MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 4, 2022

Subject:     Updates

Negotiations
As per our briefing at the Council of Delegates meeting, there was enough improvement in the District’s offer to agree to continue negotiations. While the offer was not acceptable, it provided enough movement for us to schedule additional sessions. They are set for May 6, 9, 16 and 20.

As per practice in negotiations, individual proposals and counter-proposals are not publicized unless one party gives notice as we did with the March District “proposal”.

We will soon see if there has been a rethinking of the District’s desire to acknowledge your dedication and commitment to our students. The District has millions of dollars available, thanks to our efforts.

Stay tuned.

School Safety/Support

• District Investigation By Outside Agency
  • BTF seeking safeguards for teachers, e.g. voluntary, can have LRS present, no reprisals, anonymous, copy of questions.
• BTF has demanded negotiations on this issue.
• Continue reporting incidents/problems to BTF.

Special Education

• BTF to survey/will report to New York State and Federal Court, if not corrected.
  • Students not placed correctly or placed at all.
  • Teachers/Aides pulled for other duties.
  • Etc.

Supplemental Benefit Fund
As expected, there have been glitches with the implementation of the automated Delta Dental dental plan.

Teachers should not have to pay more than they would have under our plan. Indeed some payments should have been less.

We are working with them to correct the problem. Teachers who overpaid for services will be reimbursed when the problem is corrected.

School Calendar
2022-2023 School Calendar MOU signed by Superintendent – with possible Monday off after Easter.

Concurrent Idiocy

• First District proposal rejected … has been grieved
• Have demanded to negotiate impact

Annual Retirement Dinner
The BTF’s retirement dinner will be held at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens on May 18, 2022. It will be preceded by a brief Council of Delegates meeting. For teachers who will be retiring this year, (click here) for the reservation form. For delegates attending, (click here).