April 6, 2020

To our Union Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to thank all those members, Teachers, Support Staff and Office Staff who gave up time from what was to be their Spring Break, to work on committees setting guidelines for assisting our district to be able to perform vital duties so that our students will be guaranteed that learning will take place in the coming weeks.  As you may know, Governor Pritzker and ISBE have extended the Shelter in Place order and the School Closing until April 30.  This means several things for us as a staff and as a district.

Only vital businesses will remain open during this time.  While schools may be closed to students, instruction continues.  That simply means we are on call.  In the next several weeks, you may be called to come to a location in the district to help with some activity.  D131 is not the only district asking our staff to do this.  It is happening all around the state. 

Through the remainder of the school closure, we will be transitioning to remote learning.  Many of the documents you will receive are guidelines to help us implement remote learning at all levels.  This is a huge endeavor, and it will take everyone doing something.

First, it means that the “Act of God” status has ended.  We can be called upon to come in and perform takes and duties on district property.  It does not mean however, that we have free access to buildings and classrooms.  If, for whatever reason, you feel that you cannot participate in an assignment, you must call in and report your absence.  If you have sick days, you may use them.  Otherwise, the day of absence will be unpaid.  On March 22, 2020, Dr. Ontiveros issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document covering safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are working and provide high-level Remote Learning Plan components to include;

  1. How teachers can be reached
  2. Schedules of teaching and learning
  3. Overall goals for engagement
  4. Specific key learning platforms for remote learning​
  5. Where parents can access remote learning materials for students
  6. When and how parents can reach additional school personnel (i.e., office hours).  

As a school district, D131 must ensure:

(1) Continuity of education through instructional remote learning,

(2) Provision of meals,

(3) Other student and staff support measures as appropriate for each district to effectuate instructional remote learning; and

(4) Ensuring the performance of essential district functions and operations.

ISBE has stated we can do no educational harm as it relates to student grades.   Further direction forth-coming from grade level committees on grading and efforts for assignment completion.  However, keep encouraging students to participate with all learning assignments.

Evaluations

Tenure acquisition is already decided by ISBE guidance, and both the “Act of God” days and the remote learning days will count toward the minimum days needed, so this year will count toward tenure acquisition for most untenured teachers.  We do not anticipate a problem right now.

“We acknowledge that the current law on teacher evaluation and Reduction in Force (honorable dismissal and layoff) remains in full force including all timelines and existing statutory language. Any teacher evaluation that is not finished by the end of the school year will be considered “proficient” in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/24-11(d). Subject to existing contract language, evaluations that have been substantially completed; meaning that all classroom observations have occurred and all professional practice and student growth data has been collected, shall be finished remotely” (3/27/20 Joint Statement)

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.
  • 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, through this period of the suspension of in-person learning, the employer can expect school district employees to participate in work activities in some form.  We need to understand what is expected of us during this time.  We will continue to work with D131 as to whether they intend to make changes to the school year later this spring if schools physically reopen, but ISBE is clear that these remote learning days count and protects against extending the school year.

Again, during the remainder of the school year, 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.  The District assured us they have no plans to lay off any educators during this closure and that they will not reduce or stop pay. 

Can you be asked to report to work?  Yes

Location and work required will be in line with CDC and IDPH current recommendations for essential staff.   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
  • Utilization of PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment)- Masks, gloves, etc. 
  • No children on district premises
  • Utilizing the CARES Act provisions when necessary 

We are not on vacation until April 30:  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 if you do not use sick days.  We are very fortunate to be drawing a paycheck during this difficult time, please do not abuse this privilege especially when millions are out of work.  

Be ready to report to work site after April 6 as needed. 

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

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