The UFT Plan for Schools: Ending Mayoral Control
THE ISSUE: The United Federation of Teachers’ support for limiting mayoral power over schools.
Once again, the United Federation of Teachers wants to gain more control of our schools (“A New UFT Power Play,” Editorial, Nov. 29).
This organization has sold out our children at every turn for years. They are only interested in protecting bad teachers and allowing teachers to work less and be compensated more.
Now they want to end mayoral control, so they can make themselves even more powerful.
We all know our schools are in bad shape, and the UFT is a big part of the problem. We don’t need it making management decisions. It’s never a good idea to let your employees run the show.
The track record of the UFT is clear: Make life better and easier for teachers at the expense of our children’s education.
Gene Lindsay Mastic
The Post once again blames the UFT, suggesting the union favoring the end of total mayoral control of the schools is yet another power grab.
The accusation contradicts and clashes with The Post’s oft-expressed view that Mayor de Blasio and the UFT have an insidious and toocozy relationship.
The union is a a strong and influential force for quality education for all children and will never repent that.
The Post detailed the UFT’s proposed replacement for mayoral control. It would include 13 people, five of whom would be appointed by the borough presidents and others selected by holders of major citywide elective office who are answerable to all New Yorkers.
This configuration of independents would ensure power sharing and allow contributing decision-makers to be out of reach of mayoral wrath and intimidation.
Ron Isaac Fresh Meadows
Now that the vaccine is almost here, teachers should get it right after health-care workers, first responders and nursing homes. Then teachers will have no more excuses.
The students themselves have virtually zero risk of death from COVID. Tell teachers to either get the vaccine and go back to work fulltime in-person or they’re fired. No more paychecks.
Let’s see what their new excuses will be. It’s outrageous that school isn’t considered an essential service.
Carol Meltzer Manhattan
Having a teachers’ union so powerful that grown men cower and quiver at any attempt of a strike is beyond ridiculous.
The UFT has made it quite clear that the education of children and their emotional/social well-being is the lowest rung on the ladder of priorities.
Where is the oversight and accountability of teachers who are teaching their students remotely?
Theresa O’Brien Melville