Administrator/District Non-Compliance 4.16.21

News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers

From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date: April 14, 2021

Subject: Administrator/District Non-Compliance with New York State Department of Health Guidance

We continue to hear of instances where the recent NYS Department of Health Guidance relating to the COVID-19 virus is not being followed by some administrators.

This is not only wrong, but it risks the lives and well-being of all students, parents, employees and our community.

We will continue our battle for safe schools/sites as we have in court, in the media, with the help of parents and, on a state level… wherever we can.

Enclosed, please find copies of some of the pages of the New York State Department of Health “Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” that we emailed to you on Monday, April 12, 2021. (Click Here)

As you know from reading the complete document, there are many more important sections, some of which I have underlined in the document sent to you on April 12, 2021.

However, if any of the procedures in the pages attached here (or any for that matter) are not being followed by your administrator(s), show them a copy of the relevant page(s) and inform them that you have been asked to notify BTF of the infraction(s).

Then notify your LRS (Click Here) and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We will forward the information to the District and appropriate parties. No teachers’ names will be used.
One teacher has said that I have been overly dramatic in my correspondence.

If that and legal action is what it takes to ensure the safety of all, you can count on more.

The April 13, 2021 letter to the Superintendent you received has been forwarded to the media, parents, our state, etc.

Please stay well. Take no chances.

PR:su

The Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Information

The APPR is a process by which teachers are evaluated in NYS. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and to improve students' performance for colleges and careers. District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers across NYS receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.

APPR is complex and can often be overwhelming. Click here to keep up to date on all the current APPR information.
Opt-Out Information

Teachers and parents share deep concerns about the standardized tests used by NYS for accountability purposes that include; stress on students, in-appropriateness and lack of validity of the Common Core-aligned tests, loss of learning time, and lack of transparency on state test content. Parents who decide it is not in their children’s best interests to take these assessments are part of an “Opt-Out” movement. BTF fully supports parents’ right to choose what is best for their children.

Click here to keep up to date on the "Opt-Out" movement and other information.
COVID-19 Information

For our members, BTF has collected COVID-19 resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, as well as our affiliates, NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Together we must, and will, be proactive to ensure that Coronavirus does not infect and spread to our students, staff and community.

Click here to view recent information and writen correspondence. The BTF will post more information as it becomes available.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

The Buffalo Teachers Federation is the professional union that represents over 3800 contract, probationary and temporary teachers of the Buffalo Public Schools.

The BTF is proud to be a member of New York State United Teachers and affiliated nationally with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers.

We invite you to explore our website for information and resources specifically for our members and retirees.

Calendar

March 2025

13		Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
13		Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm
25		BTF Retirement Seminar

April 2025

11		BTF Office Closed at 4:00 pm
14-21		Spring Recess
24		Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
24		Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm

Office Information

Mailing Address:

Buffalo Teachers Federation

271 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14201

Phone: 716-881-5400

Supplemental Benefit Fund:

Phone: 716-881-5462
Fax: 716-881-0580

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests Online

Did your home address, email address or phone number change? Please let us know! Update Here