MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           March 21, 2022

Subject:     Negotiations – 2022-2023 School Calendar – Ukraine Assistance

Negotiations
Attached (Click Here) is a copy of my correspondence to the Superintendent and Board in relation to the insulting and demeaning contract proposal it presented to us on Friday, March 18, 2022.

With the increase in the cost of living, increased payment toward healthcare (20%), having to work two (2) additional weeks for the same salary, none and/or minuscule raises, teachers would be making less than the poor salaries they are making now. This can not and will not stand.

If they are looking for a confrontation, they will get it.

• We will be holding an all teacher solidarity rally before the next scheduled Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2022. The place (since it’s not certain at this time) will be announced as will the time.
• We will be resuming negotiations with the PERB mediator, who has already been in contact with us.
• We will be scheduling other solidarity actions.
• We will begin preparing for other serious actions if they are required.

We can not and will not stand for these insults.

Stay Tuned.

2022-2023 School Calendar
Attached, please find a copy of the two (2) proposed 2022-2023 school calendars.

Calendar A (Click Here)
As in previous years, needs BTF approval. Forty-three (43) weeks requires MOU that would be for 2022-2023 only. Has not and will not undermine negotiations.

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

More Details
Version A

• 188 teacher days
• 43 consecutive weeks
• 6 Superintendent’s conference days (4 count towards student attendance)
• PD days August 31, September 1, 2022 (Wednesday and Thursday)
• Teacher set up day on Friday, September 2, 2022
• Students would begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after Labor Day
• No school for elementary students on last day, June 23, 2023
• Provides February break
• Easter Monday (April 10, 2023) would be a school day
• Likely has teachers receiving first half check on September 9, 2022
• Aligns closely with BOCES calendar (differences delineated below)

Version B

• 188 teacher days
• 42 consecutive weeks, as per our Contract
• 6 Superintendent’s conference days (4 count towards student attendance)
• PD on September 6 & 7, 2022
• Teacher set up day on Thursday, September 8, 2022
• Students would begin on Friday, September 9, 2022
• No school the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 23, 2022)
• No February break
• Easter Monday (April 10, 2023) would be a school day
• No school for elementary students on last day, June 23, 2023
• Teachers would receive first half check on September 16, 2022

BOCES vs. Proposed BPS Calendar A

• BOCES has 43 consecutive weeks in their calendar
• BOCES has PD August 30 & 31, 2022. BPS would have PD/setup August 31, September 1 & 2, 2022
• BPS is off on Election Day (November 8, 2022), BOCES does not have off
• BOCES has off the day before Thanksgiving, November 23, 2022
• ALL calendars have Easter Monday (April 10, 2023) as a student attendance day

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

Once an MOU is developed, it will be presented to teachers and then for an Executive Committee and Council of Delegates vote.

Ukraine – Support
The Buffalo Teachers Federation has been working with NYSUT to arrange a method for our members to assist the over 3 million refugees that have been forced to flee Ukraine and the Ukrainians that have continued to remain in their country. The link below will enable you to donate as a BTF member to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund. All donations will be credited to BTF and will go directly to the American Red Cross to assist the Ukrainian people during this time of war.

Click here to donate: https://nysut.cc/btfrelief

Let’s once again demonstrate that Buffalo teachers care deeply and will come to the aid of those in desperate need of our help.

From a teacher, “Thank you, BTF, for showing support for the Ukrainian people! My mom, uncle, grandma, other family members and friends are all in central Ukraine, and I feel helpless about not being able to do anything to stop the invasion. I appreciate so much the support from the BTF as well as from my school”.

Note: The Ukraine flag “stickers” still have not arrived. We will send them when they arrive.

BTF Press Release

BTF CALLS VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS A NATIONAL CRISIS

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           March 14, 2022

Subject:     Updates – School Security, Negotiations, Ukraine, Retirement, SBF Delta Dental

School Security
Thank you to all who have responded to the BTF school safety concerns survey.

We will be releasing the results on Tuesday or Wednesday with National implications.

Stay Tuned.

Negotiations
As per our previous emails, the shooting and knifing at McKinley, Dr. Cash’s exit and the appointment of Interim Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams, resulted in the rescheduling of our negotiation sessions. To make up for the missed sessions, as you know, we have scheduled negotiations for March 17, 18, 21, 24, and 25.

