense and homi-cide bureaus. Heworked in the pri-vate sector,notably as a part-ner at McIntire &Pope, and hastaught business,tort and criminallaw courses atLong IslandUniversity’s

Brooklyn campus. Most recently he worked forthe DOE’s Office of the General Counsel, wherehe was deputy director of the AdministrativeTrials Unit and deputy director of the CaseAssessment and Review Office, which worksclosely with school Principals and AssistantPrincipals on a variety of legal issues.

Gabe Gallucci is CSA’s new associate directorof governmental affairs. Working closely withHerman Merritt, he will be involved in politicalturnout, lobbying, building coalitions andorganizing members so they have a bigger voicelocally and nationally on education issues.

Mr. Gallucci grew up in Ithaca, NY andattended SUNY Albany on an academic andfootball scholarship, where he received a B.S. inPsychology, and a M.S. in psychology. Heworked on the 2012 Obama presidential cam-paign in North Carolina and then became thepolitical and legislative director for the non-profit New York Communities for Change,where he helped launch the “Fight for $15”campaign.

New Arrivals at CSA

Clem Richardson Marvin Pope Gabe Gallucci

CSA NEWSOct. 2015 7

BY MARIA SMITH

Milady Baez heads the Division ofEnglish Language Learners and StudentSupport, a new position created byChancellor Carmen Fariña, to ensure thatacademic needs and support services forthese students are met.

With the DOE’s goal to become the bestbilingual program in the United States, Ms.Baez was a natural choice: Like theChancellor, Ms. Baez came from anothercountry – in this case the DominicanRepublic – and was an ELL herself. A for-mer Superintendent, Region 4, Queens, Ms.Baez served for 31 years in the DOE: shewas a Principal at PS 149, Queens and anAP at PS 314, Brooklyn. During her tenureat those schools, she implementedacclaimed Dual Language programs.

Ms. Baez recently spoke with CSANews’s Maria Smith about ELLs, nativeEnglish speakers and becoming multi-lin-gual in the New York City school system.

You came out of retirement to head upthis new division. Why?

I enjoyed my retirement. But whenthe Chancellor called with this opportu-nity, how could I say no? For me, it’sabout coming full circle. I came herewhen I was 12 years old not knowingany English. I was placed in a regularclass and I didn’t say one word for ayear. But I had two things going for me:I had a solid foundation in my nativelanguage and I was very self-motivated.Since not every ELL enters our system

with these tools, wehave to make surethey get the helpand resources theyneed. ‘Equity andExcellence’ as theMayor says, is ourmission.

The first bilingualprogram in theUnited States was inMiami in 1963 withCubans fleeingCastro’s regime. Thatprogram was aimedat making sureCuban students didnot lose theirSpanish-speakingabilities. How hasthe philosophychanged since then?

It was a uniquesituation in Miamibecause the Cubansbelieved they wouldbe returning to theirhome shortly.Ultimately, thoseparents and childrenremained in theUnited States andbecame fluent inEnglish and Spanish,which was an asset.But, bilingual educa-tion in some form oranother has beenused in this countrysince immigrants

speaking other languages began arriv-ing. In New York City today, there are160 languages spoken in our schools.

Dual Language Programs seem to behugely popular.

Dual language teaches literacy andcontent in two languages in the class-room. There are usually two teachers,one in English and one in the partnerlanguage such as Spanish. We start inkindergarten and continue through fifthgrade. The big difference is that ELLS aretaught alongside English-native speak-ers. So, the students learn from oneanother, help each other and coacheach other. Math, History Science all thesubjects are taught in both Spanish andEnglish. If students wish, they continuetheir dual language learning in middleschool and high school. Some of ourstudents even add a third language asthey progress through school. It’s awonderful way to have children respectother cultures and learn about differentbackgrounds.

How do they perform academically?The Dual Language learners are

highly competent students. Don’t for-get: They have been immersed in a rig-orous program including science, music,and technology in two languages. Theyare prepared to go to college and mostof all they are confident about their tal-ents and abilities.

What are some of the challengesPrincipals face when implementing a

dual-language program? There is a lot of prep work that has

to be done. Hiring the right teachers iskey. But you need to have a vision ofrunning a parallel track – English andSpanish – that doesn’t detract from eachother but blends together and flowsseamlessly. It’s not easy, but these pro-grams are so rewarding, the work isworth it.

What does the new state Seal ofBiliteracy mean for a student?

This is a wonderful certification forstudents. New York State is now one ofseven states offering a high schooldiploma with a special seal that identi-fies the senior as being fully proficientin English and another language. It’s aproud declaration of the student’saccomplishments as an ELL or a nativeEnglish speaker who has mastered thedifficulties of not only learning a newlanguage but being able to movethrough academic and social settingscomfortably speaking more than onelanguage.

What would you like to see happengoing forward?

From a practical standpoint, I wouldlike to see every bilingual class have atleast two teachers. There are someclasses where there is only one instruct-ing in both languages. I’d also like to getthe word out that the DOE is leadingthe country in the dual language arena.We have the only dual-language pro-gram for autistic children in the UnitedStates. This is something we can be veryproud of.

Besides the students, does bilingualeducation benefit the outside commu-nity?

Yes, in an extremely positive way.These students learn from one anotherabout their cultural similarities and dif-ferences. They pass this knowledge ontotheir parents and caregivers who thenpass it on in the neighborhood.Differences are minimized. The result?A vibrant cross-cultural communityready to meet the work and social chal-lenges of the 21st century.

‘For Me, It’s About Coming Full Circle’A Conversation With Dual Language Pioneer Milady Baez

Collaboration

BY COREY BACHMAN

C SA is proud to partner withLiveOnNY, a nonprofit organ-ization dedicated to highlight-

ing the importance of tissue and organdonation throughout New York’s met-ropolitan area. With the hope of edu-cating students before they receive adriver’s license, LiveOnNY has plansto make high school underclassmenaware of this lifesaving decision.

“We target the younger generationand those who are coming up to reg-ister to vote,” said Helen Irving, pres-ident and CEO of LiveOnNY. “It isour civic duty and responsibility toeducate teenagers and allow them tomake an informed decision.”

Sandy and Robin Brawer know alltoo well how pivotal that decisioncan be. On Nov. 13, 2009, their 17-year-old daughter, Janine, a senior atTottenville High School, was struckby a car while leaving school. Afterbeing rushed to Staten IslandUniversity Hospital, she remainedunconscious for six days before suc-cumbing to her injuries.

Earlier that year, Janine hadreceived her driver’s license in themail. When she opened the letter, asmall card fell to the floor, with infor-mation about organ donation.According to her parents, 17-year-oldJanine was furious that the minimumage to be on the New York State

Donate Life Registry was 18. Janine’smother Robin assured her daughterthat if Janine died, they would haveher organs donated.

“Little did we know, that a merethree months later we would honorher wishes,” said Sandy Brawer,Janine’s father and the executivedirector of business services in theOffice of School Support andSupervision. Janine’s kidneys, liver,skin and other organs and tissue weredonated. Through her organ trans-plants, Janine saved more than threelives and impacted many more.

“At that moment of abject despair,the only comfort we had was theknowledge that at the same moment,other families were receiving a life-saving call,” added Sandy Brower.

Janine’s Fund, a citywide scholar-ship, was soon established by TheBrawer family. Since the scholarshipbegan, it has given nearly $45,000 tograduating high school seniors. Sandyand Robin hope their daughter’s storywill inspire others under the age of18 to consider organ donation.

