MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 11, 2020

Subject:     Coronavirus Concerns

We will keep you advised of any issues relating to the coronavirus.

Enclosed, as per our commitment to keep you informed, is a copy of the most recent correspondence to the District.

If, after a reasonable time, the issues are not corrected, please advise us via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We have been advised that the pallets of antiviral supplies have begun to arrive in quantity and are being distributed.

Two days/week have apparently been designated as “deep cleaning” days. I believe Tuesday and Thursday.

The District will be communicating with you regarding this and other important issues.

We have also been advised that the two (2) District employees (we believe and administrator and teacher) and two (2) students who were in quarantine do not have coronavirus and have been cleared to return to school. We still have no known cases in the schools and county.

Please continue to take care on your spring break travels and other gatherings where people from other areas will be.

We will continue to work with the District. We don’t want panic. We want preparedness and prevention to ensure that no student, staff member, or anyone in our community, becomes infected with the Coronavirus.


PR:su


Encl:   Memo to Superintendent Cash 3/10/2020 (Click Here)

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 12, 2020

Subject:     Coronavirus Concerns

Attached, (click here) please find copies of correspondence sent to the district today.

Apparently, one of the deep cleaning days is Saturday.

The Superintendent and I have been in contact regarding the issues. As they are revived, he advised me that he is having them addressed by staff.

He will also continue to communicate with all concerned.

The BTF will be seeking State Ed. guidance, i.e. What are the procedures if x, if y, etc. Lets not wait until x, y, etc.

What is the plan for various scenarios and districts?


PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 11, 2020

Subject:     Cancellation of Executive Committee and Council of Delegates Meetings

Out of concern for you, your family’s and your students’ well-being, we are canceling tonight’s (March 12, 2020) Executive Committee and Council of Delegates meeting.

While the risk of exposure is very minor, any risk is unacceptable.

In many cases, students (children) and adults don’t realize they have been infected for days until the symptoms present themselves.

The materials will be sent out in the PONY for your review. If you have any questions, just call BTF.

We will communicate issues via email as we have been.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 13, 2020

Subject:     Coronavirus

We must and will continue to work together to ensure the health of our students, families and community.

Whether all or some schools will be closed is uncertain at this time. If and when such action is taken, we will be providing guidance and working with the District to answer questions and provide information.

Obviously, there are additional concerns in cities like ours, i.e. students’ breakfast and lunch, no internet, etc. These concerns cannot, however, prevent actions that ensure the health of our community.

The worldwide shortage of antibacterial and similar products is obviously a concern, as is the lack of tests, state and national what if a, b, c, etc. plans.

The District is continuing to receive and distribute supplies as they are received. The Superintendent has advised us that such supplies in school offices are to be made available to staff. While engineers/custodial staff are working with us, if you believe it necessary, you can also ask for materials to clean areas you believe need to be cleaned. The Superintendent has advised us that he is sending a team to investigate all the concerns raised.

There is a document relating to the 180-day student attendance requirement being circulated. It has 12/16/2019 at the top and 12/13/2019 at the bottom.

This was intended to address “snow days” and did not anticipate the coronavirus.

NYSUT is seeking clarification on this. NYSED is expected to issue clarification on this and other issues today. They will be forwarded as they are received.

We will continue to forward your concerns to the District for action. If after a reasonable period your concerns are not addressed, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If schools are closed we will all continue to work together to ensure that our students receive meals and the instruction they need. Some teachers have indicated that they have already worked with their students to provide lessons.

Depending on the circumstances, although hours will be adjusted, the BTF office will be open. We will ask that any concerns be accomplished via phone or email, unless an appointment has been made.

Documents can of course be placed through the mail slot whether the office is open or closed.

We have been advised that the Governor is expected to make an announcement relating to schools at 2:00 pm today.

We will keep you informed, as always.

Please be careful and be overcautious.

PR:su