MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 8, 2021

Subject:     NYSUT Member Organizing Institute

NYSUT founded the Member Organizing Institute (MOI) in the summer of 2017, and they have been building our statewide network of member organizers to take a leading role in the campaign to promote our members’ rights and fight for educational justice.

This summer, they are shifting gears to encourage a return to in-person instruction for all students in the Buffalo Public School during the 2021-2022 school year.

Attached (Click Here), please find a flier to register for the MOI for Buffalo members. The link to register for paid training and hourly stipend is on the flier.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 14, 2021

Subject:     Summer 2021 Increase for Some Teachers

In order to increase teacher participation in summer school programs, the District wanted to have some teachers, who are receiving the hourly rate, receive 1/400 of their salary.

We indicated that we were willing to work with the District on this by sending two (2) Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s).

However, the District would not agree to having all teachers receive the summer hourly rate increase. It was too much work as some teachers were being paid from different funds.

Apparently, the District is once again attempting to set teacher against teacher.

Discrimination against teachers by only having some teachers, who are being paid the hourly rate, receive an increase, is against all that Buffalo teachers stand for… unbroken solidarity.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 15, 2021

Subject:     Summer School – Hourly Rate

There seems to be some confusion relating to the District’s attempt to raise some hourly rates this summer.

As per our contract, teachers working less than four (4) hours/day receive an hourly rate of pay ($31.85/hr.).

Teachers working four (4) hours or more receive 1/200 of their salary. This has not changed.
As per our email, the District wanted to have some teachers, who are receiving the hourly rate, receive 1/400 of their salary.

We tried to reach an agreement; however, the District would only agree to having some teachers, who are being paid the hourly rate, receive an increase.

This is unacceptable (Click Here).

Hopefully, this clarifies the issue.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          July 15, 2021

Subject:     Special Education Issues / Summer School

Special Education Issues
We are hearing concerns relating to illegal caseloads, autistic students inappropriately placed in regular classrooms, students without IEP’s, etc.

Yes, this is a violation of the law/regulations, but what about the kids?!

Please email these and other such issues to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please include your school. We will not use names.

Thank you.

Summer School
If you are experiencing other summer school issues, please contact your LRS (Click Here).

We are developing a summer school class size overage form to obtain payments for oversized summer school classes.

Once it is completed, we will notify you so that, as is done for the regular school year, it can be completed for summer school.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          August 3, 2021

Subject:     Updates

Negotiations
At our July 22, 2021 meeting with the mediator and District, we worked to clarify the tentative agreements we had made, asked and answered questions each side had and agreed to list ten proposals of minor financial impact. This was done in an attempt to clear discussions for the major financial issues – salary, benefits, etc.

The mediator and parties have agreed to meetings on August 19 and 24. Both sessions are to last most of the day.

We expect that the August 24, 2021 meeting will address salary and benefits.

Additional meetings will be scheduled at our August 19, 2021 meeting.

There is a commitment to come to an agreement quickly; however, obviously, we expect a contract that reflects your critical importance and dedication to our students.

We will not rush into an agreement to get it done. Stay Tuned.

Vaccine “Mandates”
You have no doubt read about the possibility of “mandating” vaccinations for teachers and we assume staff although they have not been singled out as have teachers.

While we have a taken no formal position, most of the teachers with whom I have spoken and who have corresponded with us, have expressed that having Districts require vaccinations of all staff is acceptable, if those who choose to not be vaccinated for reasons, such as medical, religious, etc. issues, have the ability to instead be tested, at no cost, at school (usually by the nurse).

School Security
The increase in gun violence has entered into our schools as you can see with the recent incidents involving “lockdowns”.

While there have been some concerns raised relating to the time it takes to find out what is occurring, we have been advised that once a “lockdown” has been initiated, the police/enforcement agencies are in charge, not the school or school district.

We will be seeking clarification on this and requesting that it be sent to all staff.
Obviously, we can take no chances.

When a security issue arises, please call BTF, (716) 881-5400.

School Calendar
There is a minor change to the school calendar. Regents starts on June 15, 2022, not June 14, 2022, as was printed. This does not change the number of days of teacher attendance, holidays, recess etc.

Calendar 1 (Click Here)

Calendar 2 – Corrected (Click Here)

Please stay well. Take no chances.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          August 10, 2021

Subject:     Vaccination Survey/Reopening

Vaccination Survey of Teachers
Attached, please find the results of the survey relating to vaccinations in the Buffalo Public Schools. (Cover Letter – Click Here) (Survey Results – Click Here)

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

It will help guide us as we move forward into an uncertain new school year.

Once school begins, we will again ask for your input.

Thank you again.

School Reopening Plans
We, as have you, read the District Reopening Statement. Exactly how the plan will be implemented is supposed to become available soon, e.g. how 3 feet distancing will be accomplished, bus schedules, building procedures, safety requirements.

Guidance from the Erie County Department of Health is to be made available soon.

Any questions or concerns you might have, please forward to your LRS (Click Here).

Stay Tuned.

Please stay well. Take no chances.

PR:su