I have always believed that the chapter union (UFT) meeting is sacrosanct. That what happens in a meeting stays in the meeting, and that if you are not a UFT member you have no business being there.The meeting is where we can share, let off steam, kvetch, and feel safe. For anyone to attempt to go against that is no better than those we are trying to stand up against.
That's why I was shocked when sources at PS 154 in the Bronx shared with The Crack Team that the new chapter chair allowed DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx to "sit in" on a UFT meeting so she can ostensibly get feedback from teachers on what is "on their minds."
Yet again, DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 needs to be in control and not allow for independent though amongst the many anencephalic members (Most. Fortunately there are several independent thinkers left there) of PS 154. But the problem goes way beyond this.
With DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx involved in the meeting, and even if the purpose is benign, can teachers and paras feel safe to be candid with her? Is it not possible for DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx to make a mental or actual note of who is in attendance at the meeting and decide that those who are at a union meeting or speaking up vociferously should be targeted? Again, if DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx appearance is benign, is it not possible that teachers will not share because they are afraid to with her face to face? Is this not what the consultative committee is for?
Ah, the consultative committee at PS 154. It's a scam. The deck is stacked with the sycophants of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. They know who butters their bread and who can make their lives miserable so they play nice and look the other way. But that is to be expected.
What should not be expected nor accepted is the total acquiescence to the demands of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx by the current CL at PS 154. A lackey like this, has never been seen before. She has set up camp, with a a couch, TV, and barcalounger within the confines of the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx.
Take my example.
Over a week ago I emailed the payroll secretary at 154 inquiring about the whereabouts of my file. I did not receive an answer in a timely manner so I emailed the CL. Yes, the CL did get back to me and said she would check with the secretary. Shouldn't take long to ask. A day, another day went by and no response by the CL.
Over a week passed and I emailed the secretary again. No response. I then emailed the CL--again--and there was no response going on now for four days. What am I to think?
That, the payroll secretary was told not to respond back and, and this is even worse, the CL was told not to respond back in my opinion.
I'm not surprised. Word is the CL, before she was CL, threw a friend under the bus at PS 154 and has always done what she can to satisfy DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. Hell, why not? When a school starts cutting, what is it they cut first? Art.
Here is my opinion for the few at PS 154 in the Bronx if you need the union;
Under no circumstances trust or go to your CL or the Consultative Committee. Whatever you say to your CL or CC in my opinion will be the same as if you were telling DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx and we all know what happens when DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx feels when she has been crossed.
Either email me for advice, the former CL, or contact the new DL for District 7.
The Principal has 35 or more hours to find out what is on the minds of teachers if she cares, not to mention observation discussions, SLT, PD, Faculty Conferences and other opportunities. Clearly she is attempting to disrupt union activity. The CL is acting in concert and if the UFT is really for teachers they should examine the conditions of the last UFT election and should suggest a new election that is free of administrative interference. Of course Mulgrew steers miles clear of such controversies.
ReplyDeleteAnother admin fixated, almost obsessed with union activity. This is going to backfire on that admin; but, not before doing serious damage to the culture in that building.
ReplyDeleteEven the teachers she thinks are effective are going to resent her for her heavy handed and repressive tactics. No one would ever tell her that they resent this move, but, they all do.
That said, the CL may not feel capable of standing up and saying no to the Principal's presence. That fear comes from the UFT's poor guidance and inability to backstop Chapter Leaders.
Does anybody else remember Mulgrew saying he was going to start asking CLs for minutes from meetings? It's as if Mulgrew refuses to recognize that chapters are no longer having meetings because doing so makes them a target.
This situation you describe closely resembles what happens in my school, too. It's union busting. There is a legal term, and it is actually a violation of the law. But, because the penalty is only doled out by the grievance procedure, the DOE is unafraid of encouraging this behavior. I think they are encouraging it because I see similar behavior at my school. Not likely a coincidence.
Working conditions will not improve until the UFT shows they are serious about supporting functional chapters. We can't enforce the contract without healthy chapters.
Wow. You removed my comment. Why?
ReplyDeleteNo. For some reason it went into spam.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting it.
ReplyDelete