TEACHER TRANSFERS

The District has agreed to a BTF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU clarifies how part-time positions are handled.

1. If there is more than one part-time teacher in the same tenure area at the school and a full-time position is created, the part-time teacher with the greatest seniority shall have the contractual right to the full-time position.

2. If a portion of a full-time position [an itinerant position], eg. a teacher teaching .4 at one school and a .6 at another school, is increased to a full-time position at one or both of those schools, the contract or probationary teacher in that tenure area serving in one of those part-time positions shall have the contractual right to move to the new full-time position or if both are increased to full-time, the teacher will have the contractual right to the full-time position at the school of their choice.

3. If a part-time and a full-time position exist at a school and the full-time position becomes vacant, the contract or probationary teacher filling the part-time position does not have an automatic contractual right to move to that full-time position. The position is considered a vacancy and must be filled by a teacher on the transfer list or as otherwise specified in the CBA.

4. If a full time position is cut to a .8, but is paired with a .2 position the teacher who was previously full-time shall have first refusal rights for the newly created itinerant position or be placed on the transfer list.

PREVIOUSLY TRANSFERRED TEACHERS

As per my recent e-mail, involuntarily and voluntarily transferred teachers can apply for a transfer within two years of their transfer. The contract language states: “Transferred teachers will remain in place for a minimum of two (2) years unless the parties otherwise agree. (Emphasis added). All you need to do is obtain an agreement from your principal (administrator). If you have any problems, call BTF.

Transfers must be as per the contract, Article XIV, pg. 30-33.

UNEMPLOYMENT

If you believe that you might not have a position in September, you should apply for unemployment insurance. Please remember that temporary teachers should be rehired each year by the Board if positions are available. Some temporary teachers, in previous summers, have received a certified letter from the District that indicates, in part, that it expects to be able to employ you next year. This letter is sometimes referred to as a “reasonable assurance letter”.

In the past, this letter has been used by the District in an attempt to prevent temporary teachers, who might be eligible for unemployment insurance, from receiving unemployment benefits. If you receive such a letter, and believe you will probably not be rehired, fax a copy to BTF at 881-6678.

If you apply for unemployment compensation benefits, believe you are eligible, and are turned down, appeal the determination, ask for a hearing and continue to report. List the BTF as your representative. Call us when you receive notice of a hearing date.

If you receive benefits and you are subsequently found to be ineligible, benefits are not recoverable unless you withheld information. A question asked is “Have you received any verbal or written POSSIBILITY of a job in September?” If you have received the “reasonable assurance letter” and you answer the question with a “no”, you are considered to be withholding information. Also, you will be withholding information if you subsequently receive the “reasonable assurance letter” and do not report this fact to the Unemployment Office. If you have additional questions, please call your Labor Relations Specialist at the BTF.

TEMPORARY TEACHER SUMMER BC/BS

Temporary teachers who worked at least 100 days, are on the payroll on the last day of school and who have not been terminated based on an evaluation, are entitled to health coverage during the summer lay-off.

HEALTHCARE LAID-OFF TEACHERS

If you receive a termination notice from your health care provider, call the BTF so that we can determine your status. In any event, all temporary teachers continue to be covered by the SBF during the summer months for SBF dental, optical, and prescription benefits. As always, SBF forms must be completed for reimbursement.

Contract and probationary teachers who are laid off, but are subsequently rehired, are entitled to be reimbursed for health care benefits during the time of layoff. (See Article XXVI (2) Section A(8) on page 71, lines 39-42 of your contract.)

EXTENDED PAY PLAN SIGN-UP

Many Buffalo teachers have joined the BTF Extended Pay Plan to have their pay spread out over the summers.

If you would like information regarding the Extended Pay Plan, see your Delegate Chairperson. Information is also available in the BTF Delegate Handbook in your building. Enrollment cards are available from your delegate or from the BTF and are due by Thursday, June 27, 2019. Reminder – we strongly suggest that you sign up for direct deposit to receive your Extended Pay Plan funds.

ATTENTION TEMPORARY TEACHERS

Temporary teachers who have lost pay during this school year due to lack of sick days are reminded that they may apply to use any sick time they have since accumulated to obtain pay for those days. You must submit a written request to the Payroll Department.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Once again this summer, BTF will open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any changes will be emailed to you. Keep up-to-date via the BTF website, www.btfny.org.

