MEMORANDUM

Memo To:    All Buffalo Teachers

From:          Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:           March 1, 2022

Subject:     Mask Mandates

On February 14, 2022, we reported the results of the BTF survey of teachers on the “Mask Mandate in Buffalo Public Schools”. The results were as follows:

55.43% (1139)   “I support requiring masks in the Buffalo Public Schools until the impact of COVID transmission as a result of our schools being closed during the mid-winter recess which includes February 19, 2022 to February 27, 2022 can be determined – usually two (2) weeks after the recess”.

40.10% (824)   “I support ending requiring masks in the Buffalo Public Schools immediately.”

4.48% (92)   “I have no position on when to end requiring masks in the Buffalo Public Schools.”

Some feel this was an unscientific survey. With over 2,000 teachers responding, we believe it is an accurate measure of your position at that time.

The vote supported keeping the mask mandate in place “until the impact of COVID transmission as a result of our schools being closed during the mid-winter recess which included February 19, 2022 to February 27, 2022 can be determined – usually two (2) weeks after the recess.” That is what is being done by the District; therefore when asked about the position of the BTF, that is what was conveyed to the media.

Although “usually two (2) weeks after the recess” is stated, we will again be surveying you, next week, to determine your position on this issue.

While there are strong positions on this issue, it is you, Buffalo teachers, who determine the position of the BTF.

As always, while we may disagree with others, as teachers, we respect the position of others.

Thank you for your continued solidarity and support.

PR:su