March 17, 2020

Greetings to All Union Members:

I would like to address several items that concern us all.  But first, I want to thank all those who were instrumental in helping prepare our secondary students for e-learning.  As the plan developed, many were engaged in collecting, cataloguing and distributing electronic devices in our secondary schools.  At the end of this past Friday, the district was able to place those devices in the hands of 90% of the student population.  That in itself was incredible.  Well done Tomcats!

Since last week, I have been in numerous meetings discussing all types of topics related to the Coronavirus-19 outbreak.  Not only the District, but also the Nation faces a major dilemma that has not been seen since the influenza outbreak of 1918.  The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus.  Although there is not universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919.  It is estimated that about one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus.  The number of deaths worldwide was staggering.

In those days there was very little modern medicine available, and no data available to help combat the spread of the infectious disease.  Today, we have the CDC and IDPH to assist and direct the population in steps that can reduce the spread of a contagious disease like COVID-19, but it takes everybody doing their part.  We have read and heard how to retard the spread of this virus.  The CDC has published a list of five things that all of us can do.

Before a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community: 

Plan

A COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time in your community.  Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community actions designed to help keep people healthy, reduce exposures to COVID-19, and slow the spread of the disease.  Local public health officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation.  Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community.  You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members.

  • Create a household plan of action

Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan. 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.

There is limited information about who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness.  From the data that are available for COVID-19 patients, older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more serious complications.  Early data suggest older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.  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.  CDC will recommend actions to help keep people at high risk for complications healthy if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community.

  • Get to know your neighbors.

Talk with your neighbors (while practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings) about emergency planning.  If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources.

  • Identify aid organizations in your community.

Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources.  Consider including organizations that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies.

  • 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

Practice everyday preventive actions now.  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.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection.  For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • 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.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  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.

If we all follow these guidelines, we can reduce the chance of contracting this virus during this critical time. 

Secondly, we need to understand what is expected for us during this time of furlough.  Yesterday I participated in a lengthy conference call with Union leadership across Illinois.  In the discussion, it was emphasized that we are fortunate that we will be receiving our regular pay during the shutdown.  During the next 14 days, or until March 30, we will experience very little disruption in our finances.  Compared to other industries who will not receive a paycheck, possibly until this is over, we are very fortunate. 

 It is important to understand that any Union member covered by the CBA, will receive their regular pay.  This includes all Licensed (Teachers), certified (Support Staff) and Clerical (Office Staff).  All salaries, stipends, and benefits will be paid in full during this time and credits toward TRS and IMRF pensions will continue.  Only time sheeted payments will be delayed.  Therefore, please keep track of all your timesheet work, and we will address those once we are back to normal. 

ISBE is scheduled to post a guideline for operation during this shutdown time to include e-learning and other operational procedures soon.  We are encouraged to support students by being available via e-mail during the hours of 8:30 and 1:30 Monday through Friday. 

Since ISBE and Governor Pritzker have called this an Act of God, we are not to worry about instructional time but should help students with the e-learning activities where possible.  We should work together for the best interest of all our students.  We still must focus on graduation credits for high school seniors.  ISBE is looking at possible deferments and will determine course of action, especially if the current shutdown continues.

Can you be asked to report to work?  Yes

Location and work required will be based upon CDC and IDPH restrictions.  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
  • If on FLMA, restrictions may prohibit you from being on District properties

An instance where staff may be called in to work would include the continuation of meals to students; however, we are encouraged to continue learning during this time through e-learning.  

In closing, here are a few more things that came out in the meeting I attended:

ISBE has suspended the posting of grades.  If you have not posted third quarter grades, you are not required to do that during this shutdown.  Direction will be available when we return. 

In addition, e-learning does not need to be graded but there will be information after schools resume on how to include completed assignments.  So keep encouraging students to participate with the on-line learning assignments.

March 16 – March 27 – IS NOT A VACATION – As per CDC guidelines, travel is discriminately restricted.  You can be called in to a district site to perform work functions.  If you are not available because you are out of town, it could result in a loss of pay or discipline.  We are very fortunate to be drawing a paycheck during this difficult time, please do not abuse this privilege.

Beginning with the week of March 30, this is our scheduled Spring Break and will continue through April 5, your time to enjoy with your family.  Be ready to report to work on April 6. 

Rest assured that your Union has been and 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 to follow. 

Stay Strong

Gerry Mestek

President – East Aurora Council 

Vice President – AFT Local 604

Office: 630-299-8195

I hope to see a future where the young will comprehend what the eyes of the old have seen in the past.