Statement from Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) on Elimination Of Rubber Rooms Agreement

For far too long, New Yorkers have been exposed to repeated and outrageous stories regarding the notorious “rubber room” system.  The “rubber room” system has long been synonymous with dysfunction and ineffectiveness drawing the ire and disgust of New Yorkers. That is why, I have been working with the City Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to eliminate the current rubber room system and replace it with a better and stronger process.  

Today’s agreement between the Mayor and the UFT is a significant breakthrough and will bring about a sound and reasonable disciplinary system for City school teachers.  It brings into effect the necessary reforms and changes needed to further bolster confidence in the City educational system. The new process announced today eradicates an endless and broken process and moves forward with a more swift and timely system that will save the City of New York tens of millions of dollars. 

The new system, slated for the fall, is a better policy that will enact stronger safeguards to protect our children, the taxpayers and fairly and appropriately discipline teachers who violate the laws and regulations governing their conduct both inside and outside the classroom. I commend and applaud Mayor Bloomberg, the UFT and the City Department of Education for working together and reaching this meaningful agreement for the families, parents, students, administrators and teachers of the City of New York.