Press Release
PLEASE DIRECT ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES TO PRESIDENT PHIL RUMORE BY CLICKING HERE
2022 - 2023 School Year
November 21, 2022
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION DONATES THANKSGIVING DAY MEALS TO MORE THAN 200 LOCAL FAMILIES
Thousands of dollars in food and gift certificates, that were donated by Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) members, will be distributed Tuesday, November 22nd to more than 200 needy families... (Click Here)
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION DONATES THANKSGIVING DAY MEALS TO MORE THAN 200 LOCAL FAMILIES
Thousands of dollars in food and gift certificates, that were donated by Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) members, will be distributed Tuesday, November 22nd to more than 200 needy families... (Click Here)
October 21, 2022
BTF TO PICKET BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Buffalo teachers will be picketing before the Board of Education meeting to protest the lack of a new contract and “the insulting and degrading proposals... (Click Here)
BTF TO PICKET BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Buffalo teachers will be picketing before the Board of Education meeting to protest the lack of a new contract and “the insulting and degrading proposals... (Click Here)
October 14, 2022
BTF CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF SECTION VI PROCEDURES
As a result of not knowing that a new Bennett High School student played JV football while in eighth grade (8th) at Sweet Home Middle School... (Click Here)
BTF CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF SECTION VI PROCEDURES
As a result of not knowing that a new Bennett High School student played JV football while in eighth grade (8th) at Sweet Home Middle School... (Click Here)
September 8, 2022
BUFFALO TEACHERS TO AGAIN PICKET BUFFALO SCHOOLS
On Friday, September 9, 2022, Buffalo teachers will again picket in front of their schools before they and students report. They will once again be demonstrating... (Click Here)
BUFFALO TEACHERS TO AGAIN PICKET BUFFALO SCHOOLS
On Friday, September 9, 2022, Buffalo teachers will again picket in front of their schools before they and students report. They will once again be demonstrating... (Click Here)
September 1, 2022
BTF SOLIDARITY PICKETING
At many Buffalo schools, teachers will be picketing at their school/site prior to reporting for work tomorrow September 2, 2022. The times will vary... (Click Here)
BTF SOLIDARITY PICKETING
At many Buffalo schools, teachers will be picketing at their school/site prior to reporting for work tomorrow September 2, 2022. The times will vary... (Click Here)
2021 - 2022 School Year
SCHOOL DISTRICT REFUSES TO ALLOW BTF PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE BOARD AT ITS AUGUST 31, 2022 MEETING
The BTF was notified that BTF President Philip Rumore would not be allowed to address the Board of Education at its August 31, 2022 Special Board meeting. Once again, the Buffalo School District has shown its contempt for Buffalo... (Click Here)
August 23, 2022
BUFFALO TEACHERS TO RALLY FOR A NEW CONTRACT
Please click on the link to view a Press Release sent out by Phil Rumore. (Click Here)
BUFFALO TEACHERS TO RALLY FOR A NEW CONTRACT
Please click on the link to view a Press Release sent out by Phil Rumore. (Click Here)
May 15, 2022
Press Release
Please click on the link to view a Press Release sent out by Phil Rumore. (Click Here)
BTF TO PICKET BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Buffalo teachers will be picketing before the Board of Education meeting to protest the lack of a new contract and “the insulting and degrading... << Read More >>
BTF CALLS VIOLENCE IN AND AROUND SCHOOLS “A NATIONAL CRISIS” REQUIRING PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL INTERVENTION
A resolution passed unanimously by the BTF’s governing bodies calls upon the President and Congress of the United States to address a “National Crisis”, the violence, anger and disruptive behaviors that are... << Read More >>
BTF Calls for Investigation and Analysis of the Claims that Schools are Not Where COVID is Spread
How it can be said that COVID is not spread in the schools. Our students come from all parts of the City. These are not neighborhood schools where COVID ... << Read More >>
BTF Calls For A District Delineation, Distribution, Posting and Enforecement of COVID Protocols
The Buffalo Teachers Federation called for; Delineation and Enforcement of District Protocols, Students testing positive for COVID not admitted to school or returned to class (violations are ... << Read More >>
October 7, 2021
BTF Calls For Patience, Understanding and Cooperation
BTF CALLS FOR FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY “INVESTIGATION, AUDIT AND ANY SIMILAR ACTIONS BE TAKEN TO DETERMINE IF, WHAT SOME MIGHT CALL, PROFITING AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHERS’... << Read More >>