SOLIDARITY

AS A DEMONSTRATION OF CONTINUED SOLIDARITY, WE ARE ASKING ALL TEACHERS TO WEAR THEIR BTF SHIRTS AND/OR SOLIDARITY PINS/STICKERS ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.

EMAIL REQUEST

The BTF is looking to update our personal e-mail list. Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your personal e-mail address. There will be periodic updates on significant issues during the summer and you don’t want to miss them. BTF does not communicate using your BPS e-mail address.

SUMMER REMINDER

WHEN SOMEONE ASK YOU HOW YOUR ARE ENJOYING YOUR “SUMMER VACATION”, REMIND THEM THAT THE CHILDREN ARE ON “SUMMER
VACATION” - TEACHERS ARE LAID OFF. NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE KNOW IT IS NOT A PAID VACATION FOR TEACHERS IN THE SUMMER, BUT RATHER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT PAY. LET US CONTINUE USING THE TERM SUMMER “LAY-OFF” AND MAYBE THEY WILL GET THE MESSAGE.

Welcome back. Hopefully, your summer “layoff” was restful, safe, and productive. This year will be, as are most, filled with challenges. However, we will, as always, change them into successes and accomplishments. With the finest and most dedicated teachers anywhere, how can we not prevail?

NEGOTIATIONS

As you can see from the emails to you, this has, as usual, been a busy summer – legal action to get the District to begin negotiations, court, arbitrations attempting to correct the transfer mess, etc.

As you can see from our latest email to you (btfny.org –News/Alerts), the District has as of this writing, refused to agree to meet for negotiations. We have filed both a Declaration of Impasse and an Improper Practice charge against the District. Obviously, our tentative meeting to ratify a contract at Kleinhans will not be scheduled.

As for the raises for the administrative staff recommended by the Superintendent and passed by the Board, our position is clear -- those salaries, cost-of-living increase reflective of other school districts certainly, means that the Buffalo teachers, who are on the front lines will receive more.

BTF CONTRACT

The current BTF contract is on our website, www.btfny.org. It is searchable! There is also a Q&A section.

APPR

APPR reminders -  

“Announced Observation: … The announced observation may not occur during the month of September, the last three weeks of June, or the day before or after a holiday.

Unannounced Observation: The teacher must be notified of the month that their unannounced observation will take place.

The unannounced observation may not occur during the month of September, the last three weeks of June or the day before or after a holiday.

The teacher has a one-time option not to have the observation not (sic) count.

The administrator must be notified as soon as they enter the classroom that the teacher is exercising this right.

The administrator may return no sooner than five days and no later than 30 days after the teacher exercises this right." The APPR document is on the BTF website (click here).

TEACHER SET-UP DAY

The teacher set-up day, September 5th is to be “duty free for teachers to set-up their classrooms”. Duty free is just that, duty free. “Voluntary” meetings of any sort violate the intent of this section. This is to be your day to set up your room.

TEACHER E-MAIL ADDRESSES – BTF GOING GREEN

We still do not have everyone’s personal e-mail address.

Once again, here are the procedures. Go to www.btfny.org - in the blue menu block on any page, click Misc. Then click on Update Form. Enter your District ID and the last four digits of your social security number for confirmation. Then enter any new phone number, address and the personal e-mail address that you would like used for quick contacts. Click the submit button and we’ll take it from there. If this still doesn’t work, fax the information to us at 881-6678.

ATTENTION TEMPORARY TEACHERS

Re-employed temporary teachers should call the Board’s Benefits Office at 816-3754 or 816-3755 to confirm that the Board is providing your healthcare coverage. Newly employed temporary teachers must file an application with the District to receive health insurance. As always, when in doubt, call the BTF.

If there are openings in your school being filled with substitutes instead of regular teachers, i.e. there is no teacher assigned to the position or no “replacement” (temporary) teacher assigned when the “regular” teacher is not expected to return until at least the second semester of the school year, please call us at BTF. (Regular and “replacement” (temporary) teachers are members of the BTF bargaining unit and receive all contractual pay and benefits.)

MARITAL STATUS CHANGE/ADDRESS CHANGE

If there has been a change in your marital status, it may be necessary to change your life insurance beneficiary, NYSTRS beneficiary, SBF benefit cards, health insurance coverage.

Check your check! Is your address correct? If not, you should notify the Administration (Human Resources/Personnel Office, Room 720 and Payroll Office, Room 814, City Hall), in writing. You should also notify the BTF.

SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR COMPLETED COURSES

Completion of course work which leads to a pay differential should be reported immediately. Obtain an Advanced Credit Differential application from your office or from the BPS website. (Refer to page 55 of your contract.) Differentials are granted for the semester following completion of the 10-hour block, provided forms are filed within thirty (30) days after school starts or completion of the course work. Just sending a transcript often isn’t enough to receive credit. Examine your check.

INCIDENT REPORT FORMS AVAILABLE

The BTF will continue monitoring incidents in the schools. The forms, developed by the BTF, are available from your Delegate. Please use them. Report serious acts of violence, vandalism, etc. We will be making sure that appropriate action is taken. Forms should be returned to Rebecca Pordum at BTF.

DISCIPLINE FORM INAPPROPRIATE

Your Delegate Chairperson also has copies of our “BTF Inappropriate/Inadequate Discipline Report Form” to report incidents of what you consider inappropriate/inadequate discipline resulting from a student(s) with weapons, involved in acts of violence, or engaging in sexual harassment, etc, including students being returned to the same school/class after committing acts of violence against anyone (including other students). Forms should be returned to your Labor Relations Specialist (LRS).

ON-THE-JOB INJURIES

Teachers injured on the job should file an accident report form and the Worker’s Compensation form (C-2) and see a doctor even if the injury does not result in immediate lost time from work.

WARNING

Postings to Facebook pages and other social networks are not as private as one might believe. In fact, you should not consider them private at all. Nothing should be put on them that you would not want your current or future employer to see.

Text messages can be saved, shared and potentially used against you.

Also, the Board computers and your Board email address should be used judiciously. Your employer has access to all of this information. For BTF correspondence use your personal email address.

REHIRED CONTRACT/PROBATIONARY TEACHERS

As per Article XXVI (2) A (8) p 71, contract and probationary teachers who are excessed and subsequently rehired are entitled to be reimbursed for healthcare expenses during the period of their layoff. Call BTF for information on how to apply.

SICK DAY CARRY-OVER

Teachers are advised to check their first pay check and make sure that sick days have been properly credited. Unused sick days should roll over, unused personal days are converted to sick days and new sick/personal days should be credited. If you are a member of the Sick Leave Bank, those days should have been deducted from your accumulation.

BUFFALO’S BEST

As part of our continuing “From the Classroom to the Living Room” initiative, we will be distributing a pad of “Buffalo’s Best” awards for each teacher to use for students.

The “Buffalo’s Best” awards will provide you with a quick effective way to say to a student and parent, “Good job”.

The forms were designed by BTF and printed by NYSUT, our state affiliate. When you run out, call BTF…we have extras.

During the most difficult times many have ever faced and hope never to face again, you have shown a dedication to our students, one another and also an inner strength that, while profound, is not at all surprising … You are Buffalo teachers.

Please take a moment to allow the sense of pride, accomplishment, and fulfillment to be felt. You deserve that and so much more. Believe it. It is true.

- Phil

NEGOTIATIONS
The BTF and District have agreed to the Mediator’s suggestion to resume negotiations on June 24, 2021. We are awaiting the time and location. We will keep you updated.

TEACHER TRANSFERS
The District has agreed to a BTF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU clarifies how part-time positions are handled.

1. If there is more than one part-time teacher in the same tenure area at the school and a full-time position is created, the part-time teacher with the greatest seniority shall have the contractual right to the full-time position.
2. If a portion of a full-time position [an itinerant position], eg. a teacher teaching .4 at one school and a .6 at another school, is increased to a full-time position at one or both of those schools, the contract or probationary teacher in that tenure area serving in one of those part-time positions shall have the contractual right to move to the new full-time position or if both are increased to full-time, the teacher will have the contractual right to the full-time position at the school of their choice.
3. If a part-time and a full-time position exist at a school and the full-time position becomes vacant, the contract or probationary teacher filling the part-time position does not have an automatic contractual right to move to that full-time position. The position is considered a vacancy and must be filled by a teacher on the transfer list or as otherwise specified in the CBA.
4. If a full time position is cut to a .8, but is paired with a .2 position the teacher who was previously full-time shall have first refusal rights for the newly created itinerant position or be placed on the transfer list.

