Buffalo teachers are one step closer to having a contract, something they haven't had since 2019.

The Buffalo Board of Education says it intends to vote on a tentative agreement with the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

The BTF is the last bargaining union to agree to a new contract with the district.

"I think this contract, for our teaching unit is an investment in the long-term, great future, of the Buffalo Public Schools, BPS General Counsel Nate Kuzma said. “And I think it will set, assist [Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams] in her vision and her administration, and it will carry us forward for years to come.”

The board will vote on the agreement on Friday. If approved, the federation would vote on Monday.

And with a new contract on the horizon comes a changing of the guard.

Phil Rumore is stepping down as the BTF president. Rumore has occupied the seat for over 40 years.

In a letter sent out to teachers, Rumore says now that the new contract has been proposed he will retire when his term ends at the end of June.