Teachers, Teacher Unions and Parents As the Defenders of Public Education
Your vote matters Tuesday, May 16
It’s that time of year again for statewide school budget votes and board elections in most districts on May 16. NYSUT has a tremendous track record of success because our members stand up, speak out and vote to show they support the best interests of students. This year is no different. Pledge to vote YES for pro-student, pro-educator candidates who will help unite us, and YES for a school budget that will keep our public schools strong, well-staffed and the center of our communities. Be sure to follow NYSUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on all the action.
Ballotpedia reports,
Local school board elections have become a battleground for the culture wars. Throughout the nation candidates, frequently funded by the far, far right are running candidates in school board elections. The Supreme Court in Citizens United ruled campaign contributions are speech and restrictions of contributions violates the First Amendment.
“Between 2021 and 2023, school board elections nationwide began drawing increased attention from voters and the media. According to the Associated Press’ Stephen Groves, “Local school boards around the country are increasingly becoming cauldrons of anger and political division … School board elections that were once uncontested have drawn slates of candidates galvanized by one issue or another.” Conflicts in these elections broadly emerged around three topics:
· * Race in education/critical race theory: including the role of race in curricula and learning materials as well as district-specific equity and/or diversity plans.
· * Responses to the coronavirus pandemic: including mask requirements, vaccine requirements, and school re-opening or distance learning plans.
· * Sex and gender in schools: including sexual education curricula and learning materials as well as the usage of gender-specific facilities (restrooms, locker rooms, etc.).
Between 2021 and 2023, Ballotpedia identified 2,080 school board elections where candidates took a stance on one of the above issues. The most commonly cited conflict was ‘race in education/critical race theory’ mentioned in 1,806 races (87%), followed by “sex and gender in schools” in 1,463 (70%), and “responses to the coronavirus pandemic” in 1,399 (67%).”
The allies in school board elections are parents and teachers, both the primary advocates for public education free from the coercive politics sweeping the nation. From de Santis in Florida to other districts echoing the insanity of Congress members Boebert and Green. You may shrug, it’ll never happen in New York; Lee Zelden missed becoming the next governor by 5%, Cuomo, his predecessor won by 24%. Mayor Adams praises the Hasidic Yeshivas and holds them up as models, schools in which students “graduate” illiterate.
Governor Hochul held up the state budget for a month and a major issue was removing the regional cap on charter schools, another eighty or so charter schools waiting in the wings.
Last week I joined a Zoom with my new State Senator and submitted a few questions. A parent asked what she can do to reduce or eliminate charter schools, she replied, a heavy lift. I wrote a blog recently about a way of incorporating charter schools into the pubic school system, Read here (“It’s Time for New York City Charter Schools to be Absorbed into a Redesigned New York City School System”), once again teachers and parents are the defenders of public schools.
Teachers and teacher unions cannot go it themselves.
Teachers need partners: parents, advocacy organizations, school boards, civil rights organizations, a Children’s’ Lobby.
Across New York State voters will elect school board members and vote on school budgets. NYSUT, the state association of the 700 plus unions representing teachers and other employees in every district in the state. Some teacher union formally endorse candidates, frequently with parent associations, Long Island Opt Out endorses candidates, teachers and parents are the backbone of public schools
In New York City the union is in the midst of contract negotiations and the annual budget struggle. Some argue a primary role of the union should be to amend the Taylor Law and remove the current onerous penalties. I’ve argued that strikes are always an option in the most egregious circumstances, building coalitions with public school advocates is far more immediate. I boycott Starbucks, I can get my coffee anywhere, I try and boycott Amazon, and I join the fight against management. Schools are different, while a strike is against management it is the traditional allies, public school parents and their children who are punished.
The State legislature adjourns June 8th with key legislation pending.
Limit charter school grade level expansions (S2974/A6561)
Make the Board of Regents the sole authorizer in the state (S1395/A4502)
Stop using public funds to pay for private facility space rented by NYC charters (S2137/A5672)
Pass the Charter School Transparency and Accountability Act (S4466/A4458)
If you live in New York State (outside of NYC) make sure you vote Tuesday for parent and teacher endorsed candidates