MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 11, 2023 

Subject:    “Three Bell” - Schools Starting/Ending Time Changes

As you may have heard, last evening the Board was presented with a proposed “Three Bell” / Schools Starting and Ending Time Change proposal.

The proposal, which was shared with principals during the day, would attempt to implement starting and ending time changes at all schools. Schedule Changes. (Click Here) Complete Document Presented to Superintendent and Board. (Click Here)

The procedure agreed to as part of our contract and significantly different from the previous one is (Click Here).

In response to some questions:

ii. It is clear “teachers at the affected schools will be placed at the top of the transfer list for the upcoming school year based on their seniority”

Our position is that all teachers affected seeking a transfer will be paced at the top of the transfer lists in place of any lists already compiled. No transfers have taken place.

We are seeking to have the two (2) year, no transfer requirement for a newly transferred teachers, waived.

We will work with the District to develop a procedure for those who want to transfer once the Board approves the “plan”.

Note:
iii. “Unless agreed to by the faculty of the affected schools, no other changes within the starting and ending times will occur.” (Emphasis added)

vii. Prior to the implementation of the change, the District agrees to hold a community meeting at each impacted school to receive feedback from the school community. (Emphasis added) That means staff and parents at a minimum.

We are working with the Board to clarify the procedures.

If there are problems with the implementation, please contact your LRS (Click Here).

Stay Tuned.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 23, 2023 

Subject:    Schedule Change

Schedule Change
In an attempt to prevent confusion resulting from any teacher transfers this year, the BTF and District have agreed to the following:

• Requests for a transfer for the 2023-2024 school year shall be made from May 22 – June 2, 2023 using the transfer portal.
• All previous transfer requests for the 2023-2024 school year that were submitted prior to the March 23 deadline this year must be resubmitted during the May 22 – June 2, 2023 window.
• If there is a change to the school schedule changes reviewed by the Buffalo Board of Education on May 10, 2023 and/or the school schedule changes voted on by the Buffalo Board of Education on May 17, 2023 and a school that was listed as changing its starting and ending time does not end up changing its starting or ending time a teacher may either: (a) remain on the transfer list, or (b) withdraw his or her name from the transfer list.
• The requirement that “Transferred teachers will remain in place for a minimum of two (2) years unless parties otherwise agree” (Article XIV G.) is waived for teachers receiving a transfer for the 2023-2024 school year only.
• This Memorandum of Understanding is made by the parties pertaining only to the matter involved herein. It is made without precedent or prejudice to either party regarding the positions contained herein and/or any position taken by either party in the future except as necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement.

These are in addition to the previous information provided. (Click Here)

My Retirement
First, thank you to those who have sent cards and wished me well in retirement.

For those who have asked about a retirement “event”, as many know, I, while appreciative of the thought, do not like to be honored.

No major accomplishments are achieved by one person. They are achieved by everyone working together.

Thank you for all that you have accomplished and for your understanding of my wishes.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 1, 2023 

Subject:    Updates

Retro Pay
Retro pay will be in a separate check. The District is working on the payments.

As soon as we receive more information, it will be forwarded to you.

Paystubs
The District is aware that there was a problem resulting in teachers not receiving a “paystub” with your 10% bonus check. The “paystubs” are being sent out.

Seniority Lists
For some reason, seniority lists have been delayed. As soon as we receive them, you will be notified and they will be posted.

There will also be a document to complete if you believe your information/placement is incorrect.

Extended Pay Plan
Changes to your enrollment, direct deposit information, and contributions for the Extended Pay Plan can be made for next school year by completing a new enrollment card. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please call the BTF office. Completed forms may be mailed back to the BTF office or delivered in person. Changes for next school year must be received by July 31, 2023.

The distribution dates for this summer are: July 14, July 28, August 11, and August 25 and the number of disbursements you will receive is based on the option you selected when you enrolled.

For those currently enrolled who are still receiving paper checks, now would be a good time to consider signing up for direct deposit for this summer. It is safe, secure, and convenient. Contact the BTF office to enroll in direct deposit.

Professional Learning Team Survey
Please complete the Professional Learning Team (PLT) Needs Assessment Survey - Elementary- Spring ‘23 or High School ‘23.

In order to provide the highest quality and broadest selection of professional learning opportunities for educators, it is important to have your input. This survey will provide the BPS Professional Learning Team with valuable information to guide decisions regarding future programming, resources, and the 2023-20234 BPS Professional Development Plan.

Your feedback will help inform programming for the 2023-24 school year.

Please click on the link and follow the steps listed below.

https://buffalo.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/tab/CourseCatalog?_ct=CourseCatalog

1. Login to PGS
2. Go to Course Catalog
3. Click this survey's name under the “My Surveys” section.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or concerns.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 20, 2023 

Subject:    The Attacks Continue - Anti-Union Correspondence

Those who hate unions, who organize to fight for workers and communities, are, again, attempting to break our solidarity by sending anti-union correspondence to teachers and others.

They have not and will not succeed.

Indeed, they obviously think we are stupid and can attack our intelligence by sending a “legal notice” and a bogus check.

They wrongly call themselves the “Freedom Foundation”. Yes, freedom for us to be exploited!

When you ask yourselves, “Why would they want to break the organizations who are fighting for us?” The answer is obvious – to help those who want to control us.

While we will always have differences, we will always pull together, not be divided and prevail over all obstacles.

We always have and always will.

They will not break our solidarity. Not now, not ever.

Don’t just trash the insulting attack letter, tear it up first.

In never to be broken solidarity,

 Phil