In addition, the following has been agreed to be tried this year in order to allow some part-time teachers to remain in a school in which they have been teaching to provide continuity. If there are no problems, we will meet to extend it:

NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

1. If a portion of a full-time position [an itinerant position] at a building is increased or decreased by no more than .33 (two days), the contract or probationary teacher in that tenure area serving in that part-time position shall have the contractual right to the new position, or may choose to be placed on the transfer list.
2. If an itinerant teacher has two positions that are increased or decreased by no more than .33 (two days), the teacher shall have the contractual right to the increased or reduced position of their choice, or may choose to be placed on the transfer list.
3. If an itinerant teacher is paired as a .8 and .2 and the .2 pairing for the subsequent school year changes, the teacher shall have right of first refusal to remain in the .8 position with a new .2 pairing.

This agreement shall apply to transfers for the 2021-2022 school year and shall expire on August 30, 2021.

PREVIOUSLY TRANSFERRED TEACHERS
Involuntarily and voluntarily transferred teachers can apply for a transfer within two years of their transfer. The contract language states: “Transferred teachers will remain in place for a minimum of two (2) years unless the parties otherwise agree. (Emphasis added). All you need to do is obtain an agreement from your principal (administrator). If you have any problems, contact your LRS.

Transfers must be as per the contract, Article XIV, pg. 30-33.

In the past, this letter has been used by the District in an attempt to prevent temporary teachers, who might be eligible for unemployment insurance, from receiving unemployment benefits. If you receive such a letter, and believe you will probably not be rehired, fax a copy to BTF at 881-6678.

If you apply for unemployment compensation benefits, believe you are eligible, and are turned down, appeal the determination, ask for a hearing and continue to report. List the BTF as your representative. Call us when you receive notice of a hearing date.

If you receive benefits and you are subsequently found to be ineligible, benefits are not recoverable unless you withheld information. A question asked is “Have you received any verbal or written POSSIBILITY of a job in September?” If you have received the “reasonable assurance letter” and you answer the question with a “no”, you are considered to be withholding information. Also, you will be withholding information if you subsequently receive the “reasonable assurance letter” and do not report this fact to the Unemployment Office. If you have additional questions, please call your Labor Relations Specialist at the BTF.

TEMPORARY TEACHER SUMMER BC/BS
Temporary teachers who worked at least 100 days, are on the payroll on the last day of school and who have not been terminated based on an evaluation, are entitled to health coverage during the summer “lay-off”.

HEALTHCARE LAID-OFF TEACHERS
If you receive a termination notice from your health care provider, contact your LRS so that we can determine your status. In any event, all temporary teachers continue to be covered by the SBF during the summer months for SBF dental, optical, and prescription benefits. As always, SBF forms must be completed for reimbursement.

Contract and probationary teachers who are laid off, but are subsequently rehired, are entitled to be reimbursed for health care benefits during the time of layoff. (See Article XXVI (2) Section A(8) on page 71, lines 39-42 of your contract.)

EXTENDED PAY PLAN SIGN-UP
Many Buffalo teachers have joined the BTF Extended Pay Plan to have their pay spread out over the summer.

If you would like information regarding the Extended Pay Plan, see your Delegate Chairperson. Information is also available in the BTF Delegate Handbook in your building and on our website www.btfny.org. Enrollment cards are available from your delegate or from the BTF and are due by Friday, July 30, 2021. Reminder – we strongly suggest that you sign up for direct deposit to receive your Extended Pay Plan funds.

ATTENTION TEMPORARY TEACHERS
Temporary teachers who have lost pay during this school year due to lack of sick days are reminded that you may apply to use any sick time you have since accumulated to obtain pay for those days. You must submit a written request to the Payroll Department.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Once again this summer, BTF will open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any changes will be emailed to you. Keep up-to-date via the BTF website, www.btfny.org.

SOLIDARITY
AS A DEMONSTRATION OF CONTINUED SOLIDARITY, WE ARE ASKING ALL TEACHERS TO WEAR THEIR BTF SHIRTS AND/OR SOLIDARITY PINS/MASKS STICKERS ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 25, 2021.

EMAIL REQUEST
The BTF is looking to update our personal e-mail list. Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your personal e-mail address. There will be periodic updates on significant issues during the summer and you don’t want to miss them. BTF does not communicate using your BPS e-mail address.

