MEMORANDUM
Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers
From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF
Date: April 15, 2020
Subject: Updates
Thoughts for Today
• Be the silver lining in another’s cloud.
• What was the best thing before sliced bread?
• Where do Forest Rangers go “to get away from it all”?
Privacy Concerns
We are awaiting a response from the District on security issues raised in correspondence to the Superintendent, e.g.
• Teachers are being told to post pictures of their students on the internet. While seeming to be o.k., the pictures, once posted, can be used by anyone for any purpose. We want written clarification from the District for us and teachers that they have approved this or teachers might be at risk. It seems that written parent consent is needed. Remember, no good deed …………
• Some teachers are being asked to contact parents to obtain their needs and other personal information. This, while worthy, can lead to obvious privacy issues. We, to protect the teachers, have asked for written authorization from the District for us and sent to teachers, stating that the questionnaire and procedures have been authorized. We have, as yet, not received it.
Teachers Returning from Leave
The District was refusing to allow teachers to return from leave. They, in addition to the loss of salary, would lose their healthcare. We believe we have stopped this. If you are denied returning from leave, contact your LRS or me. (Click Here to view the staff assignment listing by school. If the link is not clickable, copy and paste the following link into your web browser.
http://www.btfny.org/email/2020/staff_listing_31720.pdf
Teachers wishing to return from leave of absence (paid or unpaid) should notify HR, as soon as possible, two (2) weeks in advance of their intent to return. If two weeks’ notice of the return date is not possible, teachers should notify HR as soon as possible of their intent to return. Teachers should email their intent to return from leave to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include the return date in the email. If a teacher is returning from a medical leave of absence, they also need to submit medical clearance from their treating medical professional. Medical clearance can be sent to the above e-mail addresses and also to the Human Resources Department at Room 719 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. During this time of closure, anything sent to the HR department should also be sent by email. Please make copies of all correspondence.
If you need further assistance, please contact the Labor Relations Specialist assigned to your school.
“Computer”/Electronic Devices Distribution
The District has apparently organized a much-needed method for the distribution of laptops/computers/electronic devices. Teachers have, as always, volunteered to assist.
Messages from some administrators have been incomplete, e.g., no mention of face masks, etc.
To ensure the safety of all concerned, we have advised the District that all involved must have masks, gloves, sanitizer, practice safe distance, etc. We have also asked the District to have the procedure approved by the Erie County Department of Health.
Prospective Retirees
Our Retirement Workshop will probably not be able to be re-scheduled. With the possibility of instruction being a few days or a week earlier than the current June 26, 2020, we will be providing a separate email for prospective retirees. To view our current retiree booklet go to www.btfny.org & click on Member Information – Planning for Retirement.
If you would like a hard copy sent to you (it may be a few days), email request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Special Education Teachers applying for Subject Area Extension – SOCE Application
NYSED has extended the deadlines for the Statement of Continued Eligibility (SOCE). The Subject Area Certification Requirement has been extended from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.
The SOCE application deadline has been extended from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
The date by which Special Education teachers must complete the teaching experience, for one of the six pathways has been extended from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Share the Positive
We would, rather than just sending out issues, like to send out some positive items.
If you have a positive story, event, or suggestion you would like to share with your colleagues, please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As they occur, please share. Let’s share the positive.
PR:ls