BTF Calls For Patience, Understanding and Cooperation
In response to an incident at Roosevelt Academy, PS #65, where an assistant principal was seriously
injured, a teacher and others threatened by a grandparent who objected to the dismissal and other
safety... << Read More >>
injured, a teacher and others threatened by a grandparent who objected to the dismissal and other
safety... << Read More >>
BTF Calls For Halt of Grades 3-8 Standardized Testing During Pandemic
The Buffalo Teachers Federation’s Council of Delegates (building representatives from all schools),unanimously adopted a resolution that would have the BTF work with parents and other organizations... << Read More >>
BTF CALLS FOR DISTRICT COVID-19 TRASNSPARENCY, RAISES CONCERNS - LASK OF COMPLETE INFORMATION COUNTY-WIDE
“The Buffalo Teachers Federation, today, called upon the Buffalo School District to, as do other school districts, provide a daily COVID-19 incident report to all parents and staff in the District.... << Read More >>
BTF STATEMENT ON REOPENING THE BUFFLAO SCHOOLS
“All Buffalo teachers miss their students and want to be back with them; however, they want to be confident that the teaching and learning conditions are and remain safe for their students, parents, staff, community and... << Read More >>
BTF PRESIDENT ISSUES STATEMENT ON MOB VIOLENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
“What we all witnessed in our nation’s capital, which was fomented by the current occupant of the office of the United States President, some of his family members, and some elected members of Congress... << Read More >>
TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STAFF SHOULD APPROVE SCHOOL REOPENING PLANS
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Executive Committee and Council of Delegates (representatives from all schools) approved the following resolution... << Read More >>
BTF CALLS FOR DISTRICT TO PROVIDE MORE COVID-19 INFORMATION
The BTF today reiterated its call for the school district to provide teachers and staff with information relating to staff identified as testing positive for or being exposed to the COVID-19 virus.“Teachers and staff continue to raise serious concerns relating to not being informed that a member of its staff has or has been exposed to... << Read More >>
BTF SUPPORTS BUFFALO PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION'S (BPTO) CALL FOR RAPID COVID-19 TESTING
The BTF, in previous correspondence to the Superintendent and School Board, has stated there should be “written and posted admission and departure procedures that, all would agree, provide for safe and healthful admission... << Read More >>
BTF ACCUSES BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SCHOOL SAFETY COVER-UP
The Buffalo Teachers Federation today accused the Buffalo School District of attempting to prevent the teachers and the public from obtaining information relating to the Health and Safety conditions in the Schools during the Coronavirus pandemic. << Read More >>
September 2, 2020
BTF CALLS FOR NEW YORK SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO SUE NEW YORK STATE TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF FUNDING
The BTF today called for Districts across New York to join together to take legal action to prevent the loss of desperately-needed educational funding. The New York State Constitution Article XI, Part 1 states... << Read More >>
August 31, 2020
BUFFALO TEACHERS OVERWHELMINGLY REJECT DISTRICT REOPENING PLANS UNSAFE – DIRECTS BTF TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST PLANS AND REQUIREMENT THAT TEACHERS REPORT TO SCHOOLS/SITES DURING 100% VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
Buffalo teachers’ response to the following questions was:
70% (1,866) - I oppose the District's Reopening Plan(s) as I believe they do not provide for "safe and healthful conditions under which to carry out their (our) professional duties" and/or do not provide for... << Read More >>
70% (1,866) - I oppose the District's Reopening Plan(s) as I believe they do not provide for "safe and healthful conditions under which to carry out their (our) professional duties" and/or do not provide for... << Read More >>
September 2, 2020
BTF CALLS FOR NEW YORK SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO SUE NEW YORK STATE TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF FUNDING
The BTF today called for Districts across New York to join together to take legal action to prevent the loss of desperately-needed educational funding. The New York State Constitution Article XI, Part 1 states “The Legislature shall... << Read More >>
August 14, 2020
BUFFALO TEACHERS TO DISTRICT – THERE MUST ONLY BE REMOTE/DISTANCE LEARNING WHEN THE SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS
The BTF today made public a resolution passed by its Executive Committee and Council of Delegates, (representatives from all schools/sites) for “remote teaching and learning to be continued.<< Read More >>
