MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 8, 2020

Subject:     Updates

Spring Break -- There should be a decision made at tonight’s School Board meeting.

To clarify – The school calendar we approved contained the 188 days of teacher attendance.  Friday,
April 10 and Monday, April 13 – 17 are not part of the 188 days of teacher attendance.

If we must work them or some of them, that will exceed our contract maximum.

Whether the school year will end early in June, as there are no Regents exams, is not known.

Any change in our contract would have to be approved by you, the teachers.  As stated previously, our position is any such additional time would have to be voluntary on the part of each teacher.

Will Districts try to use the courts to override contracts, hopefully not.  If they do, we are ready for the fight.                  
               
Gr. 7 – 12 Teachers --  Attached is all the information we have on the cancellation of the Regents exams. There will still be many questions e.g., How do I pass/fail a student?  If I use  previous grades and fail a student, who had trauma in his/her life in the first semester but would have possibly passed by including his/her marks/work in the second semester, how would it be fair?

This is but one of the questions teachers, who will be blamed no matter what they do, may have to confront.  Some have suggested that all students receive credit for the course.  There is still much more to be decided.

Click Here for the FAQs. If the link is not clickable, please copy and paste it into your web browser.

http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/coronavirus/nysed-covid-19-regents-grad-req-faq.pdf

Other Concerns -- We will be sending a copy of the latest concerns you have raised.  We will also be demanding answers.          
 
Funding --  We will be calling on the Federal government to allow school Districts to use any unused Federal funds.  It usually must be returned to the Government.    


Stay tuned.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 10, 2020

Subject:     Updates

Thoughts for the Day

Be good to yourself today.

If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

Is there another word for synonym?

Spring Recess

As per our correspondence yesterday, the District, while not scheduling the full spring recess has rather just allowed Friday, April 10 and Monday April 14, 2020 to be considered holidays.

That means that if the school year were to continue until June 26, 2020, we would be four days over the 188 day maximum in our contract.

With Regents being canceled, it is possible that schools will be closed earlier.

Since there is obviously concern about the students’ education, we don’t believe that schools will close much earlier.

The District is apparently concerned with losing State Aid for not having enough instructional time.

Just let the State try! We will be in court and taking action on funding for and on behalf of our students, who are already underfunded.

As per the last email, we continue to work on a State and National level to secure the funding we need.

And we will not give up until we succeed!

We will keep you updated

Teacher Concerns

Attached (Click Here April 7, 2020 and March 30, 2020) is a copy of the concerns you have forwarded to us. We are reviewing every one you send and will continue to attempt to get the District to address them. If the link is not clickable, copy and paste the following link into your web browser.

http://www.btfny.org/email/2020/teacher_concerns_4720.pdf

http://www.btfny.org/email/2020/concerns_33020.pdf

Once again, to contact your Labor Relations Specialist (LRS) representative, Click Here to view the staff assignment listing by school. If the link is not clickable, copy and paste the following link into your web browser.

http://www.btfny.org/email/2020/staff_listing_31720.pdf

Please know that every parent I have spoken with has had the highest praise, respect and in some cases a new understanding of all that you do and are doing for their children.

The stresses and challenges you face under "normal" conditions are great.

What you and your families are now confronting is beyond articulation.

Yet, you somehow persevere. Why? Because you care and you are teachers.

Thank you for being the most caring and dedicated teachers anywhere.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 15, 2020

Subject:     Updates

Thoughts for Today
•    Be the silver lining in another’s cloud.
•    What was the best thing before sliced bread?
•    Where do Forest Rangers go “to get away from it all”?

Privacy Concerns
We are awaiting a response from the District on security issues raised in correspondence to the Superintendent, e.g.
•    Teachers are being told to post pictures of their students on the internet.  While seeming to be o.k., the pictures, once posted, can be used by anyone for any purpose.  We want written clarification from the District for us and teachers that they have approved this or teachers might be at risk.  It seems that written parent consent is needed.  Remember, no good deed …………
•    Some teachers are being asked to contact parents to obtain their needs and other personal information.  This, while worthy, can lead to obvious privacy issues.  We, to protect the teachers, have asked for written authorization from the District for us and sent to teachers, stating that the questionnaire and procedures have been authorized.  We have, as yet, not received it.

Teachers Returning from Leave
The District was refusing to allow teachers to return from leave.  They, in addition to the loss of salary, would lose their healthcare.  We believe we have stopped this.  If you are denied returning from leave, contact your LRS or me.  (Click Here to view the staff assignment listing by school. If the link is not clickable, copy and paste the following link into your web browser.

http://www.btfny.org/email/2020/staff_listing_31720.pdf

Teachers wishing to return from leave of absence (paid or unpaid) should notify HR, as soon as possible, two (2) weeks in advance of their intent to return.  If two weeks’ notice of the return date is not possible, teachers should notify HR as soon as possible of their intent to return.  Teachers should email their intent to return from leave to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please include the return date in the email.  If a teacher is returning from a medical leave of absence, they also need to submit medical clearance from their treating medical professional.  Medical clearance can be sent to the above e-mail addresses and also to the Human Resources Department at Room 719 City Hall, Buffalo, NY  14202.  During this time of closure, anything sent to the HR department should also be sent by email.   Please make copies of all correspondence.

