After Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore issued an urgent plea, delegates unanimously approved a special order of business calling for federal funding to help schools curb the unprecedented rise in violence.
“It’s a national crisis,” said Rumore. “Our kids are afraid to come to school.”
The special order calls for federal funding earmarked to hire school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, school attendance teachers, resource officers and other support staff. Rumore noted these essential staffers must have a reasonable caseload so they can work closely with students. The resolution also calls for staff training in de-escalating techniques and partnerships with community-based organizations.
The special order was seconded by Joe Cantafio, Sandie Carner Shafran and Matt Haynes. “We need to make this a priority — not punishing students but giving them the support they need,” Cantafio said.
“Please this has to stop,” said Carner Shafran. “Fear and bloodshed has to stop.”