Updates - School Security Nego Masks

News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers

From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date: February 25, 2022

Subject: Updates – School Security, Negotiations, Masks

School Safety
We have heard that the mayor and others are taking issue with our decision calling for a New York State and Federal investigation of school safety in Buffalo.

Some are saying it is not productive. What’s not productive is attempting to address dangerous school safety issues with the District for years, by informing them of dangerous conditions, filing grievances, and taking other legal actions.

The results of our efforts… violence and school safety go unaddressed and get worse. Thus we see what happened at McKinley, a school that we have been sounding the alarm on for years.

What do they have to hide?

We are beginning to compile a list of State and Federal agencies/people to secure one or several investigations.

As they arise, please continue to forward serious safety issues to us, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We will, while keeping them anonymous, be forwarding them to the media where applicable. Please ensure that an administrator has been made aware of the issue.

The stress that you are already under is horrendous. We will not accept the additional burden of fearing for one’s (including students’) safety and well-being.

This incident wasn’t a wakeup call. It was a call for immediate action.

Thank you for your continued support and strength.

Negotiations
We are making some progress with the minor cost issues.

Today, the District provided a copy of their cost analysis of the cost of our salary proposal, which we are reviewing.

Due to yesterday’s tragic events, instead of them presenting a comprehensive package today, they will do so at our next session on Thursday, February 17, 2022.

As always, details of “agreeds” are not publicized by either side to avoid negotiating in the public. Also nothing is final until there is a final agreement.

We will keep you up to date. If necessary, we will go public.

Mask Survey
PLEASE, if you haven’t done so, complete our Mask Survey. The last time to have your voice heard is tonight, February 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

(Link Removed)

There is just one question that will only take a minute to complete.

Remember, if you don’t vote, someone will be voting for you.

Thank you.

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.

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