MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          September 3, 2020

Subject:     Denial of TRO / District Statement

We are obviously disappointed that Judge Sedita denied our request for a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent teachers from having to report, despite what we consider the lack of “safe and healthful conditions” (our contract). A full hearing on our request for an injunction will be held on September 21, 2020, where we will provide testimony.

However, we heard Nate Kuzma, the District’s General Counsel, state to the court, that everyone who needs an accommodation because of their own condition or their family members’, will get one. While a request is pending, a teacher does not have to report and can work remotely. Interesting, we have never before seen this in writing to us or to teachers. I wonder why now?

We will be verifying the exact wording by obtaining the transcript; however, based on what we heard, the above is District policy. So, base your decision on that and advise us of contradictory decisions.

If you have applied for an accommodation based on the above, please advise your administration that you will be working remotely. If ordered to report, do so, but advise your LRS immediately.

If you have been or are denied, please advise us via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have not applied for an accommodation, unless you are taking a sick or personal day, if told to report, you should.

We hope that no teacher, or employee, is harmed as a result of the Board’s actions.

Stay tuned as we continue our fight for the safety of teachers now and our students when they report.

Be Safe. Take no chances.

PR:ls