News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 27, 2023 

 

Subject:    2023-2024 School Calendar

Attached, please find copies of the two (2) proposed 2023-2024 school calendars.

 

Calendar B (Click Here)
As in previous years, needs BTF approval. Forty-three (43) weeks requires MOU that would be for 2023-2024 only.

 

Calendar C (Click Here)
Can be implemented by Board unilaterally.

 

More Details
Version B

• 188 teacher days
• 43 consecutive weeks
• 7 Superintendent’s conference days (4 count towards student attendance)
• PD days September 5 & 6, 2023 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
• Teacher set up day on Thursday, September 7, 2023
• Students would begin on Friday, September 8, 2023
• No school for elementary students on last two days, June 26 and 27, 2024
• Provides February break
• Likely has teachers receiving first half check on September 15, 2023
• Aligns closely with BOCES calendar (differences delineated below)
• Appears to provide five (5) snow days


Version C

• 188 teacher days
• 42 consecutive weeks, as per our Contract
• 7 Superintendent’s conference days (4 count towards student attendance)
• PD on September 11 & 12, 2023
• Teacher set up day on Wednesday, September 13, 2023
• Students would begin on Thursday, September 14, 2023
• No February break
• School would start a full week after Labor Day
• No school for elementary students on last two days, June 26 & 27, 2024
• Likely has teachers receiving first half check on September 22, 2023
• Seems to provide five (5) snow days



BOCES vs. Proposed BPS Calendar B

• BOCES has 44 consecutive weeks in their calendar, BPS has 43
• BOCES starts August 30, BPS starts September 5
• BOCES works on August 30, 31 (BPS teachers off those days)
• BOCES is off November 22, 2023 and May 24, 2024 (BPS works those days)
• BPS is off on Election Day (November 7th)
• BOCES ends June 26 but BPS ends June 27, 2024


The Executive Committee and Council of Delegates will vote on whether to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the District if Calendar B is recommended. If not, Board can approve Calendar C unilaterally.

 

Important Information

  • 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

 officers 2023
 
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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