BUFFALO TEACHERS OVERWHELMINGLY REJECT BUFFALO SCHOOL DISTRICT REOPENING PLAN
The Buffalo Teachers Federation, today, released the results of a survey of Buffalo teachers’ opinions of the District’s “Buffalo Public Schools 2020-2021 Reopening Plan”.<< Read More >>
BTF CALLS FOR THE REMOVAL OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR(S) IN CHARGE OF THE DISTRICT’S “REOPENING COMMITTEE”, THE ENDING OF SECRECY, REAL INVOLVEMENT OF STAKEHOLDERS AND A STATE INVESTIGATION OF DISTRICT’S PROCEDURES << Read More >>
BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION CALLS FOR SCHOOL REOPENING PLANS DELAY << Read More >>
JOIN THE EDUCATORS UNITED TO DESTROY THE RACIST BIGOTRY AND INJUSTICE VIRUS << Read More >>
BTF CALLS FOR BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CHANGE IN GRADE POLICY
“Nonetheless, Buffalo decided to grade students work to be able to provide clear, concise, encouraging, and honest feedback to students and parents about their child’s work and work effort during this extended closure time,” << Read More >>
BTF TO ORGANIZE AND IDENTIFY BPS PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY DECISION TO EXCLUDE BPS STUDNETS FROM ERIE COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFFERENCE
DAY OF SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FOR BUFFALO STUDENTS, JANUARY 31, 2020
The BTF Council of Delegates, comprised of elected teachers from all schools, unanimously adopted a Motion calling for “BTF to begin identifying & working with the parents of students that will be adversely << Read More >>
BTF RELEASES DISTURBING SCHOOL SAFETY AND UNACCEPTABLE LEARNING CONDITIONS SURVEY - CALLS FOR MANDATORY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR SUSPENDED STUDENTS TO PREVENT FUTURE SUSPENSIONS
“The ‘call’ by the Erie County Interscholastic Conference denying the Buffalo Public Schools’ football teams entry into the Erie County Interscholastic Conference will not go unchallenged. << Read More >>
JANUARY 15, 2020
BTF CALLS FOR LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ERIE COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFERENCE
BTF CALLS FOR LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ERIE COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFERENCE
“The very disturbing response from hundreds of teachers (749), from 61 of the 76 schools/sites over a short period of time, is an urgent call for immediate action by the Superintendent and Board of Education to ensure that suspended students are provided with intervention services.. << Read More >>
TEACHERS AND PARENTS TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST BUFFALO SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DEPRIVING STUDENTS OF REQUIRED ART AND MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Parents and teachers of Buffalo students have filed a legal action against the Buffalo Public Schools for undermining the education of their children by not providing the art and music courses required by New York State law. << Read More >>
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
BUFFALO TEACHER PROTEST RALLY
BUFFALO TEACHER PROTEST RALLY
The BTF today, in addition to having filed a Declaration of Impasse between the BTF and the Buffalo School District, filed an Improper Practice Charge with the NYS Public Employment Board for failure to bargain in good faith. << Read More >>
SEPTEMBER 5, 2019
BTF PROTEST RALLY SCHEDULED
BTF PROTEST RALLY SCHEDULED
Buffalo teacher will be holdong a protest rally before the next Board of Education meeting on September 18, 2019. << Read More >>.
2018 - 2019 School Year
AUGUST 27, 2019
BTF DECLARES IMPASSE AND FILES IMPROPER PRATICE CHARGES AGAINST DISTRICT
BTF DECLARES IMPASSE AND FILES IMPROPER PRATICE CHARGES AGAINST DISTRICT
The BTF today, in addition to having filed a Declaration of Impasse between the BTF and the Buffalo School District, filed an Improper Practice Charge with the NYS Public Employment Board for failure to bargain in good faith. << Read More >>
JUNE 26, 2019
BTF STATEMENT RELATING TO UNLOCK THE CAGES DEMOSTRATION
BTF President, Phil Rumore released the following statement in reference to the Unlock the Cages Demonstration. << Read More >>
BTF SUPPORTS BOARD RESOLUTION BARRING COUNCIL MEMBER ULYSEES O. WINGO, SR. FROM BUFFALO SCHOOLS
The BTF Executive Committee and Council of Delegates from all Buffalo Public Schools yesterday unanimously approved a strong resolution of support for the proposed Board of Education resolution. << Read More >>
May 21, 2019
BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION CONDEMNS COUNCILMAN WINGO'S STATEMENT
BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION CONDEMNS COUNCILMAN WINGO'S STATEMENT
BTF President, Philip Rumore, today, excoriated Councilman Ulysees Wingo, Sr. for his May 17, 2019 at 7:01 p.m. public statement made after he brought a loaded gun and ammunition into a Buffalo Public School. << Read More >>
April 9, 2019
