Albany rejects teacher evaluation deal

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Buffalo School District and its teachers union are finally on the same page when it comes to teacher evaluations.

But the district is still on the brink of losing more than $33 million in state aid because the State Education Department has a problem with the deal. The sticking point has to do with the teachers' appeals process for poor evaluations. Now both sides are pointing the finger at Albany.

Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore said, "If it's not approved it won't be because the Buffalo Teachers Federation and Buffalo schools didn't try. It will because Albany's throwing up roadblocks. It is wrong to hold our kids hostage."

Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. Pamela Brown added, "We are working together to come to the best decision for our children. But we have obviously talked about layoffs. I mean the financial implications would be tremendous."

Meanwhile, teacher evaluation negotiations between the Hamburg Central Schools and the Hamburg Teachers Association ground to a halt Tuesday. Teachers there are concerned "over language which gave the superintendent the final say on any teacher rating appeals."

Hamburg stands to lose $450,000 if it does not meet Albany's imposed deadline of noon on Thursday.