SUMMER REMINDER
WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU HOW YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR “SUMMER VACATION”, REMIND THEM THAT THE CHILDREN ARE ON “SUMMER VACATION” - TEACHERS ARE LAID OFF. NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE KNOW IT IS NOT A PAID VACATION FOR TEACHERS IN THE SUMMER, BUT RATHER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT PAY. LET US CONTINUE USING THE TERM SUMMER “LAY-OFF” AND MAYBE THEY WILL GET THE MESSAGE.

Welcome back. Hopefully, your summer “layoff” was a much needed, and deserved, restful, safe, and productive break. This year will again be, as are most, filled with challenges. However, we will, as always, change them into successes and accomplishments. With the finest and most dedicated teachers anywhere, how can we not prevail? As you can see from the emails to you, this has, as usual, been a busy summer – legal action to get the District to begin negotiations, court, arbitrations attempting to correct the transfer mess, etc.

NEGOTIATIONS
As this is being written, neither we, nor the mediator, have received the information he requested from the District, i.e. their cost analysis of the removal of steps (salary compression).
Once again, salary compression as well as salary increases are critical issues… and the removal of Healthcare for retired teachers is unacceptable… i.e. No!
We are looking for places such as the Key Bank Center to use for an in-person vote on a contact.
Stay Tuned.

BTF CONTRACT
The current BTF contract is on our website, www.btfny.org (Member Information - Collective Bargaining Agreement). It is searchable! There is also a Q & A section.

APPR
APPR Reminders –
“Virtual” observations of teachers should not take place nor should observations of teachers teaching virtually. If either occur, please notify your LRS (Click Here).
“Announced Observation: … The announced observation may not occur during the month of September, the last three weeks of June, or the day before or after a holiday. Unannounced Observation: The teacher must be notified of the month that their unannounced observation will take place.
The unannounced observation may not occur during the month of September, the last three weeks of June or the day before or after a holiday.
The teacher has a one-time option to have the observation postponed.
The administrator must be notified as soon as they enter the classroom that the teacher is exercising this right.
The administrator may return no sooner than five days and no later than 30 days after the teacher exercises this right.”
The APPR document is on the BTF website www.btfny.org (Member Information - APPR Information).

TEACHER SET-UP DAY
The teacher set-up day, September 3rd, is to be “duty free for teachers to set-up their classrooms”. Duty free is just that, duty free. “Voluntary” meetings of any sort violate the intent of this section. This is to be your day to set up your room.

TEACHER E-MAIL ADDRESSES - BTF GOING GREEN
We still do not have everyone’s personal e-mail address.
Once again, here are the procedures. Go to www.btfny.org - Scroll to the bottom of the front page and click “Update Here”. Enter your District ID and the last four digits of your social security number for confirmation. Then enter any new phone number, address and the personal e-mail address that you would like used for quick contacts. Click the submit button and we’ll take it from there. If this doesn’t work, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your personal e-mail address.

ATTENTION TEMPORARY TEACHERS
Re-employed temporary teachers should call the Board’s Benefits Office at (716)816-3754 or (716)816-3755 to confirm that the Board is providing your healthcare coverage. Newly employed temporary teachers must file an application with the District to receive health insurance. As always, when in doubt, call the BTF.

If there are openings in your school being filled with substitutes instead of regular teachers, i.e. there is no teacher assigned to the position or no “replacement” (temporary) teacher assigned when the “regular” teacher is not expected to return until at least the second semester of the school year, please call us at BTF. (Regular and “replacement” (temporary) teachers are members of the BTF bargaining unit and receive all contractual pay and benefits.)

MARITAL STATUS CHANGE/ADDRESS CHANGE
If there has been a change in your marital status, it may be necessary to change your life insurance beneficiary, NYSTRS beneficiary, SBF benefit cards, and health insurance coverage.
Check your check! Is your address correct? If not, you should notify the Administration (Human Resources/Personnel Office, Room 720 and Payroll Office, Room 814, City Hall), in writing. You should also notify the BTF.

SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR COMPLETED COURSES
Completion of course work which leads to a pay differential should be reported immediately. Obtain an Advanced Credit Differential application from your office or from the BPS website. (Refer to page 55 of your contract.) Differentials are granted for the semester following completion of the 10-hour block, provided forms are filed within thirty (30) days after school starts or completion of the course work. Just sending a transcript often isn’t enough to receive credit. Examine your check.