Over the next few months, CSAhopes to aid LiveOnNY in this mis-sion. Through LiveOnNY, CSA wouldlike to help Principals and AssistantPrincipals across the city by providingthem with the tools necessary to edu-cate students. “We may not increaseorgan donation right now, but thefuture is key and vital,” added Irving.

CSA Working withOrgan Donation Group

QandAQandA

COURTESY DOE

n Milady Baez, Deputy Chancellor of the Division of EnglishLanguage Learners and Student Support.

CSA NEWS8 Oct. 2015

BY MARIA SMITH

Overcast skies and cooler thanaverage temperatures did little todampen the collective roar ofunionized workers during this

year’s annual Labor Day Parade hostedby the Central Labor Council (CLC).

Beginning with a packed specialLabor Mass at St. Patricks’ Cathedral,Monsignor Kevin Sullivan of CatholicCharities, Archdiocese of New York, gavea homily of humility, hope and eco-nomic justice. “It is my hope that moreof the American workforce can partici-pate in the benefits of collective bar-gaining,” said Monsignor Sullivan.

He said the Church stands behindthe goals of today’s labor movement,adding that during Pope Francis’ visit, itis important that the Pope knows thatAmerican labor is supportive of immi-grants.

After mass, the parade officiallykicked off. Attendees included numer-ous elected and labor officials, includingGovernor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor BillDe Blasio, CLC President VincentAlvarez and CSA President Ernest Logan(a VP on CLC’s Executive Board).

The mood this year among CSAmembers was euphoric, unlike last year

when we were gearing up for tough con-tract negotiations with the City.

“We were fighting for what was rightand through the hard work of ourunion’s leadership, we got a great con-tract,” said Marlon Hosang, Principal, PS64, Manhattan. ”We’ve got a lot of workto do, but we are feeling very positivethis year.” ECE members, however, arestill working without a contract.

“We are hopeful this administrationwill do the right thing and sign a faircontract,” said Cheryl DeWitt, ExecutiveDirector, Williamsbridge NAACP DayCare Center, Bronx. “But, our patience isbeing tested.”

For the first time, CSA sponsored afloat festooned with CSA bannersand posters highlighting ourunion’s motto: “Great Schools

Begin With Great Leaders.”“The float is a great idea. What a fun

way to get our message out and see theparade from a unique vantage point,”said Neil Levinsky, retired EA, deputyassistant superintendent, who rode thefloat with his wife Sandy, a retiredPrincipal who recently helped create anew retiree unit in Pennsylvania.

After the parade concluded,

President’s Club members convened atan “after-party.” More than 150marchers enjoyed cocktails, tasty barfoods and lively conversation during thethree-hour soiree at the Arlington Club

on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “From beginning to end, this has

been a great day for labor,” said MarkBrodsky, Director of CSA Retirees. “Can’twait until next year!”

Hundreds of boisterous CSA members and a marching band of happy young musicians grace the annual march up 5th Ave.

CHUCK WILBANKS

n This year’s parade featured a strong turnout of active and retired members. After the long walk, there were welcome refreshments waiting on the Upper East Side.

The ‘Collective Roar’ of and f

CHUCK WILBANKS

n CSA members, executives and staff welcomed the support of New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio, second from right.

CSA NEWSOct. 2015 9

NATION

Labor

COREY BACHMAN

n The weather was crisp and spirits were high as the march got underway.

JACK SCHWARTZ

n For the first time, CSA sponsored a float in the parade, which held members whocarried the union’s message and enjoyed the unique point of view.

CHUCK WILBANKS

n A special mass for labor was well attended by union members from around the city.

With a host of accomplishments duringthe past year, members turn out in force tocelebrate and continue the momentum.

for Unionized Workers

KENTUCKY:

Mismanaged FundsA high school history teacher hasfiled a class action suit for the mis-management of the investments ofthe Kentucky Teachers RetirementSystem (KTRS). The KTRS is report-edly the worst-funded stateteacher plan in the U.S., with teach-ers having to contribute more oftheir salaries -- (from 9%, now up to13%). The suit names some of thecountry’s largest investment firms.(dianeravitch.net)

ILLINOIS:

School Closings

The LA City Council, which voted topare back civilian worker pensionsfor those hired after July 2013, isconsidering a reversal which wouldallow nearly 2,200 workers to revertto the former, more lucrative, retire-ment benefits. City officials main-tain there are enough budget cut-ting provisions to make the reversalfeasible and the deal would settle aunion lawsuit. (latimes.com)

— COMPILED BYCHRISTINE ALTMAN

Some 600 former employees of theturnpike authority, which is nowthe state TransportationDepartment, will lose their passcards that allowed them to skiptolls on the turnpike, bridge andairport tunnels. The practice wasinadvertently continued, though itshould have ended in 2009 with themerging of the two entitites.Another 200 former employees willbe allowed to keep their pass cardsas they retired prior to November 1,2009 when the practice wasaccepted. (bostonglobe.com)

A dozen activists on a hunger strikeare sending a powerful message toChicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel thatthey want to keep Dyett HighSchool open. There is growingpushback across the countryagainst neighborhood school clo-sures. One activist said, “We’re tiredof our children and our communi-ties being demonized and beingblamed for being underserved.”(networkforpubliceducation.org)

MASSACHUSETTS:

No More Free Rides

CALIFORNIA:

Reversal Of Fortune

The AFL-CIO took the opportunityto warn Minnesota State fairgoersduring the festivities of potentialfood safety threats posed by theTrans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), afree trade deal that is under nego-tiation. To date, few details haveemerged, with representatives ofcorporations and governmentsworking behind closed doors.Reportedly, if TPP becomes law itcould mean the importing ofmeats that do not meet US stan-dards; the disappearance of label-ing and more. (www.workdaymin-nesota.org)

MINNESOTA:

Food Safety

n Sen. Charles Schumer, left, and radio talk show hostCurtis Sliwa, right, came out to show support.

Known Around Town

n A large, somewhat unorthodox sign was displayed bymarchers outside Trump Tower. n The PS 257 marching band, enjoying some downtime, ser-enaded marchers with drums, horns and enthusiasm.

All Fired Up!

Visit www.csa-nyc.org to see more pictures!

JACK SCHWARTZ

COREY BACHMAN CHUCK WILBANKS

CHUCK WILBANKS

CSA NEWS10 Oct. 2015

QUESTION: I am a newly-appointed Assistant Principal. Irecently received a bill from theUFT Welfare Fund for prescrip-tion drugs I purchased on

September 4. Can you help me with this?ANSWER: Sure. When you change

positions from teacher to a supervisoryposition, it takes the Department ofEducation a few weeks (hopefully) toswitch your records from a teacher pay-roll line to a supervisory line. We receivea report from the Department ofEducation at the end of Sept., which weuse to determine eligibility. We havean agreement with the UFT WelfareFund to reimburse expenses incurredby our members in the transitionfrom UFT to CSA. Send us a copy ofthe UFT letter and we will reimbursethe UFT the amount we would havepaid for your medications. We willsend you a copy of the check wesend the UFT, and you will beresponsible for paying the UFT thedifference between the amount theybilled and the amount we paid. Thisreciprocal agreement works for den-tal procedures as well, and for the(rare) case when a supervisor reverts to a teaching position, inwhich case we bill the UFT for any benefits you used before theUFT restored your coverage.

