March 25, 2020
To All Union Members:
First, I hope everyone is staying healthy during this time of uncertainty. We have just completed our first week of e-learning and school closure. Many have faced this unprecedented experience courageously. We as a school community will prevail.
As we have seen, there remain many unanswered questions about the Corvid-19 virus and the impact it will have on our community and nation. I have been following both the President and Governor’s midday news conferences and in their message to the people, it has remained constant as to the steps we need to take in order to remain healthy. The latest addition to the five essential health practices is that now Governor Pritzker has issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order, which began Saturday at 5 PM. He pointed out the in an incidence, during the 1918 influenza outbreak, St Louis called for a “shelter in place” for its residents, and as a result, the cases of flu were reportedly low, as compared to Philadelphia which hosted a parade for the soldiers, and ultimately suffered wide spread illness and death. This stay-at-home order is there for all of us to follow. CDC and IDHP have also encouraged us to follow those guidelines as well.
UPDATE EA D131:
Per Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order on Friday, March 20, schools will not reopen until April 8 at the earliest. At this time, it might be noted that Indiana Schools have shut down until May 1, and CPS thru April 15. It has been a fluid target. For D131 staff, we need to be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.
Two documents were updated during the week from ISBE and will be changed as things evolve downstate. Both Documents have been posted on our Council Website (https://eastauroracouncil.org). They are:
Mandatory Statewide School Closure Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts and;
Mandatory Statewide School Closure Per Executive Order 2020-05 Special Education Guidance for Illinois Schools and Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
Both documents state that even though schools have been temporarily closed, certain functions must continue. Please read them as a point of reference for yourself.
Second, Thursday, ISBE requested a list of teachers who would be willing to help with writing e-learning guidance and lessons. As I was given a short turn around window, the word went out and an overwhelming response was received. Our list of volunteers exceeded 30 individuals, from all levels Prek-12. To those of you who answered the call – a very Hardy Thank You.
Thirdly, FMLA:
Regarding members who are on FMLA and/or paid sick leave during the current school closure, I refer you to the Joint Statement issued by the Governor’s office, IFT, IEA and other organizations on March 17, 2020 (also posted on our website) Here are some relevant excerpts:
“From March 17 through March 30, all school district employees on the district’s payroll will get paid as if the schools were functioning normally….”
“…the employer can expect school district employees to participate in work activities in some form.”
“No school district can unilaterally change the use of benefit days.”
Specific scenarios with employees on FMLA/paid leave may need to be handled on a case-by-case basis between the employee and employer. In general, if an employee is on an agreed FMLA leave during the current closure, that employee’s status will not likely change. If the employee is using paid sick leave while on FMLA during that time, that will likely remain in place, too, unless the parties reach an agreement to change the employee’s status from “on leave” to “return to work.” This may become complicated due to the ever-changing situation and the fact that we do not yet have guidelines for missed school days beyond March 30. If an employee wishes to return to work, he/she must be willing to participate in whatever work might be required and should approach the employer about the prospective status change.
The union may be able to assist with this process and will definitely be involved in determining who is doing what work, where, and that the health and safety of students and our members remain a top priority.
During this difficult time, we as D131 employees should be ready and willing to meet the challenges of this ever-changing scenario facing us caused by the COVID-19 virus.
Remember:
The “’Acts of God’ term was used because conditions beyond the control of the school district posed a hazardous threat to the health and safety of pupils, the State aid claim need not be reduced.” This means that districts will continue to receive state aid during this period, and will not have the aid reduced if they do not meet the minimum 177 pupil attendance days.
Both Dr. Ayala and Governor Pritzker made it clear that their position was to pay workers during the closure.
Before a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community: Plan
Public health officials have recommended community actions designed to help keep people healthy and reduce exposures to COVID-19. You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members.Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan. Safely meet with household members, other relatives, and friends to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.
Older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more serious complications. If you or your household members are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications, please consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.Get to know your neighbors.
Talk with your neighbors (while practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings) about emergency planning.
Create an emergency contact list.
Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.Practice good personal health habits and plan for home-based actions
Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Social-distance yourself from others (3’ – 6’ apart)
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick. Learn how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home.
In addition, if you are at the gas station or other public area, wear gloves, and throw them away when finished.
Again, there may be situations where groups or individuals will be required to perform job duties. However, we should be aware of these guidelines:
- Social distancing
- Some work functions can be done remotely
- If you are ill or at risk, DO NOT come to work
- Older people 60+ should not be coming in
- No children on district premises
In closing, here are a few things you should consider:
When contacting students on-line not via social media, follow the prescribed method as outlined by our School Board and District to avoid problems later. Unfortunately, many of the apps and or sites we use did not make the technology link, so be sure to check SharePoint for additional resources.
At this time, the District asks that staff refrain from using sites and or apps to conduct face-to-face instruction. As much as possible the District wants e-learning to be equitable for both staff and students. Please continue to encourage our students to log in daily, check emails and complete assignments in Dreambox, Newsela, and any other district approved sites.
Remember, only the use of D131 e-mail is appropriate when communicating with students and their families. You should not be using social media or personal telephone numbers to communicate with them. What may seem innocent at the time, could become a problem in the future. DCFS has not taken a holiday. Please follow the board policies when conducting school business.
This won’t last forever, we are challenged with an obstacle, and we will overcome it in time. We must be intentional in taking steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as keeping e-learning instruction happening in our school district. Be good citizens and keep yourself and others safe and healthy. As we keep informed, and follow recommendations from CDC and IDHP, we will be able to help bend the curve of this epidemic and resume our normal routines as soon as possible. If you need further assistance or want more information about Coronavirus, you can go to: www.coronavirus.gov and www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus.
It takes a community to act in the best interest of others. Remember, we must act intentionally and be good citizens; safe, and healthy. As of today, so far in Illinois there have been a reported 1865 cases, with 19 deaths. The Coronavirus has spread to 35 counties in Illinois. If we follow the guidelines communicated daily, we can keep the spread hopefully under control. This is not like Ebola or Measles. This is spread by not taking precautions and may not show symptoms for 8 to 14 days while a infected person carries and spreads it. Any “stay at home” order may take an additional, 14 to 28 days before IDPH or CDC can have the data there are looking to gather. While much of what we are told seems redundant, it will take time to figure out and more time to overcome. we must act intentionally and be good citizens; safe, and healthy.
Finally, rest assured that your Union will continue to be involved in the decisions influencing your work and pay during this critical time. There is no need to panic or be afraid, as long as you remain informed to any changes being made. Please read all communications released from IFT, AFT, Your Council and the District as your best sources of information regarding your work-related issues.Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected.
—
Gerry Mestek
President East Aurora Council
Vice President
Local 604
Office: 630.299.8195
Cell Phone: 916.805.3134
Never hang on to the past so tightly that it leaves your arms unable to embrace the present.
EA Council Local 604 