February 12, 2007

MEMO TO: Patricia Pancoe, Executive Director, Labor Relations

FROM: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

RE: School Calendar

This is a follow up to our meeting today with you, Jim Kane and the BTF staff.

As I mentioned, had a one week early start (the traditional day after Labor Day for teachers – Wednesday for students) been suggested, teachers might have agreed. I say “might” in all sincerity. Even though the BTF agreed to a one-week early start in previous years to prevent parental confusion, the anger that exists among teachers is greater than I’ve ever seen it. “They broke our contract by going to a single carrier and the superintendent continues to hold grievance hearings after 5:00 pm in spite of arbitrations finding that the district violated our contract on both and the superintendent wants us to now waive our contract,” is what I have heard over and over.

Then, after teachers voted not to start two weeks early by granting a variance this year, a vicious stream of words came forth from the Superintendent and Board president.

Now in response to my letter (enclosed), you are asking that we reconsider a variance for the 07-08 school year by starting school a week early (teachers having a 43 week instead of a 42 week calendar) in exchange for using the two conference days suggested in my letter on the days that the teachers reported without students (an action that some believe was vindictive).

Buffalo teachers fully understand the disruption that will be caused to parents and staff as a result of ending spring break two days early (opening schools for just two days) and not having schools start at the usual time in September.

Therefore, despite all that has transpired, if an agreeable 07-08 calendar is presented, I would be willing to recommend same to our Executive Committee and Council of Delegates as something that will prevent great disruption for our parents, students, and staff.

While all that has transpired will not be forgotten, we will try to not let that interfere with what will hopefully help prevent confusion and disruption for our students and parents.