QUESTION: I am a retired principal getting my medica-tions through the GHI Enhanced Medicare Part-D drugplan. I am now at the catastrophic level and paying 5% of

the drug costs. I read your article on prescription drugs and sawthat I am eligible to have these copayments reimbursed. Whatdo I have to do to get reimbursed for these costs?ANSWER: Send us all pages of the Explanation of Benefits

you receive from Express Scripts/GHI. The first page identifies

you, and shows that you are in the catastrophic level, but doesnot itemize the drugs. The remaining pages itemize the drugs,but do not identify who used them. To reimburse you, we needall pages. We will the reimburse 100% of the co-pays you paidover the TrOOP limit of $4,700 with no deductible to a maxi-mum of $5,000. In Jan., your benefit will reset and you willonce again start paying 25% of the cost of the medication.

QUESTION: I retired as an EA June 30, 2010. I have beengetting my prescriptions through Express Scripts. When Iattended your pre-retirement workshop, you said I should

send the quarterly reports I receive from Express Scripts to theWelfare fund for reimbursement. I just received my first report.Do I send this to a particular person?ANSWER: Thanks for attending the pre-retirement work-

shop, and remembering that the Fund reimburses prescriptiondrug co-payments. Due to the volume of claims and paperwork,we ask that you wait until you receive the last report for theyear ( covering Oct., Nov., and Dec.). Make copies of all quartersand send the copies to the CSA Retiree Welfare Fund, 40 RectorStreet, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10006-1729. We will processthem in the order they are received, and usually start reim-bursements in mid- March, with all reimbursements made bythe end of April.

Contact Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway, Welfare Fund Administrator,at (212) 962-6061 or email dhathaway@csawf.org.

Reciprocalagreementbetweenthe UFTand CSAWelfareFunds

The WelfareFundNavigate the Path to Reimbursement

DouglasV. Hathaway

For prescription drug co-payment reimbursement, send all quarterlyreports to the Fund at the year’s end.

BY DOUGLAS V. HATHAWAY

Read this carefully and save it. This is infor-mation about your current prescription drug cov-erage with the CSA Welfare Fund and about youroptions under Medicare’s prescription drug cov-erage, which can help you decide whether or notyou want to join a Medicare drug plan. If you areconsidering joining, compare your current cover-age, including which drugs are covered at whatcost, with the coverage and costs of Medicare pre-scription drug coverage plans in your area.

There are two important things you need to knowabout your current coverage and Medicare’s prescriptiondrug coverage:

1. Medicare prescription drug coverage becameavailable in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You canget this coverage if you join a Medicare PrescriptionDrug Plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like anHMO or PPO) that offers prescription drug coverage.All Medicare drug plans provide at least a standard levelof coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offermore coverage for a higher monthly premium.

2. CSA Welfare Fund has determined that the pre-scription drug coverage offered by the CSA WelfareFund is, on average for all plan participants, expectedto pay out as much as standard Medicare prescriptiondrug coverage pays and is therefore consideredCreditable Coverage. Because your existing coverageis Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage andnot pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decideto join a Medicare drug plan.

Enrolling in a Medicare planYou can join a Medicare drug plan when you first

become eligible for Medicare and each year from Oct.15 to Dec. 7. However, if you lose your current creditableprescription drug coverage, through no fault of your own,you will also be eligible for a two month SpecialEnrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare drug plan.

Impact on Welfare Fund benefitsIf you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your cur-

rent CSA Welfare Fund will not be affected. If youdecide to join a Medicare drug plan and drop your cur-rent CSA Welfare Fund, be aware that you and yourdependents will be able to get this coverage back.

Understand the RisksYou should also know that if you drop or lose your

current coverage with the CSA Welfare Fund and don’tjoin a Medicare drug plan within 63 continuous daysafter your current coverage ends, you may pay a higherpremium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later.

If you go 63 days or longer without creditable pre-scription drug coverage, your monthly premium maygo up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiarypremium per month for every month that you did nothave that coverage. For example, if you go nineteenmonths without creditable coverage, your premiummay consistently be at least 19% higher than theMedicare base beneficiary premium. You may have topay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you haveMedicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, youmay have to wait until the following Oct. to join.

For More Information You’ll get this information each year. You will also

get it before the next period you can join a Medicaredrug plan, and if this coverage through the CSA WelfareFund changes. You may request a copy of this notice atany time. More information about Medicare plans thatoffer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare &You” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook inthe mail every year from Medicare. You may also be con-tacted directly by Medicare drug plans.

For information about Medicare prescription drugcoverage visit www.medicare.gov. Call your State HealthInsurance Assistance Program (see the inside back coverof your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for thenumber) for personalized help. Call 1-800-MEDICARE(1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.

If you have limited income, help paying for Medicareprescription drug coverage is available. For informationvisit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov,or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

NOTE: Keep this article. If you decide to join one ofthe Medicare drug plans, you may be required to pro-vide a copy of this article when you join to showwhether or not you have maintained creditable cover-age and, therefore, whether or not you are required topay a higher premium (a penalty).

Questions? Contact Welfare Fund AdministratorDouglas Hathaway at dhathaway@csawf.org

Drug Coverage and Medicare IMPORTANT NOTICE

BY DOUGLAS V. HATHAWAY

At the end of July, our prescription benefitmanager (PBM), Catmaran, completed its mergerwith OptumRx, a division of United Healthcare.All Catamaran employees with direct, day-to-daydealings with Welfare Fund staff remain in theirpositions, and several senior management per-sonnel with whom we have established relation-ships remain at the new company. There will beno change to your benefits or procedures. Whatyou will begin to see is a reference to Optum Rxand the OptumRx logo rather than Catamaran.The Catmaran website and mobile app remain,but will eventually be rebranded as OptumRx.The following should address most concerns.

Will I receive a new ID card? No. You willcontinue to use your current ID card. The pro-cessing information that pharmacies require tofill your prescription will not change.

Can I go to the same pharmacy? You canuse the same network pharmacy you already use.Both the OptumRx and Catamaran networksinclude all large national chains as well as manylocal and community pharmacies, and we do notanticipate any major changes to the combinednetwork. To search for a network pharmacy nearyou, log in to your member website or call themember phone number listed on your card.

Will my benefits or medication priceschange? No. Your benefit coverage and medica-tion copays remain the same. However, your plan

sponsor may change or update your benefit planduring their open enrollment period. Any planchanges made during open enrollment are sep-arate and not related to the combination ofOptumRx and Catamaran.

My medication requires prior authori-zation. Will I need to go through thisprocess again? Current prior authorizations willremain active until they expire. Before it expires,please ask your doctor to contact us to renew yourauthorization.

Can I continue to see my prescriptioninformation online? You will continue to usethe same website to view and manage your pre-scription information at this time.

Can I still order my current prescriptionsfor home delivery? Yes, they will continue tobe filled through the same convenient mail orderpharmacy you use today.

Will there be changes in how I order myhome delivery prescriptions? Nothing willchange at this time. You will continue your homedelivery orders the same way you do today.

I receive a specialty medication. Howdoes this impact me? The specialty pharmacybenefits and services you receive will not change.

What if I still have questions?Call the CSA Welfare Fund directly at (212)

962-6061 and we will answer our question and/orconcern.

