Federation of Catholic Teachers

OPEIU Local 153  AFL-CIO

 Patricia Gabriel, president of the Federation of Catholic Teachers, spoke before an auditorium filled to capacity with parents, students, principals, pastors, and teachers at the Bronx Legislative Forum, held at Cardinal Spellman High School, on January 14, 2010. 

The following is the text of her remarks:

"Our union, the Federation of Catholic Teachers, is affiliated with the Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 153. We represent more than 3,000 teachers in 207 schools throughout the Archdiocese of New York, including 60 schools in the Bronx. 

We want the state legislators, their leaders, and our governor to know that THIS union and its members are in full support of the efforts of the Archdiocese of New York, the parents of the students in our schools, and the administrators of our schools in fighting the discriminatory actions taken by the State of New York towards our Catholic schools and other independent and faith-based schools.  WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER – PASTORS, PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS!

There is no other word than DISCRIMINATORY to describe a payroll tax imposed upon our schools without reimbursement from the state – as is being done for the public schools.

There is no other word than DISCRIMINATORY to describe the actions of the state in not fully reimbursing our schools for providing mandated services – as is required by New York State law.

Our schools and our dedicated, professional teachers provide a great service to New York State in educating our students – and doing it well, at a fraction of the cost of educating a student in a public school.  How much would it cost New York State to educate the students currently enrolled in non-public schools?  In the Bronx alone, that cost would be $476,000,000.  How financially foolish it is for the state to hurt the very schools that save the state money each and every year!  Do our state legislative leaders and governor truly believe that these actions are fiscally prudent? 

Make no mistake about this – not reimbursing our schools for this tax has a DIRECT impact on our schools, just as they are DIRECTLY impacted by the state’s not fully reimbursing them for providing state mandated services.  These actions cost our schools approximately $500 per student.  The only way for schools to make up to what amounts to thousands of dollars out of their budgets is to cut back on programs, increase tuitions, or both.  You know very well the effect that this would have on our schools.

It’s about time that our Catholic school teachers, administrators and parents voice their concerns on these very important issues and it’s about time that we demand fairness to our schools, our students, and our parents.  It’s about time that we make our voices heard loud and clear – DON’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OUR SCHOOLS.  DON’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OUR STUDENTS.  DON’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OUR PARENTS."

Legislative Forums have already been held on Staten Island and the Bronx.  Two additional Legislative Forums have been scheduled:

For Westchester & Putnam Counties: 

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:00 p.m. -- Archbishop Stepinac High School

For Rockland County:

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 7:00 p.m. -- Albertus Magnus High School

We strongly encourage teachers living or working in these areas to attend these meetings.

Click here for more information

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