By Scott Brinton
Frederick "Rick" Hamilton, current president of the district's union, Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers, was in the thick of the job action, joining his fellow educators on the picket line. He was, he says, young and a little naive, but idealistic.
The teachers walked out because the Board of Education wanted to increase class size to nearly 30, with the option to add students to classes as the administration saw fit. The teachers didn't believe such a large class size was in the students' best interest -- or their own. The school board wouldn't budge, so BMUST called a strike.
The thing is, according to the Taylor Law, teachers aren't allowed to walk out. They lose two days' pay for every one they strike. They can also be fired, and that's exactly what the school board did to every Bellmore-Merrick teacher, including Hamilton.
"I still have my [termination] letter," the union president said.
The board, of course, had one very big problem: It no longer had a staff. So it sat down with teachers at the bargaining table and hammered out an agreement that reduced class size and reinstated the teachers to their jobs. Hamilton, though, said he lost three weeks' pay, a sizable sum for a teacher just starting out.
With the pay loss, Hamilton understood the serious nature of a strike, which he calls a "violent" act. He decided that if he were to join the union in future actions, he should know more about organized labor. So he got involved in BMUST. Within three years, he was the union's building representative at Kennedy High School, where he has taught health and coached since 1971. Hamilton eventually became BMUST's first vice president and, in 2003, its president, succeeding the legendary Louis DeFilippo.
Much to the chagrin of Bellmore-Merrick teachers, Hamilton is retiring from teaching and the union in June. Those who are close to him describe him as the consummate teacher and coach, a gentleman and a true unionist. His loss, they say, will be felt throughout the Bellmore-Merrick district.
Mike Dolber, BMUST's first vice president and a social studies teacher at Merrick Avenue Middle School, said Hamilton is "very complex. He's very responsible. When an issue comes up, he looks at all sides of it. His decisions are well thought out." Dolber said BMUST will elect Hamilton's successor in May. Dolber plans to run for president, and thus far, he faces no opposition.
Rethinking unionism
Along with DeFilippo, Hamilton played a major role in reshaping BMUST's negotiating strategy. Rather than follow traditional union rules -- if you don't get what you want, walk out -- BMUST sought to forge a friendlier bond with the Central District administration. Hamilton said that Dr. Thomas Caramore, the district's current superintendent, was a key player in developing a working relationship among BMUST, the central administration and the Board of Education.
Before becoming superintendent four years ago, Caramore served for many years as the Central District's assistant superintendent for personnel, responsible for the hiring and firing of all district teachers. The union reached out to Caramore and he reciprocated, according to Hamilton. "You can't have an adversarial relationship between the administration and the union and expect it to benefit the kids," Hamilton said.
Union representatives also got more involved in community affairs to gain residents' trust and support, which they believed would benefit the community, as well as teachers, when they negotiated their contracts. Union reps began attending PTA and Special Education PTA meetings, and volunteering for community functions.
The result of BMUST's and Hamilton's efforts is that the union hasn't gone on strike since 1974, and more often than not, contract talks between BMUST and district officials have been settled amicably.
Subhead: Health innovator
Hamilton, who was drafted during the Vietnam War and served in New Jersey and Europe, has been at the forefront of the health education movement since its inception. Hamilton was, in fact, among New York state's first crop of health teachers.
Health education, Hamilton noted, didn't begin until 1970. At the time, the drug culture had exploded across the nation, leaving death and debilitation in its wake. World War II- and Korean War-generation parents didn't know how to handle their drug-savvy teenage children, so they turned to the schools.
Hamilton, 60, of Coram in Suffolk County, had a chance early in his career to go into hospital administration, which would have likely been more lucrative. But Kennedy High's first principal, Anthony Yeneralo, convinced Hamilton to stay in education. And he hasn't regretted a day he's spent teaching. The students, he said, give him energy and hope. He'll miss them.
"I have a great curriculum to teach," Hamilton said. "It's about what it's like to be 16. It's about helping kids make choices and grow up."
Lorraine Poppe, Kennedy's current principal, said Hamilton "has always been there for the kids. Throughout his career, he has been immersed in the total school program, coaching various sports and advising clubs. He gets to know his students outside the classroom and has the reputation of being a caring and dedicated teacher. "
Hamilton noted that the health curriculum has changed dramatically since he started teaching. Thirty-four years ago, he pointed out, there was no such thing as AIDS.
The father of two grown children -- Frederick IV and Samantha -- said he and his wife have no set plans for the future. Hamilton wants to take life as it comes. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished and done," he said. "I look forward to the next challenge, whatever it might be."
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