Catamaran, Optum Rx Complete Merger

CSA NEWSOct. 2015 11

The lawthat callsfor non-partisanspecialelectionsshould befollowed

LegislativeAgenda Herman Merritt

The political season is upon us, andby that I don’t mean DonaldTrump’s private jet itinerary. TwoNew York contests are underwaythat have much to teach us about

some of our political processes locally and onthe state level. Members should take notice.

Over the summer, two members of theNew York City Council resigned their posi-tions. As a result, there were primary elec-tions on Sept. 10 in the 23rd Council Districtin Queens to elect party candidates to face offin the general election in Nov. Meanwhile,preparations are underway for a general elec-tion on Nov. 4 to fill the seat for the 51stCouncil District in Staten Island.

If they both resigned this summer, why isthe process to replace them so different? Inthis case, the difference is the date of resigna-tion. If a council member resigned before July2, there would be a primary election then ageneral election. If the resignation took placeafter July 2, there would be no primary elec-tion and the local political parties wouldselect a candidate through their own internalprocess. If the resignations took place at anyother time during the year, there would benonpartisan special elections where the can-didates would run not under the banner ofthe traditional political parties. Anyone whoobtains the designated number of signatureswould be placed on the ballot. The electionwould be held soon after the seat is declaredvacant.

When lawmakers write laws, a lot ofthought is given to the possibilities that thespirit of the law will be changed by the letterof the law. Our lawmakers attempted todevise a system where elections can be coor-dinated, saving the city money by havingfewer elections. Although this system appearsto work, the elections this year shows thatcandidates can manipulate the process bydeciding to resign before or after the stipu-lated deadline. Sometimes when it is too latefor a Primary Election, the local party leaders,the county committee, select the nomineerather than holding a primary. I think thatstrict adherence to the law that calls for non-partisan special elections for New York Cityoffices should be followed. In fact, I wouldlike to see nonpartisan elections for all cityoffices.

Eighty percent of major urban cities havenonpartisan municipal elections includ-ing Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San

Francisco and Dallas. In those cities, morecandidates have entered the process and voterturnout has increased. Of course, in aDemocratic town like New York City, this isheresy. Many Democratic voters vote astraight Democratic ticket, sometimes noteven bothering to identify the individual can-didate. Experts say that a victory in a NYC pri-mary is tantamount to election in the generalelection. Such a small number of voters actu-ally vote in the primary, causing a small per-centage of voters to control the election.Although it has been proposed before, therehas never been a concerted effort change asystem that appears to be working for the few.

What do you think? Let me know if youthink the current system represents the voiceof New Yorkers.

The LDC (Legislative DistrictCoordinators) will be meeting onTuesday, Oct. 20 at Founders Hall at

CSA Headquarters. LDC’s are members whocontribute to our PAC and desire to take amore active role in communicating withelected officials and attending fund raisersand special events. Check the MemberUpdate and CSA’s website for more informa-tion.

Herman Merritt is CSA’s Political Director.You can email questions or concerns to him atherman@csa-nyc.org.

Does the Current System Give Voice to the Voters?

Cities in which more candidates have enteredthe process see voterturnout increase.

• • •

• • •

BY MARIA SMITH

On the steps of City Hall during anoppressively hot afternoon, MarySikarevich gave Deputy Mayor RichardBuery a piece of her mind.

“I have the youngest kids in the edu-cational system,” she said. “I have all thedegrees and educational pedigrees and yetI make far less than my DOE counterpartsand I haven’t had a raise in ten years. Isthat fair?”

Ms. Sikarevich and other ECE Directorshad just handed the deputy mayor morethan 1,200 yellow postcards advocatingthat ECE directors receive salary increasesand a new contract.

“I know what an important job youdo,” said Mr. Buery. “I’ve worked in earlychildhood education. Children’s learningbegins at your centers. It’s time we had adiscussion about your issues.”

And while various options are beingconsidered by the City and elected offi-cials, Ms. Sikarevich is adamant that herrole as an ECE Director and more than 35years as an early childhood expert is com-parable to that of a DOE teacher.

“I worked for the DOE but my passionwas the little ones,” she said during aninterview in her office at the Chung PakDay Care Center (CPC) in Chinatown.

Born in Canarsie, Ms. Sikarevich putherself through Pace University andstarted her career as a NYC Board ofEducation elementary school teacher.When her daughter was born, Ms.

Sikarevich began a licensed daycare in herLong Island home, and she discovered hertrue educational calling.

She returned to school, obtaining

advanced degrees in earlychildhood education fromHunter College and theCollege of St. Rose. Sheworked for nearly 20 years atGreenwich House (on BarrowStreet in the West Village) asits Executive Director.

“It was a rich mixture ofRussian, Black, Jewish andItalian youngsters,” she said.“The school reflected theunique population of thisCity. It was an exciting placeto work.”

The diverse student bodychanged, however, as theneighborhood gentrified andsuccessive mayors cut non-profit subsidies.

“The funding priorities arewrong,” Ms. Sikarevich said.“Even now all the resourcesare being put to UPK, notEarly Childhood.”

At CPC, where she hasworked for the past sevenyears, Ms. Sikarevich creditsthe Center’s board, parents,staff, community and electedofficials for the school’s securefinancial and political founda-tion.

“The entire community believes inwhat we do here. Children come here notknowing one word of English and by thetime they leave for kindergarten they are

speaking and writing English,” she said. “How can you put a price tag on

that?”But professionally, ECE Directors and

Teachers need to be funded too, she said.“The salary disparity is huge and

frankly, it’s not fair,” said Sikarevich.“When our kids go to the public schools,they can sit still, they know how to readand write and they are socialized. Whyam I paid almost $50,000 less than some-one on a comparable level at the DOE?”

At press time, a meeting was in theprocess of being scheduled with DMRichard Buery’s office so that ECE Directorsand CSA could talk about salary disparitiesand the need for a new contract.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Fighting for ECE Parity, a New ContractMore Than 1,200 Postcards Addressed to Deputy Mayor Richard Buery

MARIA SMITH

n Brooklyn Early Childhood Learning Center DirectorMary Sikarevich said, “The entire community believes inwhat we are doing here.”

Retirementn Mary M. Padilla, PS/MS 5

Principal for the past 14 years, hasretired. A celebration of Ms.Padilla's 31 years of service withthe Dept. of Education will be heldat the Pelham Bay Split RockCountry Club on the evening ofOct. 16. For more information,contact Jacqueline Valentin at jva-lent5@schools.nyc.gov.

CSA NEWS12 Oct. 2015

NATION

Education

n ELEANOR ARCHIE, 71, of Brooklyn, died onJune 22. Mrs. Archie retired as AP/PupilPersonnel Services of Stuyvesant High Schoolin 2013. Born in Panama, Mrs. Archie came toBrooklyn when she was three years old. Sheremained a lifelong resident of the borough.Mrs. Archie obtained both her undergraduateand graduate degrees from Brooklyn College.

