Types of Seniority: Commissioner’s and BTF Contractual

Below, please find the most Frequently Asked Question regarding Types of Seniority: Commissioner’s and BTF Contractual

“Commissioner’s Seniority”

Commissioner’s Seniority is used when there is a Layoff. It is not used when there is a Reduction-in-Force.

Commissioner’s Seniority is the total number of years in a particular tenure area with the Buffalo Public Schools, including all temporary service in that same tenure area.

In the event of a Recall following a Layoff, all years of service in all tenure areas in the District count, regardless of date of probationary appointment.

Example: Carol has been a BPS elementary education teacher for 4 years. Debra has been a BPS elementary education teacher for 3 years and, previously, she worked 5 years as a BPS special education teacher.

In the event of a layoff in the elementary education department, Carol would have more Commissioner’s Seniority than Debra. Debra’s 5 additional years as a special education teacher do not count toward Commissioner’s Seniority as she switched tenure areas.

“BTF Contractual Seniority”

BTF Contractual Seniority is used when there is a Reduction-in-Force and in the transfer process. It is not used for Layoff purposes.

BTF Contractual Seniority is the total number of consecutive years a teacher has been employed by the Buffalo Public Schools since probationary appointment, regardless of time spent in a particular tenure area.

Leaves of absence without pay shall not be counted as service for BTF Contractual Seniority.

Note: A maximum of two years of temporary time would count towards BTF Contractual Seniority if that service counted toward the completion of one’s probationary appointment.

Note: District-generated seniority lists do not include temporary teachers. While service as a temporary teacher may, in some instances, eventually count towards seniority, the District does not include them on seniority lists until after they receive a probationary appointment.

Example: Carol has been a BPS elementary education teacher for 4 years. Debra has been a BPS elementary education teacher for 3 years and, previously, she worked 5 years as a BPS special education teacher.

In the event of a Reduction-in-Force in the elementary education department, Debra would have more BTF Contractual Seniority than Carol. Debra’s additional years as a special education teacher count toward BTF Contractual Seniority.