INCIDENT REPORT FORMS AVAILABLE
The BTF will continue monitoring incidents in the schools. The forms, developed by the BTF, are available from your Delegate. Please use them. Report serious acts of violence, vandalism, etc. We will be making sure that appropriate action is taken. Forms should be returned to Rebecca Pordum at BTF.
Your Delegate Chairperson also has copies of our “BTF Inappropriate/Inadequate
Discipline Report Form” to report incidents of what you consider inappropriate/inadequate discipline resulting from a student(s) with weapons, involved in acts of violence, or engaging in sexual harassment, etc, including students being returned to the same school/class after committing acts of violence against anyone (including other students). Forms should be returned to your Labor Relations Specialist (LRS).

ON-THE-JOB INJURIES
Teachers injured on the job should file an accident report form and the Workers’ Compensation form (C-2) and see a doctor even if the injury does not result in immediate lost time from work.

BTF WEBSITE
Remember, we continue to improve our website. It is www.btfny.org - check it out.

WARNING
Postings to Facebook pages and other social networks are not as private as one might believe. In fact, you should not consider them private at all. Nothing should be put on them that you would not want your current or future employer to see.
Text messages can be saved, shared and potentially used against you.
Also, the Board computers and your Board email address should be used judiciously. Your employer has access to all of this information. For BTF correspondence use your personal email address.

REHIRED CONTRACT/PROBATIONARY TEACHERS
As per Article XXVI (2) A (8) p 71, contract and probationary teachers who are excessed and subsequently rehired are entitled to be reimbursed for healthcare expenses during the period of their layoff. Call BTF for information on how to apply, (716)881-5400.

SICK DAY CARRY-OVER
Teachers are advised to check their first pay check and make sure that sick days have been properly credited. Unused sick days should roll over, unused personal days are converted to sick days and new sick/personal days should be credited. If you are a member of the Sick Leave Bank, those days should have been deducted from your accumulation.

BUFFALO’S BEST
As part of our continuing “From the Classroom to the Living Room” initiative, we will be distributing a pad of “Buffalo’s Best” awards for each teacher to use for students.
The “Buffalo’s Best” awards will provide you with a quick effective way to say to a student and parent, “Good job”.
The forms were designed by BTF and printed by NYSUT, our state affiliate. When you run out, call BTF…we have extras.

During the most difficult times many have ever faced and hope never to face again, you have shown a dedication to our students, one another and also an inner strength that, while profound, is not at all surprising … You are Buffalo teachers.

Please take a moment to allow the sense of pride, accomplishment, and fulfillment to be felt. You deserve that and so much more. Believe it. It is true.

- Phil

NEGOTIATIONS
As per our last correspondence, we are scheduled to meet with the PERB mediator on Thursday, June 23, 2022. We will update you.

TEACHER TRANSFERS
The District has agreed to a BTF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU clarifies how part-time positions are handled.

1. If there is more than one part-time teacher in the same tenure area at the school and a full-time position is created, the part-time teacher with the greatest seniority shall have the contractual right to the full-time position.
2. If a portion of a full-time position [an itinerant position], eg. a teacher teaching .4 at one school and a .6 at another school, is increased to a full-time position at one or both of those schools, the contract or probationary teacher in that tenure area serving in one of those part-time positions shall have the contractual right to move to the new full-time position or if both are increased to full-time, the teacher will have the contractual right to the full-time position at the school of their choice.
3. If a part-time and a full-time position exist at a school and the full-time position becomes vacant, the contract or probationary teacher filling the part-time position does not have an automatic contractual right to move to that full-time position. The position is considered a vacancy and must be filled by a teacher on the transfer list or as otherwise specified in the CBA.
4. If a full time position is cut to a .8, but is paired with a .2 position the teacher who was previously full-time shall have first refusal rights for the newly created itinerant position or be placed on the transfer list.

In addition, the following has been agreed to be tried this year in order to allow some part-time teachers to remain in a school in which they have been teaching to provide continuity. If there are no problems, we will meet to extend it:

NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

1. If a portion of a full-time position [an itinerant position] at a building is increased or decreased by no more than .33 (two days), the contract or probationary teacher in that tenure area serving in that part-time position shall have the contractual right to the new position, or may choose to be placed on the transfer list.
2. If an itinerant teacher has two positions that are increased or decreased by no more than .33 (two days), the teacher shall have the contractual right to the increased or reduced position of their choice, or may choose to be placed on the transfer list.
3. If an itinerant teacher is paired as a .8 and .2 and the .2 pairing for the subsequent school year changes, the teacher shall have right of first refusal to remain in the .8 position with a new .2 pairing.