After college, she beganteaching math at theformer Boy’s HighSchool. When the newStuyvesant High Schoolopened in Battery ParkCity in 1992, Mrs. Archiewas part of the originalstaff. She served as anAP for 21 years and onlyretired because ofhealth reasons, said herhusband Willard. Buteven after retirement,

she remained linked to the school. “Parentsand students continued to call her asking heradvice about what college they should go to orwhich classes they should take,” said Mr.Archie. “She was completely dedicated to herstudents.” In addition to her husband, Mrs.Archie is survived by two sons, a daughter, andfive grandchildren.

n COLLEEN CARNEY, 60, of Hicksville, NY, diedon June 12 after a short illness. She receivedher bachelor’s degree in education from St.Joseph’s College and her master’s degree fromAdelphi University. She began her educationcareer in 1986 at PS 17 in Brooklyn, where shespent her entire career. She retired as an AP inSeptember 2015. Ms. Carney is survived by asister, Maureen, and a brother, Brendan.

n CEDRIC FUENTES, 67, spouse of CSA formerExecutive Director: Field Services AudreyFuentes, died August 6. He was 67 years old. Mr.Fuentes was born in Puerto Rico and grew up inBrooklyn. During the Vietnam War, he served inthe Navy. To his surprise, Mr. Fuentes discoveredthat he loved seafaring and after his militaryservice ended, he began sailing as an Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) on commercial vessels,including oil tankers. He worked his way upthrough the ranks and became an officer,attaining the position of Third Mate. Mr. Fuentesretired from K-SEA Transportation Partners, NJ.He was active in the The Seafarers’ InternationalUnion, the merchant mariners’ union of theAFL-CIO. Mr. Fuentes was a coin collector andloved karate movies. In addition to Mrs.Fuentes, he is survived by two daughters.

n MURRAY HOFFMAN, 86, of Marlboro, NJ,died on July 30. He was a former Director ofCommunity School District 29, Queens. Heretired in 1987. Mr. Hoffman served in theNavy on a destroyer in the South Pacific dur-ing WWII. He used the GI Bill to obtain adegree in history from Wagner College andobtained a Master’s in Education fromBrooklyn College. After retiring, Mr. Hoffman

became the Director of Alumni Relations forWagner. He moved to New Jersey 20 yearsago and served 18 years as a board memberfor the Marlboro school system. Mr. Hoffmanwas the co-founder and past president of theCSA Retiree Chapter in NJ. During his tenure,the group’s memberships grew to more than300 retirees. He was a member of the JewishWar Veterans. He is survived by his wifeCatherine and five children.

n EDWARD MALENCH, 77, of Queens Village,died on July 30. He retired in 1995 as supervi-sor of special education at Brooklyn’s PS 84.Mr. Malench served in the Army ROTC duringthe Korea and Vietnam wars and was theadjutant for the Catholic War Veterans. Hegraduated from Fordham University andobtained a master’s degree in education from

City College. In addition to his wife, Suzanne,he is survived by his son Matthew who is cur-rently an AP at Long Island City HS.

n SIDNEY MILLER, 88, of Manhattan, died onJune 3. He retired as Principal of SpecialEducation at PS 396, Brooklyn, in 1987. Mr.Miller was a WWII Navy veteran, who servedaboard a submarine in the Pacific. After thewar, he graduated college and worked as apharmacist. He then became a teacher andtaught for several years at the ManhattanOccupational Training Center. While workingas a Supervisor of CRMD, he was selected tolead a new program for students with severeand profound developmental, and multipledisabilities. Under his guidance, the Track IVProgram expanded to accommodate childrenwho had never before been accepted intopublic schools. Mr. Miller forged relationshipswith Community Schools, NYS DevelopmentalCenters, nonprofits and parent organizationsas he established school programs and pro-vided opportunities for these children. He

also served as a consultant to the NYS QualityReview Team at Willowbrook State School. Heis survived by a son and daughter.

n AWILDA MUNE, 73, of Spring Hill, FL, diedon June 29. In 1996, Mrs. Mune retired as AP-Foreign Languages from Sheepshead BayHigh School. A graduate of Hunter College,she began her educational career teachingLatin and Spanish. She obtained a master’sdegree from Pace University. She was an avidreader and played piano. Mrs. Mune is sur-vived by her second husband, Carlos; a daugh-ter and son from a first marriage, and threestepsons.

n GINA PETTINATI, 89, of Brooklyn, died onAugust 6. A first generation American fromItaly, Mrs. Pettinati retired in 1991 as Principalof PS 103, Brooklyn. She began teaching in1945 after completing her degree in Frenchfrom Brooklyn College. She obtained a mas-ter’s degree in education from ColumbiaUniversity. She taught French, Italian, Latinand Spanish and also served as an assistantexaminer with the Board of Examiners aftershe retired. Mrs. Pettinati was a talented ball-room dancer, who competed in contests withher late husband. She is survived by twodaughters and six grandchildren.

n FRANCES RELLO, 94, a Bronx resident, diedon June 30. She retired in 1977 as Principal ofJHS 101, the Bronx. She began her career as anItalian teacher at Clarke JHS and became anAssistant Principal at JHS 145. She earned herundergraduate degree from Hunter Collegeand graduate degree from New YorkUniversity. During her career she was an ardentadvocate of foreign language instruction.Frances was a seasoned traveler who appreci-ated world cultures as much as she enjoyedcelebrating her Italian heritage. A foundingmember of the Forum of Italian AmericanEducators (FIAME) and an active member ofthe National Italian American Foundation(NIAF), Frances brought national attention tothe contributions of Italian Americans. She issurvived by her nieces: DOE Deputy ChancellorCorinne Rello-Anselmi, Laura Quagliariello andnephew, Lawrence Rello.

n JEROME “JERRY” ROSOVSKY, 89, ofWhitestone, Queens died on April 27. Heretired in 1981 as Principal of Daniel CarterBeard JHS, Queens. Mr. Rosovsky was a NavyVeteran of WWII and stationed in the SouthPacific. He started teaching mathematics in1948 after receiving his undergraduatedegree from City College. He obtained a mas-ter’s degree from Teachers College. Mr.Rosovsky was an avid bridge player and lovedreading. Along with his wife Sylvia, he alsosang in the local senior citizens choral group.The couple loved animals and up until hisdeath, Mr. Rosovksy and his wife volunteeredat the North Shore Animal League on LongIsland. In addition to his wife, Mr. Rosovsky issurvived by two sons, Jack and Mark, and fourgrandchildren.

Send obituary notices to CSA News AssociateEditor Maria Smith at maria@csa.nyc.org.

In Memoriam

Eleanor Archie

n JAMES CONTI 88, former chair of theNYCOSH Board of Directors from 1990-1994, died June 29 in Schenectady, NY.Mr. Conti was a prominent labor leader,having served with NYSTA as Coordinatorof the Western New York Regional Officeand later the NYSUT as Director of FieldServices Operations. Mr. Conti was instru-mental in the passage of the Taylor Law,which gave public employees the right tocollectively bargain with their employerand was a member of the Governor’sTask Force to study Occupational Healthand Safety. He was a veteran of WWII andthe Korean War.

