NEW YORK (WABC) — After 25 years of working as a paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education, Maureen Pichl decided to retire in 2024 to focus on her family and grandson, Charlie.
“Oh, I loved working with the kids. I worked in the office for a few years, and then I went with the lower school, and that’s when I went into the classroom,” Pichl said.
During her two-plus decades in city schools, Pichl rarely used her paid sick time and vacation days.
“I know it’s like 108 days, I think,” Pichl said.
Pichl says she was told her unused sick time would be paid out in three installments over three years after her retirement.
“I was supposed to get the first check within the next year, like in June. We’re way past that now. We’re going into the next year,” Pichl said.
Year one passed, and no check arrived in 2025.
“For some reason they didn’t process the check, so they would do it immediately, and that I should see the check by early to mid-February, at the latest. February came and went,” Pichl said.
Both the Department of Education and her payroll administrator assured the money was coming.
“And here I am checking the mail every day, seeing, you know, if the check comes in the mail, you want to get it right away,” Pichl said.
Two years into retirement and zero checks in the mail, Pichl’s husband, Frank, turned the tables on her and gave the teacher a lesson, telling her to call 7 On Your Side.
“I felt you were the one person, after watching on TV that could help us really with the situation,” Frank said.
The Department of Education listened to 7 On Your Side and began processing Maureen’s unused sick days. After retiring two years ago, Pichl got two checks within two months for the total amount.
“We really want to thank you so much. You and your crew were amazing. Something that I tried to do for two years and then you made it happen.” Pichl said.
In a statement from the Department of Education, “NYC Public Schools reviewed this matter and confirmed that the employee has received the payment owed to her. We are pleased to have resolved the issue and appreciate her patience as we worked to address the matter.”
Pichl received a total of $8,703.80 from the DOE.
“I would say thank you 7 On Your Side,” Pichl said.
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