NYC Educator: The Law Is the Law, Says UFT Leadership

NYC Educator: The Law Is the Law, Says UFT Leadership:

The Law Is the Law, Says UFT Leadership

by NYC Educator

That's what I keep hearing. Don't you know about the law? Do you want us to break the law? We all have to respect the law and never, ever question it, no matter what, because it's the law.

That's why, apparently, it was vital that we agree to give up February break immediately, with no consultation whatsoever with rank and file. It appears that the State Education Department has the power to waive the 180-day requirement, but can only do so when all vacation days are exhausted. That's true. It's in the UFT Q and Athat came out yesterday, and will doubtless be a talking point used against folks like me who wonder why we were so quick to capitulate.

However, there is another way to waive the requirement. This, apparently, escaped the attention of whoever wrote the UFT Q and A. The State Legislature can vote to do so, and in fact did so as recently as last year. In fact, on November 1st, they were considering just that.

School districts would face a loss of state aid if they were to have fewer than 180 days of classes.