BUFFALO ADMINISTRATORS COERCING PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO TAKE STATE TESTS
BUFFALO ADMINISTRATORS COERCING PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO TAKE STATE TESTS
Once again Buffalo school administrators are using false statements, intimidating calls to parents, intimidating meetings with students, excluding students not taking the tests from socials, drawings, etc. << Read More >>
BUFFALO SCHOOL DISTRICT OBSTRUCTS BTF NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FIRST DAY
At the first negotiations session between the Buffalo Teachers Federation and Buffalo School District, after the BTF agreed to significant changes to the negotiations ground rules ... <<Read More>>
February 28, 2019
BTF RELEASES DISTURBING McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL SURVEY
BTF RELEASES DISTURBING McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL SURVEY
The BTF, today, released a survey of Buffalo teachers at McKinley High School that reveled a very disturbing current assessment of the teaching and learning conditions at McKinley High School. <<Read More>>
McKINLEY TEACHER ASSAULTED BY STUDNET RETURNED, BUT NOT TO McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL
The teacher who was severely injured,as the result of a student assault,is being returned to work; however, he has been involuntarily transferred from McKinley High School ... <<Read More>>
February 8, 2019
BTF ACCUSES SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD COVER-UP AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL
BTF ACCUSES SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD COVER-UP AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL
“In response to our February 4, 2019 Press Release, apparently the Superintendent, School Board and Principal are attempting to cover-up the downward spiraling graduation rate ... <<Read More>>
January 23, 2019
BTF RESPONDS TO "INSULTING, DEROGATORY AND FALSE" SCHOOL DISTRICT STATEMENT
BTF RESPONDS TO "INSULTING, DEROGATORY AND FALSE" SCHOOL DISTRICT STATEMENT
“The District statement apparently approved by the Superintendent and Board of Education is insulting, derogatory and false. <<Read More>>
January 14, 2019
CONTINUED UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY AND LEARNING CONDITIONS AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL
CONTINUED UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY AND LEARNING CONDITIONS AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL
January 2018 – the first ever vote of No Confidence for a principal, Marck Abraham, McKinley High School, signed by over 60% of the faculty. Note: Many were afraid to sign because of the fear of reprisals, <<Read More>>
DISTRICT FOUND GUILTY OF TEACHER REPRISAL AND HARMING THE EDUCATION OF STUDENTS AT CITY HONORS
An arbitrator has ruled that the Buffalo School District retaliated against the teachers at City Honors for prevailing in an arbitration against the District and harmed the students’ education by eliminating 5.5 teacher positions to fund the restoration of <<Read More>>
2017 - 2018 School Year
May 21, 2018
BUFFALO TEACHER TRANSFER PROCESS – AN IMPENDING DISASTER
“The Teacher Transfer Process is a disastrous demonstration of Incompetence, Falsehoods, a complete willful disregard for BTF/District agreements and attempts by the BTF to work with the District to correct the many serious problems <<Read More>>
BUFFALO TEACHER TRANSFER PROCESS – AN IMPENDING DISASTER
“The Teacher Transfer Process is a disastrous demonstration of Incompetence, Falsehoods, a complete willful disregard for BTF/District agreements and attempts by the BTF to work with the District to correct the many serious problems <<Read More>>
April 24, 2018
BTF/SCHOOL DISTRICT SET CITY HONORS ARBITRATION AND NEGOTIATIONS DATES
“While it is difficult and time consuming to find an arbitrator who can accommodate a speedy arbitration date, the BTF and District have found and agreed upon an arbitrator who can hold an expedited hearing on the City Honors arbitration <<Read More>>
BTF/SCHOOL DISTRICT SET CITY HONORS ARBITRATION AND NEGOTIATIONS DATES
“While it is difficult and time consuming to find an arbitrator who can accommodate a speedy arbitration date, the BTF and District have found and agreed upon an arbitrator who can hold an expedited hearing on the City Honors arbitration <<Read More>>
April 23, 2018
BTF TO BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD, COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION AND BOARD OF REGENTS – END DEGRADING, DESTRUCTIVE AND HURTFUL ACTIONS AGAINST STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The Buffalo Teachers Federation today called upon the Buffalo Board of Education, Commissioner of Education and Board of Regents (attached) to ensure that the destructive and hurtful actions <<Read More>>
