Dear Colleagues,
I hope your second semester is off to a good start. Here are a few political action updates to help you stay involved in the fight to protect and improve public education. 1. NYSUT released its list of legislative priorities for 2025, which include school funding improvements, distraction-free classrooms, and more fixes to Tier 6. Next month, we'll lobby state legislators at the Committee of 100 event in Albany. 2. Governor Hochul released her executive budget. Every district's proposed funding for the 2025-26 state budget is here. 3. Pre-college Instructors at the Manhattan School of Music, who have been working under an expired contract for almost 5 months, are currently on strike. 4. BMUST will continue to engage in campaigns to pass the school budget and elect board candidates who support public education. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved in the coming months. 5. Stay updated with NYSUT's political action alerts by signing up for Member Action Center (MAC) texts here. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Dennis Friday, February 7 - Discounted Tax Planning Appointments
Monday, February 10 - Will Signing Appointments Friday, February 28 - Discounted Tax Planning Appointments Tuesday, March 4 - NYSTRS Benefits Workshop Monday, March 24 - Discounted Tax Planning Appointments Wednesday, April 9 - Tier 5 & 6 Retirement Workshop Dear BMUST Family,
We are pleased to announce a new opportunity: greatly discounted comprehensive tax planning sessions from Mutual Inc., a NYSUT & BMCHSD approved financial services provider. While everyone's needs will vary, members have gotten individual tax returns done for as little as $50 and joint returns done for as little as $150. We have scheduled three dates for 30-minute afternoon appointments, where you can bring your tax documents and meet with the tax preparer at The BMUST Office at Brookside:
-- Bill Morris BMUST 1st Vice President - Members Services "The Union is not a fee-for-service organization, it is a family.” — Sue Carney, APWU List of Tax Services: • Tax preparation and filing • Review of previously filed tax returns • Paycheck tax withholding analysis • Audit, notice, and assessment guidance Note: Virtual or in-person meetings are provided. Provider Contact Information: Adam Janowski Financial Professional, Operations Director, Mutual, Inc. 2410 North Ocean Ave. , Suite 401 Farmingville, NY 11738 Phone: (631) 467-2211 Fax: (631) 467-3396 [email protected] planmember.com/ajanowski Please see the attached memo for any member considering retirement, planning a leave of absence (not maternity), or returning from leave. ![]()
Dear BMUST Family:
I would like to share a unique opportunity to learn more about our New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, from our own regional representative and teacher NYSTRS Board Trustee member, Mr. Eric Iberger. Eric will be setting up in our Board Room at Brookside to present to us at 3:30-4:30 P.M. on Tuesday, March 4th. He is also planning to present to our elementary locals from 4:30-5:30 P.M. Please RSVP here, and check out the description below. Thank you. - Bill Morris, 1st Vice President Description: This seminar is intended to provide NYSTRS Members with a broad overview of our defined benefit pension plan. Additional topics that will be discussed: ● The System ● Benefit Profile ● Disability Retirement ● Credit for Prior Service ● Pension Calculation ● Resigning & Retiring ● Pension Options ● Getting Paid & Paying Taxes ● COLA & Working in Retirement ● Prepare Now for Retirement 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿: Eric Iberger, NYSTRS Retirement Board Trustee & President of Bayport-Blue Point Teachers’ Association Dear RA Members,
I hope this email finds you well. I'm reaching out to share an exciting opportunity for our union's future. NYSUT is accepting applications for their Local Action Project (LAP), a comprehensive three-year training program designed to strengthen local unions and develop leadership skills. We have the opportunity to send a team of up to six members, and I already have several colleagues expressing interest. The program requires a three-year commitment, including a week-long summer conference each year at Lake George (July 21-25 this summer). The application deadline is January 31st. I've attached a detailed overview of the program, and we'll discuss this opportunity at next Wednesday's RA meeting. This is a chance to be part of shaping our union's future while developing valuable leadership skills alongside fellow BMUST members. With the deadline quickly approaching, please don't hesitate to reach out (ext. 1068 or [email protected]) if you are interested or have any questions. In Solidarity, Rob Local Action Project SIGN-UP LINK
BMUST has arranged for attorneys from Feldman, Kramer & Monaco to come in for an in-person will signing on Monday, February 10, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Each appointment will last about 20 minutes. If you and your spouse are able to sign together, you can share one appointment. If your spouse has to come at a different time, please schedule them with a separate appointment Signing will take place at the Union Office, which is located at Central, across from the back gym. As a reminder, signing can also be done at the law office in Hauppauge. To schedule an appointment, call 800-832-5182. If you have not yet received your packet, or need to make edits, please contact the law office as soon as possible at the number above. BMUST welcomes back Retirement Consultant Hank Sessa on Monday, December 9, from 4:30-6:30 PM via Zoom Video Conference.
Hank will consult with our members on matters dealing with retirement and retirement planning. Topics discussed will be relevant to teachers at all stages in their career. New, mid-career, or retirement age members are all encouraged to attend this informative seminar. RSVP HERE The Zoom link will be shared in advance of the seminar. In New York State, the third Tuesday of every November has been designated as School-Related Professionals Recognition Day. Today, Tuesday November 19th, please join me in thanking our food service workers, our security teams, and our custodial, clerical and support staff for their hard work and effort on behalf of our school community. Their commitment and dedication has always been vital to the work we do with our students. As we honor and thank our school-related professionals, I want to particularly highlight our paraprofessional staff. Your direct work with students - supporting their academic growth, providing one-on-one assistance, and offering emotional support - transforms lives daily. You are often the first to notice when a student needs a little something extra and the last to leave until it is provided.
The paraprofessional unit continues to thrive under the exceptional leadership of President Michele Lynott and Vice-President Cathy Sheehan. Their tireless advocacy ensures our paraprofessionals have the resources and support needed to excel in their crucial roles. To every school-related professional, please know that your commitment to helping our students does not go unnoticed. You are essential partners in our educational community, and we are grateful for your service. View in browser
As you may know, Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021 amended Social Services Law § 413 to require additional training within the New York State Mandated Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect coursework. This updated training is required for many certified areas, including but not limited to teachers, teaching assistants, social workers, counselors, psychologists, and school nurses; it must be completed by April 1, 2025. There are a variety of options for completing this requirement: For members who wish to complete it on their own, the NYS Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS) offers the 2-hour updated training for free by going to www.nysmandatedreporter.org The Nassau Regional Office is hosting two virtual training sessions per month, free of charge, for NYSUT members. You may use the links below to register for the date of your choice:
In solidarity, Kevin Pollitt, Regional Staff Director New York State United Teachers 1000 Woodbury Road -Suite 214 Woodbury, NY 11797 Office: (516) 496-2035 [email protected] |
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