New York StateLabor Leader

A disconnect between parents andschool leaders was recently identi-fied in a Gallup study commissionedby Google, indicating that 90% ofparents believe computer science(CS) is a good use of school funds,but only 8% of school administra-tors believe parent demand forcomputer science is high. Estimatesshow by 2020, 1 million coding jobswill go unfilled. It’s hoped the studywill eliminate the misconceptionand that schools will look to expandCS programs. (13wmaz.com)

CALIFORNIA:

To Code Or Not

Government data shows that acrossOklahoma, students with physicaland mental disabilities are disci-plined at a higher rate – anywherefrom two to 10 times more – thantheir general education counter-parts. Special Education studentsare more likely to be suspended,expelled, arrested, handcuffed orpaddled. The trend has angeredparents and calls for reform arebeing made by advocates of specialneeds children. (tulsaworld.com)

OKLAHOMA:

Discipline Rates

The College Board has developed anew curriculum framework forAdvanced Placement US historythat has satisfied many critics of theformer framework, which resulted incontroversy over how imperialism,slavery, racism and American iden-tity are taught. Though intendednot to focus on important namesand events but rather on interpreta-tion, comprehension and debate, itwas criticized for being too negativeand political. (npr.org)

— COMPILED BYCHRISTINE ALTMAN

Neuroscientists from NorthwesternUniversity determined, in a smallstudy, that there is a link betweeninstruction in musical instrumentsand improvement in verbal skills. Itprovided promising signs that theteenage brain has significant neuro-plasticity and is responsive to inter-ventions. It’s theorized that the linkbetween music and language devel-opment might improve memory,attention, language and readingskills. (hechingerreport.org)

ILLINOIS:

Music & Language

NEW YORK:

AP Framework

A report from the InternationalLiteracy Association says that only18 states require specific courses inliteracy education for teacher candi-dates and literacy experiences dur-ing student teaching are lacking.The task force made recommenda-tions regarding research-based statestandards and assessments of liter-acy teachers, explicit requirementsfor literacy teacher preparation, andliteracy education activities for pre-service teachers. (thejournal.com)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:

Teacher PrepCSA First Vice President

Randi Herman greeted thenew school year by join-

ing Living for the YoungFamily Through Education(LYFE) Principal Kara Ahmedand Assistant Principal JamesWilliams in a tour of the LYFEsite at DeWitt Clinton HighSchool, located in theKingsbridge neighborhood inthe Bronx. The DeWitt ClintonLYFE center provides full day,

early learning activities for 18children between eight weeksand three years old. It is one of35 LYFE centers in the citywhich Ahmed said can serveup to 600 children and theirextended families. Dr. Hermanmet the LYFE staff, several par-ents and even danced with thetoddlers during playtime.

For more on the free programsee the website, www.lyfenyc.org.

Fun and Learning for the City’s Youngest Citizens

CSA NEWSOct. 2015 13

Australia and Indonesia Oct. 22-Nov. 6, 2015

The Diamond of Princess Cruise Linessails Oct. 22 from Sydney for PortDouglas, Darwin, Bali (Indonesia),Geraldton and docks in Perth (Fremantle)on Nov. 6. Airfare and extensions areavailable for this program. Please note:This is a great destination for using airmiles.

RATES: Cruise rates begin at $2,519per person per double, all taxes included.

Panama: Between SeasJan. 7-15, 2016

Escorted land tour including theGamboa Rainforest, Anton Valley, PlayaBlanca Beach Resort and Panama City.Rates below include round-trip airfarefrom JFK, hotels, 15 meals, sightseeing,transfers and tour manager.

RATES: $2,649 per person for a dou-ble room; single rate, $3,399.

Sail to the CaribbeanFeb. 13-20, 2016 President’s Week Sail

We sail from San Juan to St. Croix,St. Kitts, St. Martin, Martinique andBarbados. Enjoy the luxury of theAdventure of the Sea, Royal Caribbean’spopular cruise ship.

RATES: Call for rates. Very limitedspace.

2016 Spring BreakApril 23-May 1, 2016

We’ll fly to elegant San Juan andboard the fabulous Celebrity Summit.We’ll sail back to the states stopping inSt. Martin, St. Thomas and Bermudabefore we arrive home in Bayonne, NJ.

RATES: Rates begin at an astounding$628.09 for inside cabins (plus one-wayairfare to San Juan.) Rates won’t last.

Japan, Korea and Russia!July 3-17, 2016

Sail the beautiful Diamond Princessdeparting Tokyo July 3 sailing to Busan(Korea), Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kushiro,Shiretoko Peninsula, Korsakov (Russia),Otaru, Hakodate, Aomori, and return toTokyo on July 16. Tokyo pre stay isavailable.

Rates begin at $2573.00 incl. taxes.Optional insurance and air is not

included. At this point flights are deeplydiscounted and is a great opportunityto use AA miles. Is 15 days too long?

Join the Diamond Princess on July8-17 for a shorter version with ratesbeginning at $1499! Call for details.

China by Land and RiverAug. 13-25, 2016

This will be a magical trip as wecruise on the Viking River CruisesEmerald for six days and explore partsof Xian and Shanghai by land. In Xian,we’ll see the famous Terracotta Army,which includes 8,000 soldiers, 130 char-iots with 520 horses and 150 cavalryhorses. We’ll spend two nights in Xian,board the Emerald, which will be homefor six days, and then spend our last twonights in Shanghai.

RATES: $2,767 to 3,067, althoughLoyalty Passengers may receive addi-tional savings. Rate includes most meals,

sightseeing, deluxe lodging, intra-Chinaairfare. Airfare to China and insurancenot included, but please note thatViking offers deep discounts on airfare.

Sirena-Oceania CruisesSept. 20 - Oct. 4, 2016

Includes FREE airfare! Depart U.S.Sept. 19, and arrive in Barcelona Sept.20. Sail the brand new Sirena to:Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon,Madeira, Tenerife, Arecife, Agadir-Morocco, Casablanca, Gibraltar (UnitedKingdom), Palma de Mallorca.

Rates begin at $5799 per person dou-ble interior. Porthole $6299 per person;Window $6799 per person; Verandah$7799 per person. Gov’t. fees, taxes areincluded. Optional insurance available.

America’s Music CitiesApril 22-29, 2016

Tour Nashville, Memphis and NewOrleans! Visit the Grand Old Opry andRCA Studios in Nashville, Memphis’Graceland and Beale St. and in NewOrleans, enjoy the French Quarter, aSwamp Tour, the French Marketplace,and the New Orleans School of Cooking.

RATES: All inclusive with air $2579per person double; $3279 triple. Loyaltydiscounts available.

Return to CubaDec. 13-21, 2016

Depart Dec. 13 - overnight at theTampa Marriott. Dec. 14 fly to SantaClara in preparation for our inclusivetour to Cayo Santa Maria, Remedios,Caibarien, Cienfuegos, and Havana.Return from Havana to NY via Miami

Rates: All inclusive with air, touring,lodging, and 17 meals $4599pp-dbl(addtl. discounts may apply). Singlesadd $450.

We have 38 seats and they will goquickly!

GARY GOLDSTEIN

TravelDeskSail Away on River or Sea, Tour On Land

Attention CSA MembersThe Travel Desk needs your

input! What are your top threedestinations? Send me three landtour ideas and three cruise sug-gestions. Don’t be shy! Email meat ggoldstein@csa-nyc.org.

ELEANOR GOLDSTEIN

n CSA members visited The Church of the Savior On Spilled Blood during a recent tripto St. Petersburg, Russia.

GOOD THINGS FOR YOUR SCHOOL

BY CHUCK WILBANKS

Hedge fund chieftain Paul Tudor Jonesis known within education circles as a pas-sionate proponent of privately managedcharter schools and other public school“reforms.” But he is also backing theSonima Foundation, which he co-foundedwith his wife, Sonia, a dedicated Ashtangayoga practitioner. The organization offersK-12 educators a health and wellness cur-riculum designed to help students improvetheir self-confidence, build physicalstrength, sharpen their minds and developempathy toward others.