Going public complaining about sessions being rescheduled during the prolonged crisis at McKinley would, as you know, resulted in “See, all they care about is themselves”.

Once again, as for relating the particulars of what exactly has been “agreed to” in negotiations, it is customary to agree that it is not done, as nothing is agreed to until all is agreed to. We have agreed to some lower cost items.

At our next session, the District is to present its “package proposal” after which negotiations will proceed.Yes, we all wish this was over. We do believe that negotiations will now move quickly.

If problems arise, you will be notified and action taken.

We can not and will not rush into a contract, just to be done.

The contract must reflect your great sacrifices and commitment to your students and to each other during these unprecedented and difficult times.

Ukraine Assistance
We are still awaiting the Ukraine Flag “stickers” to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We will send them out when they arrive, hopefully this week.

In addition, Becky has been working with Mike Deely and NYSUT to develop a way of having Buffalo teachers contribute money to assist the Ukrainian people.

The donations will be identified as coming from Buffalo teachers.

Let’s send a message from Buffalo teachers that we are and will continue to support you as you fight to save your families homeland and way of life.

We should have the link this week. It will be forwarded to you as soon as it is received as will to whom the donations will be sent.

Retirement
The Buffalo Teachers Federation is offering its annual retirement seminar for all persons considering retirement.

The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 7:00 PM. It will be held virtually via Zoom. The link is below and will be sent again on Monday afternoon, March 28 to those who have registered.

People interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Jackie Newton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, March 25.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8491872545

The seminar is designed to give you pertinent information to help you better plan your post-teaching years. A representative from the New York State Teachers' Retirement System will be our primary presenter with time built in for your questions.

BTF staff will also be available to present information on how the BTF contract will have an impact on prospective teacher retirees. This session will begin at approximately 8:45 PM. for those interested in this portion only.

SBF Delta Dental Plan
We have encountered some “glitches” with the implementation of the Delta Dental plan that provides the use of a “card” for coverage.

While when using the network, many charges are less, it appears some charges are more than the previous BTF plan.

We are working to correct this.

Once corrected, overcharges will be reimbursed. Please keep receipts of you believe you may have been overcharged.

Buffalo Community PTA
Buffalo Community PTA Information (Click Here).

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           March 3, 2022

Subject:     Updates – Negotiations, Superintendent Change

Negotiations
Due to the uncertainty and change in the Superintendent, the negotiations scheduled for today and tomorrow were rescheduled.

The Superintendent is in charge of and directs negotiations.

At this point, we are awaiting any changes Dr. Tonja Williams may make to the District’s negotiating team. The District’s team will present a contract “package proposal” to Interim Superintendent Dr. Williams and the Board on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

We have, however, rescheduled negotiations for the following dates to move as quickly as possible, in light of this change. We’ll see.

Those dates are March 17, 18, 21, 24 and 25, 2022.

While this and any other changes may cause some additional changes, we believe we can reach an agreement soon – hopefully, within a month or two.

We will not, however, rush into a contract just to get it done. It must reflect and reward the dedication you have shown through these unprecedented times, nothing less.

District Changes
Dr. Cash provided many positive initiatives in our schools. He deserves much credit for them. We wish him and his family much happiness and good health.

We look forward to working with Dr. Williams. She knows our District and is willing to work with the School and Buffalo communities. She cares.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           March 25, 2022

Subject:     Negotiations/School Safety Funding/Ukraine, etc.

Negotiations
The attached motion was passed unanimously by the BTF Executive Committee and Council of Delegates (Click Here).

After our next negotiations session, which is scheduled for April 21, 2022 with the PERB mediator, we will advise you of any response to the resolution. It was sent to the Superintendent and Board.

The mediator has also held April 28, 2022 as a date for negotiations.

Once again, the procedure for ratification of a new contract that was approved by the Council of Delegates is as follows.

The statement below will be made by the meeting chair prior to a ratification vote.

“All those Opposed to Proceeding Today with a Vote for or Against Ratification of the Proposed Contract Settlement.’ If the Membership Does not Vote for Ratification at the Meeting, a New Agreed-Upon Date will be Set for a Ratification Meeting.”

When a date is scheduled, prior to the meeting, we will provide an overview of the details and voting procedures that are used at our meetings, e.g. Robert’s Rules of Order.

We are also developing actions, if necessary, in addition to rallies before Board meetings, e.g. letters/emails, phone calls, picketing Board members’ houses, etc.