If you need further assistance, please contact the Labor Relations Specialist assigned to your school.

“Computer”/Electronic Devices Distribution
The District has apparently organized a much-needed method for the distribution of  laptops/computers/electronic devices.  Teachers have, as always, volunteered to assist.

Messages from some administrators have been incomplete, e.g., no mention of face masks, etc.
To ensure the safety of all concerned, we have advised the District that all involved must have masks, gloves, sanitizer, practice safe distance, etc.  We have also asked the District to have the procedure approved by the Erie County Department of Health.

Prospective Retirees
Our Retirement Workshop will probably not be able to be re-scheduled.  With the possibility of instruction being a few days or a week earlier than the current June 26, 2020, we will be providing a separate email for prospective retirees.  To view our current retiree booklet go to www.btfny.org & click on Member Information – Planning for Retirement.

If you would like a hard copy sent to you (it may be a few days), email request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Special Education Teachers applying for Subject Area Extension – SOCE Application
NYSED has extended the deadlines for the Statement of Continued Eligibility (SOCE).  The Subject Area Certification Requirement has been extended from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021.

The SOCE application deadline has been extended from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

The date by which Special Education teachers must complete the teaching experience, for one of the six pathways has been extended from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

Share the Positive
We would, rather than just sending out issues, like to send out some positive items.

If you have a positive story, event, or suggestion you would like to share with your colleagues, please send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

As they occur, please share.  Let’s share the positive.


PR:ls

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   Dr. Kriner Cash, Superintendent, BPS

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 20, 2020

Subject:     No Response to Teacher Inquires

Although we have requested of you written responses to very important issues and concerns raised by teachers, for most, if not all, there has been no written response.

Privacy Concerns

Teachers are extremely concerned about using platforms, procedures, teaching materials, etc. that are not HIPPA and FERPA compliant. Please see March 30, 2020; April 6, 2020; and April 7, 2020 correspondence to you.

Neither all teachers, nor the BTF have, as requested, received a written official delineation from the District (not a verbal or written opinion from one administrator) listing the only platforms, teaching materials, procedures (e.g. for contacting and communicating with parents and students) that are HIPPA and FERPA compliant.

For example, at a speech therapist teleconference with their supervisor they were instructed that the District recommends using the Google Voice app for interactions with parents/students.

We have been informed that the regular Google Voice app is not FERPA/HIPPA compliant; however, one that is compliant will cost for usage, i.e. it is not free.

School 99 teachers have been advised to use “Parent –Teacher Correspondence” tab.

Dangerous and FERPA Non-Compliant Taping and Sharing of Pictures of Students

While it may seem like an excellent way of motivating and sharing, the taping of and taking pictures of students and others in their homes opens the District and teachers to serious legal consequences.

A video or picture placed on the internet can be edited, reposted and circulated in the internet by anyone, causing great harm to the student or students. You can, I am sure, contemplate what some evil people can do with said videos or pictures posted on the internet.

Indeed, it may also be considered personally identifiable information (PII).

Under FERPA; “The term “PII” refers to a student’s name or identification number, as well as other information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity either directly through linkages with other information. 34 C.F.R. § 99.3, “Personally identifiable information.”

At a minimum written parental consent should be obtained for each such “event”.

Parental Consent

There has been no clear written guidance to teachers and the BTF delineating when parental consent is required, when it is not, the document that must be used to secure parental consent, copies of signed parental consent documents for the teachers working with said students and the written procedures for teachers working with and evaluating special education students (March 30, 2020).

The law and regulations (FERPA) are clear. Prior written consent of a parent is required before information (PII) can be released (see privacy above).

For special education conferences, it is also clear that if the meeting can not take place in person, there must be agreement between the District and parent.

“Recommended Guidelines” Hours for Students Instruction (April 7, 2020 Correspondence to Superintendent)

Teachers across the District continue to inquire about the hours of instruction that the principal at City Honors delineated in a correspondence to teachers, The document has been distributed to teachers across the District.

It states, 10^th -12^th grade students, 5-7 hours/day. Kindergarten-2^nd grade students, 1.5-2 hours/day.

The District still has not clarified for teachers or the BTF whether this is correct or incorrect. Is this District policy or District guidelines (April 7, 2020)?

Teaching Materials/Equipment

Some teachers have home “computers” that are obsolete, e.g. have no camera, old technology.

