After months of difficult negotiations, Buffalo teachers have overwhelmingly approved a teacher-evaluation plan for six high-needs schools, meaning that $5.6 million in aid withheld by the State Education Department will finally be restored.
The Buffalo Teachers Federation thought it had a process that was good for students and fair to teachers, but SED rejected it because the state did not want to include student attendance as a factor in the evaluations.
Really?
In the end, the BTF — under the leadership of President Phil Rumore — succeeded in making sure student attendance is counted.
It was a tough fight but it was worth it.