PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	May 8, 2006

BTF REJECTS SUPERINTENDENT'S PRECONDITIONS FOR RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS CALLS FOR EXPLANATION OF $10 MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT

The BTF has rejected the preconditions set by Superintendent Williams to resume negotiations (letter enclosed).

In a letter to the Superintendent, Philip Rumore rejected the preconditions set by Superintendent Williams in order to resume negotiations.

Williams had stated that the unions should "drop [its] grievances, PERB proceedings and legal challenges to the insurance plan".

Rumore indicated that the BTF is willing to resume negotiations but without preconditions and with a state mediator from PERB present.

Rumore also took issue with the District's budget shortfall and lack of acknowledgement to the BTF for its part in working with the WNY Delegation in securing one of the largest education increases in many years.

The BTF is asking for a delineation of the District's budget in the form it sends to NYS so the BTF can analyze the reason for the short fall.

Rumore also pointed out that, "The real cost of the short fall is the $62,000,000 that will be sent to charter schools."