How do they obtain the equipment they need? Please advise all teachers of the process to request supplies/equipment (March 30, 2020, April 7, 2020).

Parent Questionnaire

Neither the teachers at school 45 nor the BTF has, as requested, received written approval from the District, not an administrator, the questionnaire, procedures and script asking for a parents’ personal information via telephone, that teachers are be asked to follow, has been approved and is compliant with FERPA/HIPPA regulations.

While the questionnaire is important, as it will also be used at other schools, all concerned need to ensure that we have written authorization to proceed.

Teacher Suggestions

Teachers have suggestions to improve instruction. Please advise teachers of whom they can submit suggestions to to improve instruction.

As we progress through these uncharted and difficult times, we look forward to working with you.

We bring these important issues/concerns to you to help guide us on a path that is safe, despite possible obstacles and one that continues to move us toward our goal – the best education possible for our students.

Finally, I wanted to commend you and the District on your tremendous efforts to work with all concerned to ensure that our students, parents, staff and community receive critical support.

If we can help, just ask.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   Dr. Kriner Cash, Superintendent, BPS

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 23, 2020

Subject:     District False Statements Regarding Masks

On April 14, 2020, we sent two (2) correspondences expressing our concern that devices/materials were being distributed; however, gloves but not masks, were provided by the District to ensure the health of those involved (attached).

We also asked if the Erie County Department of Health was consulted about the procedures.

We take very seriously the health and safety, of not only the teachers and other District employees, but also that of the students, parents and community.

In response to our health and safety concerns, we received this/your response, “In response to your handwritten note: Masks will be, and have been, provided for all teachers volunteering to assist with the distribution of laptops and iPads in their schools.” (attached)

We have verified that this is false statement.

At the time of our email, we knew of at least one school (#69) that we have been informed distributed said materials without District provided facemasks.

Whether there were or are others, we do not know at this time. We are checking. Hopefully, there are no others. We will advise you if there are.

Rather than checking with us to obtain the information, you instead chose to issue a false claim, that our attempt to alert you to a serious health concern raised by teachers was false.

Your assertion was false and in my opinion shows a serious lack of concern for the safety and health of all concerned.

You could have, but chose not to, inquire about the schools that reported they had not received masks or gloves so that you could check.

In addition, you have not responded to our inquiry relating to soliciting the approval of the Erie County Department of Health.

We are reporting these serious concerns from our teachers so that the District can take appropriate action to check on them to ensure their and others’ safety.

We would have hoped for you to show greater concern by seeking the source(s) of the problems and work with us to correct them.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          April 30, 2020

Subject:     Retirement Informtion

Please be advised that for those teachers who plan to retire in June, there are a few changes to the procedure that we normally suggest. The booklet entitled “Retirement and Your BTF Master Contract” is on our website, www.btfny.org, under Member Information, Preparing for Retirement. As per our recent e-mail, you can obtain a hard copy by sending a request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

While the sample letters suggest a retirement date “…with the close of business on June 26, 2020”, you may want to add the words “or the last paid service day if that occurs before June 26”. However, the District has not advised us that school will be ending earlier than scheduled. To claim the $500 bonus for early notification of retirement, your letter of separation of service must be received by April 28, assuming a retirement date effective June 27^th. Please see Article XIV, M on p.33 of the Contract.

You will not be able to hand deliver letters of retirement to City Hall this year. Instead, please email your retirement letter to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Sample letters can be found starting on p16 of our retirement booklet. They include letters for those are eligible for the Early Retirement Incentive, those who are not eligible, and those who are nearing their 58^th birthday and wish to preserve their right to claim the incentive by stating an intention to retire. Click here for those pages.

The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System is not doing in-person or video consultations for the foreseeable future. Instead, you may phone them at (800) 348-7298, ext 6100 and set up a telephone consultation. If you have a MyNYSTRS account, you can run pension calculations based on information you input. Their PREP seminar modules on NYSTRS benefits are available online at www.nystrs.org. Also, time-sensitive transactions such as disability retirements, death benefits, and loans are being prioritized. For additional NYSTRS information, click here.

In addition, the BTF staff is available to answer your questions. You may email any of the staff members for assistance. Click here for a listing.

The supplemental benefits (optical, dental, prescription) that you receive through the BTF will end as of August 31, 2020 for those retiring in June. In August, if your name appears in the Board minutes as being retired, you will receive a letter from the SBF Office. This letter will explain your options in detail including the possibility of purchasing COBRA insurance coverage for a period of up to three (3) years. You are encouraged to call the SBF Office (881-5462) after you retire if you have further questions.

Lastly, our annual BTF retirement dinner at Salvatore’s has been cancelled for this year. Please be assured that everyone who retires this year will be invited to the next retirement dinner we have.

Be well. Stay safe. Take no chances.