PEP, March 2009: Drug counselors blast contracting

More than 300 members of Board of Education Employees Local 372 jammed the auditorium of Norman Thomas High School in Manhattan Feb. 5 to mount a campaign against looming cutbacks that would eliminate union drug counselors’ jobs. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialists are trained, screened and certified to provide on-site drug and alcohol counseling to children and parents throughout the city’s public schools.

The program, which has been frozen since 1989, faces a $10 million cut in state funding. “This program has received accolades from all over the country,” said Veronica Montgomery-Costa, president of Local 372 and DC 37. “Cutting the budget will place schoolchildren in jeopardy.”

The local president also blasted Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg for contracting out services to community-based organizations. “There used to be 1,000 of us, now there are only 500. Where did these jobs go?” asked Jimmy Carrion, a 23-year veteran SAPIS who works at I.S. 270 in the Bronx.

The Bloomberg administration also came under attack for its lack of transparency. “It used to be very easy for us to see the budgets,” explained Montgomery-Costa. “But this mayor has been masterful in preventing that.” Representatives of Local 372 used to study budget figures at community school board meetings, but the mayor has abolished the school boards.

“This is the only district in the state without a school board,” said Montgomery-Costa.

In addition to a petition campaign, the local is mobilizing members for a lobbying trip to Albany on March 17 to urge state legislators to reject any cuts in funding. “You can bet we’ll be there by the busloads,” said Chapter Chair Cynthia Dowdy, who works at P.S. 299 in Brooklyn. To sign up for the special lobby day, return the coupon below by March 10. DC 37 Political Action Director Wanda Williams advised members who are going to Albany to be sure to use annual leave or a vacation day.

“We are in a fight,” said Montgomery-Costa. “And we have to let them know in Albany that we are the ones who do this job the best.”

— Alfredo Alvarado