BTF TO BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD, COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION AND BOARD OF REGENTS – END DEGRADING, DESTRUCTIVE AND HURTFUL ACTIONS AGAINST STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The Buffalo Teachers Federation today called upon the Buffalo Board of Education, Commissioner of Education and Board of Regents (attached) to ensure that the destructive and hurtful actions <<Read More>>
March 1, 2018
BTF CALLS FOR NATION-WIDE ACTION ON SCHOOL VIOLENCE
In addition to calling for specific state-wide and national actions to ensure the safety of students and school personnel, the BTF invited organizations, schools, school districts and concerned <<Read More>>
BTF CALLS FOR NATION-WIDE ACTION ON SCHOOL VIOLENCE
In addition to calling for specific state-wide and national actions to ensure the safety of students and school personnel, the BTF invited organizations, schools, school districts and concerned <<Read More>>
February 14, 2018
JUDGE HALTS CITY HONORS TEACHER TRANSFERS
Today, Honorable John O’Donnell, issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) preventing the Buffalo School District from transferring 5.5 teachers from City Honors School. <<Read More>>
February 8, 2018
BTF PROPOSES "TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE"
The Buffalo Teachers Federation today called on the Buffalo School District to work with the BTF to establish a standing "Teaching and Learning Environment Committee" to address the concerns raised in its Disruptive Student Survey <<Read More>>
February 7, 2018
DISTRICT BREAKS OFF CITY HONORS NEGOTIATIONS - BTF RESPONDS
Although the Buffalo School District is apparently trying to convince the community that it is willing to continue negotiations at City Honors, that is not true. <<Read More>>
Although the Buffalo School District is apparently trying to convince the community that it is willing to continue negotiations at City Honors, that is not true. <<Read More>>
BTF RELEASES DISTURBING DISRUPTIVE STUDENT BEHAVIOR SURVEY
The responses of one thousand, two hundred and seventeen (1,217) Buffalo Teachers to a BTF online survey relating to disruptive student behavior/discipline in the Buffalo Public Schools is a cause for great concern. << Read More >>
The responses of one thousand, two hundred and seventeen (1,217) Buffalo Teachers to a BTF online survey relating to disruptive student behavior/discipline in the Buffalo Public Schools is a cause for great concern. << Read More >>
January 18, 2018
RUMORE DEFENDS TEACHERS AND PARENTS SEEKING REMOVAL OF SCHOOL #18 PRINCIPAL
“Teachers at School #18 and other teachers in the District are angered that the Superintendent, Dr. Kriner Cash, has rejected teacher and parent calls for the removal of Principal Aakta Patel, sided with the Principal and in effect said if you don’t like it at the school <<Read More>>
RUMORE DEFENDS TEACHERS AND PARENTS SEEKING REMOVAL OF SCHOOL #18 PRINCIPAL
“Teachers at School #18 and other teachers in the District are angered that the Superintendent, Dr. Kriner Cash, has rejected teacher and parent calls for the removal of Principal Aakta Patel, sided with the Principal and in effect said if you don’t like it at the school <<Read More>>
November 22, 2017
A SEVERE LACK OF DIVERSITY IN ERIE COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOLDS AND POSSIBLE RESEGREGATION
The Buffalo Teachers Federation today released a troubling report prepared for the BTF by NYSUT, the BTF’s State affiliation. The report details the extreme lack of Administrator Diversity and the general lack of diversity in the Erie County Charter Schools <<Read More>>
2016 - 2017 School Year
August 8, 2017
DISTRICT FOUND GUILTY OF VIOLATING NYS LAW PROPOSED SCHEDULE CHANGES
New York State Justice Tracy Bannister has found that the Buffalo School Superintendent violated NYS law when he attempted to use Receivership powers to unilaterally change the starting and ending times at three (3) schools << Read More >>
May 9, 2017
BTF President, Phil Rumore, today released a letter to the Mayor and Common Council calling the City's funding for Buffalo's students "disgraceful". Rumore releases chart that showed that the << Read More >>
April 4, 2017
RUMORE BLASTS JACOBS' ATTACK ON TEACHERS
BTF President, Philip Rumore, today, blasted Senator Chris Jacobs’ attack on the Buffalo School District and the teachers’ contract. “Senator Jacobs, an anti-public school, anti-teacher, pro-charter school advocate has again shown his contempt for our schools and teachers. << Read More >>
March 31, 2017
BPO "KIDS TAKE OVER KLEINHANS" CONCERT SERIES
Once again this year, the Buffalo Teachers Federation is offering over 300 tickets to Buffalo Public School parents/guardians, BTF members and their children to attend the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's "Kids Take Over Kleinhans" concert series << Read More >>
January 18, 2017
BTF AUTHORIZES LEGAL ACTION TO REMOVE CARL PALADINO
Today, the BTF authorized legal action with the Commissioner of Education to remove Carl Paladino from the Buffalo Board of Education. The legal actions claim Carl Paladino << Read More >>