SCHOOL DISTRICT REFUSES TO ALLOW BTF PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE BOARD AT ITS AUGUST 31, 2022 MEETING

The BTF was notified that BTF President Philip Rumore would not be allowed to address the Board of Education at its August 31, 2022 Special Board meeting. Once again, the Buffalo School District has shown its contempt for Buffalo teachers.

I requested the opportunity to address the Superintendent and School Board at Wednesday’s August 31 Special Meeting to address BTF Negotiations and was denied by the District’s Counsel Nathaniel Kuzma, who is also the District’s Negotiations spokesperson. The response to our request was: (Ms. Sauer is my Secretary)

“Good Morning Ms. Sauer,

As I stated, Mr. Kuzma just left our office and said that according to the contract speakers speak at regular board meetings only, not at special meetings.

Administrative Secretary”

The BTF contract states:

“VI.

I) “Board input – The Board President shall recognize the President of the Federation or a Designee for the purpose of expressing Federation viewpoints concerning matters on the agenda or motions before the Board affecting teachers in general or matters incorporated in the Contract.”

“What are the Superintendent and Board afraid to hear from their teachers or other members of the public. Even if our contract did say regular Board meeting, which it does not, why would you prevent speakers. The District has once again shown distain for its teachers and the public. Shame on you. I will be there to speak. If you choose to take action against me, so be it”, concluded Philip Rumore, President, BTF