News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 11, 2023 

 

Subject:    “Three Bell” - Schools Starting/Ending Time Changes


As you may have heard, last evening the Board was presented with a proposed “Three Bell” / Schools Starting and Ending Time Change proposal.

 

The proposal, which was shared with principals during the day, would attempt to implement starting and ending time changes at all schools. Schedule Changes. (Click Here) Complete Document Presented to Superintendent and Board. (Click Here)

 

The procedure agreed to as part of our contract and significantly different from the previous one is (Click Here).

 

In response to some questions:

ii. It is clear “teachers at the affected schools will be placed at the top of the transfer list for the upcoming school year based on their seniority”

 

Our position is that all teachers affected seeking a transfer will be paced at the top of the transfer lists in place of any lists already compiled. No transfers have taken place.

 

We are seeking to have the two (2) year, no transfer requirement for a newly transferred teachers, waived.

 

We will work with the District to develop a procedure for those who want to transfer once the Board approves the “plan”.

 

Note:
iii. “Unless agreed to by the faculty of the affected schools, no other changes within the starting and ending times will occur.” (Emphasis added)

 

vii. Prior to the implementation of the change, the District agrees to hold a community meeting at each impacted school to receive feedback from the school community. (Emphasis added) That means staff and parents at a minimum.

 

We are working with the Board to clarify the procedures.

 

If there are problems with the implementation, please contact your LRS (Click Here).

 

Stay Tuned.

 

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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