The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) announced earlier this week that it has endorsed Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. for Queens Borough President, citing his long career advocating for improved education and for the safety of both teachers and students.
"Peter Vallone Jr. has always been there for teachers and our students. Peter understands that we can't have good schools without safe schools, and he has led the fight to make sure that everyone who goes to a school comes home safe," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "But more than that, Peter also understands what our children and teachers need to be successful in the classroom, and he has always worked to make our schools places of which we can be proud. That is why we are also proud to endorse his candidacy for Queens Borough President."
"I have always worked not only to protect our children from harm, but also protect their futures, and that starts with our teachers. As a proud parent of children who went to public schools and had incredible teachers, I have always supported them in their efforts to give our students the education they deserve," Vallone said. "It is an honor today to receive the support of the UFT and the teachers and professionals they represent. As Queens Borough President, I will continue to make sure that our Borough and all of New York is a place where our children can learn and succeed."
Vallone wrote the law that mandated security cameras outside every public school. Vallone is the prime sponsor of legislation that would require the New York City Police and Education departments to provide security measures for non-public schools, and he wrote the law to allow school children to carry cellular phones to and from school for safety purposes. Vallone has sponsored legislation to keep sexual predators far away from school grounds, and to notify parents about the presence of these criminals when they move into our neighborhoods.
In addition to safety, he has given millions of dollars to local schools to improve infrastructure, classroom technology, and to ensure that after-school programming remains intact. He authored a resolution calling upon the Department of Education to institute a policy that would set guidelines to limit homework given to elementary and middle school children and would include a homework-free night to allow children to participate in other activities, exercise and spend quality time with their families. Vallone has two young daughters – both promising students who have attended both public and private Queens's schools – making him strive to push for academic achievement for all children in New York City.
The UFT represents approximately 200,000 members, many of who live in Queens. They represent approximately 75,000 teachers and 19,000 classroom paraprofessionals, along with school secretaries, attendance teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, adult education teachers, administrative law judges, nurses, laboratory technicians, speech therapists, and 60,000 retired members.