Updates 10.12.22

News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers

From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date: October 12, 2022

Subject: Updates - October 12, 2022

Negotiations
As per our Friday, October 7, 2022 email, there was sufficient progress with the Superintendent present at our negotiations that we are postponing a possible Vote of No Confidence in the Superintendent and Board until October 24, 2022.

We have meetings on issues this week and a negotiations session is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2022.

In case, we are preparing to picket the Superintendent and Board members’ houses if it becomes necessary. Hopefully, it won’t.

Our next all member picket will be before the next Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 19th.

Date: October 19, 2022
Time: 4:00 p.m. - The Board meeting starts at 5:30
Where: BAVPA

More details to come as negotiations proceed.

Healthcare for Future Retirees
Those who are contacting others regarding retiree healthcare for future teachers should know that the District has seen these and have now moved it up in priorities.

While you may not realize it, you are undermining our negotiations.

Surprise – The Buffalo News printed our submission (with changes). (Click Here)

School Schedule Changes
In response to teachers’ and parents’ inquiries, the District is in the process of sending the proposed schedule changes for each school to the staff and parents at the schools. Once again, any MOU has to be voted on by the Executive Committee, Council of Delegates and teachers.

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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