Sonima employs Yoga-based exercises,relaxation techniques centered on thebreath, so students can focus on their workand respond well to challenging situations.It also offers nutrition classes to teach theimportance of eating foods that will boostphysical growth as well as enhance learn-

ing. Doctors, scientists and researchers atthe University of San Diego, StanfordUniversity, Duke University and LongIsland University have reviewed the cur-riculum.

Sonima Health and Wellness curriculumis organized by grade level and correspondsto students’ cognitive, physical, and emo-tional development: K-2, 3-5, and 6-12.

One added bonus for New York CitySchools: Noted yoga teacher Eddie Sternworks closely with the program. For thelast 20 years, Mr. Stern and his wifeJocylene have operated the Ashtanga YogaNew York center in SoHo (Recently theschool lost its home because of soaringrent.) Mr. Stern is known around the world,and has helped introduce Sonima’s pro-gram throughout the city.

You can contact the Sonima Foundation atGetMoving@SonimaFoundation.org.

English, Math and Mindfulness ABENY this Fall:‘TransformingLives ThroughLiteracy’

The Association of Black Educatorsof New York (ABENY) will hold it’smembership meeting on Oct. 18 from3-6 pm at the Bedford StuyvesantYMCA, located at 1121 Bedford Ave.in Brooklyn. Professional develop-ment will be offered as well as a “meetand greet” reception. All educatorsand parents are invited.

ABENY's Fall Education Conferencewill take place on Nov. 7, from 9 am- 3 pm at Frederick Douglass Academyin Harlem. This year’s theme will beTransforming Lives Through Literacy."Educators, community-based organi-zations and parents are invited.

Contact Dr. Sheilah Bobo at sheilah-bobo@gmail.com or (917) 412-9099.

Notebook

COURTESY SONIMA FOUNDATION

n Students at Manhattan’s East SideCommunity High School practice yoga.

CSA NEWS14 Oct. 2015

Once again, the CSA turnoutfor the Labor Day Paradewas significant. As all mem-bers of CSA’s familiesmarched together or rode on

the CSA float – a first this year – wewere reminded of the importance oflabor’s history, how past Americanworkers’ accomplishments continue tohelp us today. Seeing an ocean of ourmembers, their families and friends intheir teal-colored t-shirts, reinforcedjust how passionate we are in our beliefthat unions still make a difference. Formany of us, unions have provided bet-ter working conditions and salaries, jobsecurity, health benefits and dueprocess. For many more, they have alsobeen a road that leads to the middleclass. It was a proud moment to seeCSA members networking with otherunionists and taking part in the organ-ized labor movement. What a magnifi-cent demonstration of unity!

These are exciting times. We see andhear what presidential candidates standfor regarding our economy, a mini-mum wage, immigration, health care,social security and other issues. On alocal level, there are a couple of City

Council elections in November. To find out more, come out toyour local RC unit meetings. For more information check theCSA website.

In the USA, one of the richest countries in the world, someseniors and disabled adults have only Supplemental SecurityIncome (SSI) fo income, which categorizes them as below theFederal Poverty line. SSI has not been updated since 1972. Weneed to carefully monitor several bills that have been introducedto update and expand Social Security. To read more about thispressing concern, cutting or capping prescription drug prices andother pertinent bills that may directly affect retirees go toretiredamericans.org.

Upcoming Events and What’s New By now, if you previously requested the Natter’s calendar, you

should have received it.2015 Conference: On Saturday, November 14, 2015 all retired

CSA members are invited to CSA’s Educational LeadershipConference at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. You are invited tothe CSA and RC General Executive Board meetings. Once again,the Retiree Chapter will serve a “hot” breakfast between 9-10:30am, free to all RC members. We’ll be honoring StateAssembleyman Peter Abatte from Brooklyn and retiree EathelleClay. Even if you are just attending the morning meeting andnot staying for lunch, you must fill out the form in order for usto have the correct count for this sumptuous breakfast.

The RC is growing: Kudos to Unit Leader Sandy Levinsky andher executive board for successfully holding their first RCUnit meeting in Pennsylvania.

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Gayle Lockett

Unionism andRemaining Vigilant

Wed., March 16, 2016Presentations on Varied Topics Concerning Benefits

Representatives from Medicare, Social Security, Veteran’s Administration and TheOffice of Labor Relations Health Benefits Unit will present on the following topics:

• Medicare and The Affordable Health Care Act and Patient Protection Rights ActUpdates

• Social Security Updates• City Health Coverage and Plans • Part B Premium Reimbursement Procedures• Veteran’s Benefits and Prescription Drugs Coverage

Wed., April 13, 2016Cybercrime

A presenter from The ICAC Task Force Cybercrime Unit will discuss how to keepyourself and your children safe from cybercrime.

Wed., May 11, 2016Medicare Summary Notice and Explanation of Benefits

Michael Fisher, CSA Retiree member will help you to understand informationprovided on your Medicare Summary Notices and how to avoid becoming a victimof Medicare Fraud.

Felice Hannah will explain the differences in Original Medicare and MedicareAdvantage Plans (MA) and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for MA and Medicare Part D.

C h a p t e r

We needto monitorseveralbills whichdirectlyaffectretirees

RETIREEUpcoming Offerings:

RC Workshops

• • •

There will be a $5 registration fee.Registration will only take place ONLINE

as of Nov. 1 at the CSA website: www.csa-nyc.org

Coordinated by Felice Hannah, CSA Retiree MemberAll workshops will be held at 9am – 1pm at CSA Headquarters,

40 Rector St., 12th floor, New York, New York 10006

OUTREACH

MARIA SMITH

n CSA retirees listening to a seminar about healthcare planning during a seminar at the union’sheadquarters in late September.

Continued on Next Page

CSA NEWS / Retiree ChapterOct. 2015 15

Wed., Sept. 7, 2016Getting Your Papers In Order

A Long Term Care Attorney andFelice Hannah will present a work-shop on Advance Care Planning andEstate Planning

RC Regional Units

We have two meetings planned. The first ison Oct. 7 at the Radisson Hotel at 9:30 am inFreehold. Dr. Douglas Hathaway, Administratorof the Welfare Fund, will be the guest speakerto discuss upcoming changes to some of themedical plans. The second meeting is theannual Bagel Breakfast held at the ManalapanLibrary Headquarters in Manalapan, at 125Symmes Drive in Manalapan at 9:30 am. Novyand Associates will discuss “Aging in Place:Preparing Your Home for Independent Living.”

In late Oct. we will have a Fall International.We’ll send a flyer by email and regular mail.So far, we have enjoyed Greek, Portuguese, andJapanese food. The next choice promises to beas wonderful as the prior three. See you at themeetings and restaurant!

— LUCILLE VECCHIARELLI

NEW JERSEY

It’s not too late to register for our annualluncheon on Tues., Oct. 20 at Terrace On ThePark. The event will feature a reception withhors d’oeuvres, followed by a complete meal.The cost will be subsidized by the Unit. Therewill also be free samples and gifts. You shouldhave received the flyer with all the details,which you can view and print at our website:www.csaqueens.org. You also recently receivedan email detailing the meeting dates of ourclubs – from books, to dining, bridge, andmovies. These notices can be found on ourwebsite as well. Take advantage of our activitiesall year and check our website periodically tosee what we are planning. If you have any ques-tions, contact me at: stermanlen@aol.com.

