News, Alerts & Events

Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 17, 2019
 

BUFFALO TEACHERS PROTEST RALLY


Teacher representatives from the Buffalo Public Schools will be holding a rally to protest the Superintendent’s and School Board’s refusal to negotiate a new contract.

 

“Under our contract, negotiations on a new contract were to begin in January 2019.

 

On April 2, 2019, when we first met, after agreeing to some District changes to the ground rules that govern negotiations, incredibly, the Superintendent’s and School Board’s negotiating team adamantly refused to agree to the ground rule that would have each side agree to two tentative future meetings.

 

Realizing the District was intent on delaying negotiations, the BTF returned to BTF Headquarters to allow the District to reconsider its detrimental position.

 

Since then, we have been attempting to resume negotiations.

 

Incredibly, on September 9, 2019 the Superintendent and Board agreed to resume negotiations beginning on September 25, 2019; however, they have refused to negotiate the ground rules for the negotiations!

 

In a slap in the face to Buffalo teachers, since April 2019, the Superintendent and School Board have, however, given substantial raises to the senior City Hall staff.”, stated Phil Rumore, President of the BTF.

 

Teacher representatives from some of the Buffalo Schools will be rallying to protest the Superintendent’s and Board’s actions.

 

Some teachers will then go into the Board meeting where BTF President Phil Rumore will address the Board.

 

WHEN:           Wednesday, September 18, 2019

 

WHERE:         Waterfront Elementary School – 95 4th Street Buffalo NY 14201

In the front, on the sidewalk. Teachers will then group together and hear from Rumore. Some then will attend the Board of Education meeting that will be held in the school auditorium.

 

TIME:             4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Note: Board meeting starts at 5:30)

 

 

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Important Information

  • The Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Information 

    The APPR is a process by which teachers are evaluated in NYS. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and to improve students' performance for colleges and careers. District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers across NYS receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.

     

    APPR is complex and can often be overwhelming.  Click here to keep up to date on all the current APPR information.

  • Opt-Out Information 

    Teachers and parents share deep concerns about the standardized tests used by NYS for accountability purposes that include; stress on students, in-appropriateness and lack of validity of the Common Core-aligned tests, loss of learning time, and lack of transparency on state test content. Parents who decide it is not in their children’s best interests to take these assessments are part of an “Opt-Out” movement. BTF fully supports parents’ right to choose what is best for their children.

     

    Click here to keep up to date on the "Opt-Out" movement and other information.

  • COVID-19 Information


    For our members, BTF has collected COVID-19 resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, as well as our affiliates, NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Together we must, and will, be proactive to ensure that Coronavirus does not infect and spread to our students, staff and community.
     
    Click here to view recent information and writen correspondence. The BTF will post more information as it becomes available.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

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The Buffalo Teachers Federation is the professional union that represents over 3800 contract, probationary and temporary teachers of the Buffalo Public Schools.

 The BTF is proud to be a member of New York State United Teachers and affiliated nationally with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers.
          
 We invite you to explore our website for information and resources specifically for our members and retirees.

Calendar

 March 2025
 13   Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
 13    Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm      
 25   BTF Retirement Seminar
 
 April 2025
  11   BTF Office Closed at 4:00 pm
14-21   Spring Recess       
  24   Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm   
  24   Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm      
     

Office Information

Mailing Address:
Buffalo Teachers Federation
271 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14201
Phone: 716-881-5400
 
Supplemental Benefit Fund:
Phone: 716-881-5462
Fax:     716-881-0580
 
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