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District 25 leaders warn of federal funding uncertainty; UFT plans May 6 rally
Summary
District 25 officials and union leaders discussed concerns about a possible federal funding hold that could affect Title I and Title III allocations and class‑size reduction programming; the UFT announced a May 6 Queens rally to raise awareness.
District 25 officials and labor representatives discussed uncertainty over proposed federal funding and potential impacts on programs such as class‑size reduction and Title allocations.
Union and school leaders said recent national reports suggested the city could face restrictions or holds on a portion of federal education funding, which would affect planning for 2025–26. Rob Marino said schools typically plan staffing and programs in spring but noted budgets are not finalized until May–June; principals prepare contingency plans (plan A/B/C) given funding uncertainty.
Lamar Hughes, the UFT District 25 representative, said the union is organizing a public rally on Tuesday, May 6, outside the Queens office (Queens Boulevard/Union Turnpike) to raise awareness about the federal funding risk and its potential harm to district programs and staffing. He said the event is intended to build public and member awareness and encourage community involvement.
Hughes also described a separate union push for a $10,000 annual bonus for paraprofessionals (described by him as an annual signing bonus, not a salary increase). He framed that initiative as part of wider efforts to improve recruitment and retention for paraprofessionals and said UFT will coordinate with city council on that campaign.
District leaders said they will monitor federal updates and keep principals informed; staffing and programming remain tentative until budgets are finalized. Several DLT members urged schools to prepare multiple staffing scenarios and confirmed principals commonly keep contingency plans until funding is final.
Ending: District staff promised to circulate additional information as it becomes available; the UFT encouraged DLT members and parents to attend the May 6 rally.
