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School-Based Option (SBO)

A school-based option ("SBO") allows UFT members at a school the ability to collaboratively modify contractual articles or to create positions not automatically allowed under the DOE-UFT contract. Members can use the SBO process to change their school schedule, including when members engage in professional development, parent engagement, and Other Professional Work; change the dates for parent-teacher conferences; and create comp-time positions.

An SBO remains in effect for only one school year. It must be renewed every year to continue, which requires a vote of the chapter. The only SBO modification that does not sunset at the end of the school year is for elementary schools that are changing from an eight-period day to a seven-period day. If your elementary school wishes to return to an eight-period day, another SBO is required.

The approval process

However, a principal cannot force the chapter to hold a vote on any SBO. There must be agreement between the chapter leader and principal on the modification and a review by the district representative prior to the vote bring held.  An SBO requires 55 percent of the UFT members voting to support the modification for it to pass and be implemented.

All SBO voting is conducted through the secure Election Buddy online voting system. An SBO is ratified when 55 percent of the  UFT members who voted support it.

Key information about SBOs