PREVIOUSLY TRANSFERRED TEACHERS
Involuntarily and voluntarily transferred teachers can apply for a transfer within two years of their transfer. The contract language states: “Transferred teachers will remain in place for a minimum of two (2) years unless the parties otherwise agree. (Emphasis added). All you need to do is obtain an agreement from your principal (administrator). If you have any problems, contact your LRS.

Transfers must be as per the contract, Article XIV, pg. 30-33.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
If you believe that you might not have a position in September, you should apply for unemployment insurance. Please remember that temporary teachers should be rehired each year by the Board if positions are available. Some temporary teachers, in previous summers, have received a certified letter from the District that indicates, in part, that it expects to be able to employ you next year. This letter is sometimes referred to as a “reasonable assurance letter”.

In the past, this letter has been used by the District in an attempt to prevent temporary teachers, who might be eligible for unemployment insurance, from receiving unemployment benefits. If you receive such a letter, and believe you will probably not be rehired, fax a copy to BTF at 881-6678.

If you apply for unemployment compensation benefits, believe you are eligible, and are turned down, appeal the determination, ask for a hearing and continue to report. List the BTF as your representative. Call us when you receive notice of a hearing date.

If you receive benefits and you are subsequently found to be ineligible, benefits are not recoverable unless you withheld information. A question asked is “Have you received any verbal or written POSSIBILITY of a job in September?” If you have received the “reasonable assurance letter” and you answer the question with a “no”, you are considered to be withholding information. Also, you will be withholding information if you subsequently receive the “reasonable assurance letter” and do not report this fact to the Unemployment Office. If you have additional questions, please call your Labor Relations Specialist at the BTF.

TEMPORARY TEACHER SUMMER BC/BS
Temporary teachers who worked at least 100 days, are on the payroll on the last day of school and who have not been terminated based on an evaluation, are entitled to health coverage during the summer “lay-off”.

HEALTHCARE LAID-OFF TEACHERS
If you receive a termination notice from your health care provider, contact your LRS so that we can determine your status. In any event, all temporary teachers continue to be covered by the SBF during the summer months for SBF dental, optical, and prescription benefits. As always, SBF forms must be completed for reimbursement.

Contract and probationary teachers who are laid off, but are subsequently rehired, are entitled to be reimbursed for health care benefits during the time of layoff. (See Article XXVI (2) Section A(8) on page 71, lines 39-42 of your contract.)

EXTENDED PAY PLAN SIGN-UP
Many Buffalo teachers have joined the BTF Extended Pay Plan to have their pay spread out over the summer.

If you would like information regarding the Extended Pay Plan, see your Delegate Chairperson. Information is also available in the BTF Delegate Handbook, in your building and on our website www.btfny.org. Enrollment cards are available from your delegate or from the BTF and are due by Friday, July 29, 2022. Reminder – we strongly suggest that you sign up for direct deposit to receive your Extended Pay Plan funds.

ATTENTION TEMPORARY TEACHERS
Temporary teachers who have lost pay during this school year due to lack of sick days are reminded that you may apply to use any sick time you have since accumulated to obtain pay for those days. You must submit a written request to the Payroll Department.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Once again this summer, BTF will open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any changes will be emailed to you. Keep up-to-date via the BTF website, www.btfny.org. As always, you can contact your LRS. (Click Here)

SOLIDARITY
AS A DEMONSTRATION OF CONTINUED SOLIDARITY, WE ARE ASKING ALL TEACHERS TO WEAR THEIR BTF SHIRTS AND/OR SOLIDARITY PINS/MASKS STICKERS ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 24, 2022.

EMAIL REQUEST
The BTF is looking to update our personal e-mail list. Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your personal e-mail address. There will be periodic updates on significant issues during the summer and you don’t want to miss them. BTF does not communicate using your BPS e-mail address.

SUMMER REMINDER
WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU HOW YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR “SUMMER VACATION”, REMIND THEM THAT THE CHILDREN ARE ON “SUMMER VACATION” - TEACHERS ARE LAID OFF. NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE KNOW IT IS NOT A PAID VACATION FOR TEACHERS IN THE SUMMER, BUT RATHER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT PAY. LET US CONTINUE USING THE TERM SUMMER “LAY-OFF” AND MAYBE THEY WILL GET THE MESSAGE.