Social Worker and Psychologist Newsletter

Jun 28, 2007 11:35 AM

Dear Colleague: 

As another difficult year draws to a close, I would like to highlight some positives: an unprecedented early contract with no givebacks and a continuing “no layoff” clause; the City Council’s override of the Mayor’s veto of the Whistleblower Bill; and renewed talks on 55/25.

Several people have asked me about the voluntary buy out for people who have been in excess for more than one year.  Since this is part of the contract that takes effect in October, 2007, the precise terms of this buy out will be negotiated at that time.

The new reorganization will pose new challenges, but with your continued vigilance we will ensure that our contract and our rights are preserved. 

Have a happy, healthy and enjoyable summer! 

Clustering Arbitration
The arbitration concluded on June 15, 2007.  The arbitrator has 30 days to issue a decision.  We should receive the decision by the end of July, 2007.

Excessing
School Based Support Team (School Assessment Team, IEP Team) members who are in excess should report to the Integrated Service Center on August 30, 2007.  We are seeking information on where the ISCs in each borough will be located.  I will post it on the website.  If we have not received this information by August 30, excessed SBSTs should report to the CSE to await further instructions. 

People who are in excess from the CSE Team positions should report to the CSE on August 30, 2007.

Related Service Providers in excess should report to their schools on August 30, 2007.

Several people have been improperly excessed and they have filed grievances.  I will keep you posted on the outcomes.

Probation and Tenure
If you have received a letter that either extends your probation or denies you tenure, Do Not Sign It.  Contact your UFT Borough Office immediately, preferably in person.

Open Market Hiring System
We are aware that several Regions have not posted their vacancies on the Open Market website.  We have filed a Union Initiated Grievance. 

Special Complaints (Harassment)
Several of our members have prepared the documentation and have requested Special Complaints.  It is up to the UFT Borough Offices to decide if the cases have merit to move forward to the Chancellor.  People whose cases are denied at the Borough Office level can appeal in writing to the Grievance Department, 52 Broadway, NY, NY 10004.

Universal Pre-K
I have not been informed, as yet, of any changes, if there are any, in the administration of the Pre-K program.  I am actively pursuing the information and I will post the details as they become available.

LYFE Program and Code 45
The Alternative Schools have recently undergone a major upheaval because the DOE is closing and then reopening some of the programs.  Impact bargaining is currently in process. 

District 75
There will be no change in the organization and administration of District 75.  District 75 will continue to manage the provision of mandated related services and placements within their programs.  Special Education rules and regulations are standard and apply to all Special Education programs. 

Non-Public Schools
To my knowledge, there will be no change in the organization or administration of this program.

Reorganization Update
The CSEs will be responsible for Non-Public School, Charter School and Non-Attending cases only.  The CSE will have their own placement officer.  The CSE will open all initial cases including Public School cases. 

The Integrated Service Centers (ISC) will be responsible for all Public School children.  There will be an Office of Student Enrollment, Planning and Operations (OSEPO) at each (ISC) that will be responsible for placements K thru 12 (not D75).  The SEEPOs will work for OSEPO, but their offices will continue to be located at the CSE. 

The ISC and the CSE will have shared responsibility for Turning 5s. 

The Per Session activity will take place at the CSE, although principals can make arrangements for per session in their schools in consultation with the ISC.  The need for per session will be determined by the Psychologist Supervisors located at both the ISC and the CSE.  Each ISC will have a Youth Development department that will have administrative responsibility for the provision of related service counseling. 

There will IEP Specialists at each ISC.  They will conduct professional development activities on how to write IEPs and on improved decision making, among other topics.

It will take some time to adjust to the new structure.  We will respond to problems and issues as they arise.  Your Chapter Borough Leader and I should be advised of any concern. 

There will be some UFT staff members available over the summer at Central Headquarters located at 52 Broadway, NY, NY, 212-777-7500.

See you in August! 

Fraternally,

Ann