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