"What do I do if a meeting with a parent or a principal turns ugly?"

You are entitled to have a NYSUT trained union representative with you at a meeting which might result in any type of administrative sanction.  If you decide to  participate in a meeting without union representaion and the administrator or the parent is hostile or unprofessional you have the right to ask for an adjournment of the meeting until you can secure a NYSUT trained union representative to safeguard your rights. I  suggest very strongly that you not attend any meetings with the District's lawyers or student's lawyers without exercising your right to representation. 

Question:

"May I take a personal day for a job interview?"

Yes. If the position you are interviewing is in the field of education you should check box d. Education (professional advancement).  If the position is not in education you may use a Special Day (do not have to state the reason) or Other Day (must state the reason) so long as you do not include any recreational, social, or shopping type activity during your normal school hours.

Under the "new" language (during the trial period)

You simply mark Personal leave w/pay (line A)

Question:
"I was denied a personal day. Should I take an unpaid personal day?"

Answer:

It's your choice, but remember that you will lose one day of seniority. 

Question:

"I want to take a personal day and am unsure how to complete the form. Who can I turn to?"

Answer:

YOUR Building Representative! Do Not ask your principal or the office staff...they do not know your contract. Your BR may be able to help you avoid the above situation.