— LEONARD B. STERMAN

QUEENS

The Unit will have a General MembershipMeeting on Fri., Oct. 9 at 1pm at theManhattan Comprehensive Night and DayHigh School, at 240 Second Ave. (at the cornerof E.15 St.). Refreshments will be served. Thetopic will be a comprehensive look atAlzheimer's Disease and the resources availablein New York City for Alzheimer's patients andtheir families. Our guest speaker will be DavidYanofsk, LCSW from the Department of Aging.

— STANLEY WILSON

MANHATTAN

Our first Fall meeting is Tues., Oct. 13, at 10am at St. Francis College. All members shouldhave received our Brooklyn Unit NewsletterBrooklyn Bytes, which contains a calendar ofall Brooklyn Unit Fall Activities.

— RON JONES

BROOKLYN

Save the dates! We have planned the follow-ing for 2015-16 and look forward to seeing youat each event. Please note that we are planningother activities, to be announced once datesare finalized.

Oct. 14th - Medicare Workshop, 10 -12noon, South County Civic Center 6700 JogRoad, Delray Beach, FL.

Jan. 25 - Health and Welfare Meeting 1:30pm, South County Civic Center 6700 Jog Road,Delray Beach, FL.

Feb. 5 - Meeting (10 am) and Luncheon(noon), Benvenutos Catering, 1730 N FederalHighway, Boynton Beach, Florida.

Mar. 4 - Health Fair, The South County CivicCenter 6700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL.

In March - Trip to Vizcaya: details to follow.— LOIS TURETZKY

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

The unit held its fall luncheon on Sept. 18.The meeting was preceded by a brief cocktailreception for our recent retirees. The luncheonfeatured Dr. Douglas Hathaway, CSA WelfareFund Director, who provided us with the latestinformation about our healthcare and answeredour questions. The food and camaraderie madethe day extra special. Our next meeting will beon Oct. 30 at 10:30 am at the Nanuet PublicLibrary. We will have a noted cardiologist asour guest speaker. He will be discussing cardiactests and what they mean, as well as how toprotect our cardiac health.

— BART BOOKMAN

ROCKLAND-ORANGE-BERGEN

LOWER HUDSON VALLEY

The first of our two terrific annual meetingswill be held on Tues., Jan. 26 and our second,and final meeting of 2016 will be held on Fri.,March 11. Specific information regarding thelocation, probably The Oriental Buffet, Sarasota,time, most definitely at noon and guest speakerswill be mailed to members and interested par-ties in mid to late Dec., 2015. Try to keep bothdates open. Questions or problems? Call me at941-383-0408.

—MIKE NEMOYTIN

SUNCOAST

The Unit will be attending a matinee per-formance of Showboat at the WestchesterBroadway Theater on Wed., Nov. 18. The unit'sHoliday Party this year will be on Fri., Dec. 11at the Olde Stone Mill in Tuckahoe. If youwould like to join us, please contact Janice atLohudcsa@aol.com or write to her at 26 FirstStreet, P.O. Box 8545, Pelham, NY 10803.

— JANICE IMUNDI

CHUCK WILBANKS

n Attorney Martin Petroff, specialist in long-term care issues, addresses CSA retirees.

UpcomingRC OutreachWorkshops

Brucella, JoanneCasale, JoanDaley, Joy

Foley, DianeHerdsman, Cordell Jones, Virgie

Lewis, Yvette Nagel, Debra Puglionisi, John

Quail, Maria Tubridy, Patricia

Welcome New Chapter Members

Clarification Regarding the Developmentof the CSA Retiree Lobbying Program

To the Editor: I read the article on lobbying by Dee-Dee Goidel inthe Sept. issue on the retiree page. The description of the lobbying pro-gram omitted how it came about.

When the RSSA approved having a political committee, Len Blumbergnominated Aaron Stern to be the chair. Aaron established a committeewhich developed a program that included working with COMRO, visitinglocal legislators and an annual two day lobbying trip to Albany. In time,Aaron become an officer of RSSA and Len then asked Dee-Dee to continuethe fine political program in place. Along with the support of Pat Demeo,they worked tirelessly and today we are known and respected by ourpolitical representatives.

–VINCENT NAVARRO

Retired Principal, Brooklyn, CSA RC Executive Board Member

Letter

Upcoming: RC ElectionsNominations and the election of CSA Retiree Chapter offi-

cers and Executive Board shall be held within one month ofthe last acceptable date for ballots for election of the CSA offi-cers as enumerated in Article VI, Section 1 of the CSAConstitution.

Retiree Chapter officers are: Chairperson, First Vice Chair,Second Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. The ExecutiveBoard shall consist of the officers, 20 elected members and sixalternates. The present Executive Board will approve the selec-tion of an election committee appointed by the Chair. Furtherinformation will be in the Nov. issue of the CSA News.

Save the DatesRetiree Chapter Executive Board meetings: Oct. 22, Dec. 10,Jan. 21, Feb. 25, March 24, April 14, May 19, June 9.

There will be a Nov. general membership meeting at theNY Hilton on November 14.

For a list of current officers and Executive Board members,visit the CSA website, www.csa-nyc.org. Click on the RetireeChapter.

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Periodicals

US POSTAGE PAID ATBrooklyn, NY 11201and Additional Mailing Office

Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, NYCNew York State Federation of School AdministratorsLocal 1 AFSA, AFL-CIO40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006

Printed on FSC certified paper

Get Your Tickets Now!CSA Educational Leadership Conference Nov. 14 at the New York Hilton Midtown

This Conference will be for members only. It will provide workshops, panels and speakers geared specifically to our members’ needs. Registration is now open.

L ong regarded as an outstanding mem-ber benefit, the 48th Conference sched-uled for Nov. 14 at the NY Hilton

Midtown. As last year, the conference will be amembers only event. This change enables con-ference activities to focus exclusively on CSAactive and retiree members’ needs. The con-ference has always had a four-fold purpose:• Fulfill the constitutional requirement for

an annual membership meeting

• Provide an opportunity for members tonetwork across district and boroough lines• Afford members access to the best edu-

cational materials and services in the vastHilton Exhibit Hall• Provide professional development

opportunities for membersThis year’s event features a keynote

address by the new State EducationCommissioner, Dr. Mary Ellen Elia. In addition,

eight professional development sessions willprecede Dr. Elia’s presentation. The conference schedule begins at 8:30

with registration, networking, a continentalbreakfast and a chance to visit more than 75outstanding exhibitors showcasing the bestand the latest in educational materials.Workshops begin at 9:15. Dr. Elia’s talk willstart at 10:45 followed by a refreshmentbreak in the exhibit area and a gala luncheonfeaturing a report to the members by CSAPresident Ernest Logan. Pre-conference workshops topics include:

Moving Your Instructional Focus Forward;The Tenure Process; Improving StudentOutcomes Through Silent Reading; WholeBrain Teaching and Learning; Starting STEMEarly, and Managing Challenging Behavior.

The CSA Retiree Chapter will hold itssemi-annual membership meeting aspart of the conference as well.

Information vital to retirees as well as aRetiree Chapter full breakfast will make themeeting a “must” for all retirees. The Chapterwill honor Assemblyman Peter Abate duringthe meeting.The day will conclude with a gala lunch-

eon in the Hilton Grand Backroom with –how could it not – New York cheesecake fordessert. A ticket reservation form is availableon the CSA website and a link will appear ineach week’s Member Update.

CHUCK WILBANKS

n State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, speaking above to the Executive Leadership Institute at FordhamUniversity in June, will be the conference’s keynote speaker.

Keynote Speaker

• • •