Teachers say ending full‑time union release positions will undermine representation; union president urges collaboration

At the start of the public‑comment period, Elizabeth Baldetti, a special education teacher at HSC, criticized the board’s decision to end full‑time release positions for two union officers, calling the change "retaliatory" and warning it would weaken teachers’ representation during contract negotiations and day‑to‑day operations.

Baldetti described the change as disproportionate and potentially harmful to the district’s ability to retain and support teachers. She said teachers are the district’s largest investment and argued that reducing release positions would mean "you're expecting one part‑time employee to represent 1,800 teachers," a shift she said would degrade support for staff and students. "If you do not have teachers, you do not have schools," Baldetti said.

Leslie Blateau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, spoke next and framed her remarks around collaboration. She praised the district’s educators, thanked union members and community partners for successful advocacy that contributed to recent funding wins, and urged the board and union to continue working together while preserving trust.

What was asked: Baldetti asked the board to reconsider the end of the two full‑time release positions (the former vice‑president and the president moving to part‑time, as described by speakers) and to recognize the effect on district advocacy, staffing and routine supports union representatives provide.

Board response and status: Board members acknowledged public comment and thanked speakers but did not provide an immediate policy response or reversal during the meeting. The issue was presented as unresolved in the board meeting and was referred to administration for follow up under the public‑participation rules (no immediate responses during the meeting).