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Council Discourse

NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.

Created by Uzair Qadir

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Q&A

Chair Lee on school support vacancy reductions

New York City Council · Jun 8, 2026 · starts 3:20:16 · 1 min 13 sec

Lee asks about the $17.8 million vacancy reduction in school support associated with 197 civilian positions. Cheatham confirms these are unfilled positions being prioritized and that no school-based social workers or guidance counselors are affected.

UNKNOWN

Also, the plan includes a vacancy reduction plan of which $17.8 million is cut in the school support UA.

UNKNOWN

And this savings is associated with 197 civilian positions set to be cut from the school support.

UNKNOWN

So what types of positions are being eliminated there?

Michael Cheatham

I think this is going to the earlier question.

Michael Cheatham

We're working with the program teams and across various titles, prioritizing positions that have been unfilled for some time.

UNKNOWN

Right.

Michael Cheatham

And working our way through.

Michael Cheatham

That process.

UNKNOWN

Okay, right.

UNKNOWN

To be clear, these are positions that were never filled.

UNKNOWN

Or?

Kamar H. Samuels

Yes, that's where we're prioritizing and starting to work through.

UNKNOWN

And then if you could, so this will not reduce the budgeted headcount for social workers, guidance counselors, or other similar positions?

Michael Cheatham

The school-based insiders?

Michael Cheatham

No.

Kamar H. Samuels

No.

UNKNOWN

Okay.

UNKNOWN

And what's the current vacancy rate for social workers and guidance counselors, and are any of these vacant positions identified for the savings plan?

UNKNOWN

We can get back to you on that number.

UNKNOWN

Okay.

Michael Cheatham

Confirm that no, none.

Kamar H. Samuels

Right.

Kamar H. Samuels

We can confirm.

Kamar H. Samuels

that that's not a part of a savings plan to reduce guidance counselors and social workers in schools.

UNKNOWN

Perfect, okay.