Stay Tuned.

School Safety
The following motion was passed unanimously by the BTF Executive Committee and Council of Delegates.

WHEREAS: Violence, anger and disruptive behaviors are harmfully infecting our students/children, and

WHEREAS: It is critical that we realize that the resulting and too-often fatal incidents in our schools and on our school grounds are occurring across the United States, and

WHEREAS: This is a National Crisis involving the well-being of our children that must immediately be addressed by the President and Congress of the United States as well as other relevant agencies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the BTF will take the following action(s):

• Seek through correspondence, email, petitioning and other appropriate methods, the support of NYSUT, NEA, AFT, our State and Federal legislators, and all other critical people and organizations, to ensure safety in our schools (which extends into the communities) for the following:
  
  • Earmarked Federal funding for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school attendance teachers, etc. with a defined caseload, e.g. 120/1.
  • Earmarked Federal funding to provide sufficient security personnel who will also be trained to gain the confidence of students to relate any concerns.
  • Earmarked Federal funding for community organizations that have experience working with students to prevent acts of violence and disruption.
  • Earmarked Federal funding to provide metal detectors for any District /School that needs them, without taking away from students’ other educational needs/programs.
  • De-escalating techniques for all staff and parents.
  • Other critical school security needs identified by a school district.

Moved: Philip Rumore

Second: Rebecca Pordum

Ukraine
Thank you to those who have already contributed to the BTF Ukraine Relief Fund. If you haven’t already done so, the link is https://nysut.cc/btfrelief

We have finally begun to receive the Ukraine “stick on” flags. They will be sent out next week.

NOTE: The BTF Council of Delegates has authorized a $5,000 donation out of our reserves. (We have substantial reserves)

Other Issues
Please continue to send safety and new payroll issues to your LRS and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We have filed a grievance on the new payroll procedures and will bring it and other issues to the Superintendent.

She has been very responsive and has accomplished much already in her short time as Interim Superintendent.

We look forward to developing an excellent working relationship with her.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           April 7, 2022

Subject:     Desperate Calls for Help / BTF Solidarity Rally

Ukrainian Emergency Relief
Thank you to those who have already made a commitment to help the Ukrainian people, who are enduring devastation and seeing the death of family members, and thousands of fellow Ukrainians.

As you know, it will take many years, even after this savage, merciless and barbaric attack, to care for and reunite families, as well as rebuild their communities.

We have friends and relatives of Buffalo teachers fighting for survival in the Ukraine.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to contribute to the BTF Ukraine Relief Fund using this link https://nysut.cc/btfrelief

Thank you on behalf of those your gift will help-them, their families, community and country.

Note: NYSUT has informed us that thus far, in addition to the BTF authorized check of $5,000 from our reserves, $1,435 has been contributed by individual BTF members.

During the spring recess, when you have more time, please take a minute to help those in such desperate need. The contributions are shown as coming from Buffalo, NY teachers.

The donations are tax deductible.

BTF Solidarity Rally
Reminder as per previous email:

BTF Rally – Negotiations

Let’s again show our unmatched solidarity – Yes, we will have signs and attend the Board meeting. I will be speaking on your behalf.

See you there.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 10, 2022

Subject:     May 10, 2022 Update

Negotiations
At our last negotiating session (May 9, 2022) the District advised us that rather than presenting a counter proposal to our May 6, 2022 proposal, they wanted to have the PERB mediator re-join us.

The mediator today advised us that he would meet with both parties on May 20, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Stay tuned.

District Summer School Openings 2022
There are many positions still available for the 2022 BPS summer school program. Please (Click Here) to view the recruitment bulletins with the dates for each specific program.

Say Yes Summer School (“Camp”) Openings
Say Yes is currently recruiting teachers and staff to work in the camps. Individuals can register their interest at www.sayyesbuffalo.org/summerrecruitment.

Camps will operate July 11 - August 19, Monday - Friday, 7 hour/day and 4 hour/day sites. Activities will include academics and enrichment. Certified teachers may only be required to work for the academic portion of the day.

Please see attached (Click Here) promotional materials and distribute to your networks.

BPS Employee Assistance Program
Attached (Click Here), please find information on the BPS Employee Assistance Program.

Community PTA
Attached (Click Here) is information on the Buffalo Community PTA. If interested, please attend. We apologize for this being so late, but we just received the notice.

PR:su