Official School File

Every UFT member has an official file at school that contains the administration’s observation reports, annual evaluation sheets, licensing and salary documents and other materials. There is only one official file maintained in your school; if a supervisor keeps private notes or reports about you in his or her possession, they may not be used as official records against you. If you transfer to a new school, your file (but not any private notes) will follow you there.

No derogatory material can be placed in your file unless you have seen it and signed the original copy; your signature does not mean that you agree or disagree with its contents, only that you have seen them. You can, at any time, write a response to any derogatory material in your file and have it attached to the original copy. You can make an appointment to examine and make a copy of your official file; we recommend that you ask your chapter leader or a colleague to go with you when you review the file.

If negative material is not attached to disciplinary charges against you, it must be removed from your file three years from the date of the letter. See your chapter leader about how to do this. If you file a grievance, the grievance decision cannot be placed in your file.