Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you had a relaxing and exciting summer break.
It still amazes me how quickly the summer comes and goes. It feels like it was just a few weeks ago that we worried about the possible closure of David Paterson Elementary School and the excessing of several of our colleagues. It was a very unsettling time. I’m excited that we begin this school year with clear signs of progress: David Paterson Elementary remains open, every excessed colleague was recalled, and new staff have been hired.
Over the summer, you overwhelmingly ratified a one-year agreement, which includes:
- A 2.5% to base salaries, longevity, stipends, class coverage, athletic coaching positions, hourly rate, Adult Ed, and service assignments Two new salary steps: Step 21 and Step 22 Extended Wednesday PD reduced to 9 Elementary morning prep 8:15-8:30 AM
The new salary scale and compensation schedules for after-school positions can be found in this newsletter. The Negotiations team will be back at the table in the winter. Be sure to complete our survey and/or email your ideas for our new contract to veronicahcta@gmail.com.
Another win was your approval of the NYSUT Legal Plan, which kicks in on October 1, 2025. All HCTA members will pay a one-time fee of $35 (payroll deduction) per year. This plan provides every member access to:
- Unlimited toll-free legal advice and consultation Two free, one-hour office visits each year
- Free document review and letter writing
- A yearly will, a living will, a health care proxy, and a power of attorney
- A 24-hour emergency legal hotline
Our victories at the bargaining table mean nothing without enforcement. We all have a responsibility to ensure the provisions in our contract are upheld. Thanks to the fierce work of our building representatives, the Grievance Committee, led by Stephanie Dubose, and those of you who raised your voices, we’ve resolved and won several grievances.
We know changes and challenges lie ahead: some expected, some not. But we face them together. We don’t have to agree on every issue, but we must remain united when it matters. That’s the strength of our union.
On behalf of Danielle, Joelle, Veronica, and Monifa, I wish you and your families a fun Labor Day and strong start to the new school year.
Save the Date:
- Fix Tier 6 Rally - Monday, October 6th Dunkin Donuts, Freeport
- Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - Sunday, October 19th Jones Beach
Download the complete issue below.
