Dear Members:

We are very much aware of the concerns that staff have regarding returning to school during the pandemic, especially as the East Aurora School District zip codes positivity rates remain high. As fellow staff in the district, we share your concerns.

Union leadership has been meeting with the district administration continually over the past 10 months regarding how best to serve our students while keeping our members safe. In the last two months specifically, the frequency of our meetings has increased to discuss the timeline, expectations, and safety concerns for any hybrid onsite learning.

We continue to monitor current local conditions and hold the expectation that the district will implement a return plan that is guided by state and local health agencies. We have been continually bringing up the safety concerns of staff and have been advocating that all staff complete a vaccine regimen before moving forward with a hybrid learning plan. We have pushed for the district to share information with staff as much and as openly as possible.

Our goal in these meetings remains the same as it has since the beginning of this pandemic: to ensure the safety of our members while trying to prepare for an eventual safe and supported return to onsite teaching for both staff and students.

We understand that our members are frustrated about the lack of information issued by the district and the uncertainty it causes, thus we have urged the district to communicate quickly, clearly, and consistently regarding not just decision rollouts but their decision-making process.

We appreciate the efforts you as members have made this past year to share your concerns with your building reps and building administration, as well as to support each other during this incredibly difficult time.

We are committed to sharing as much information with you as we can, and we encourage you to advocate for health and safety by making your building representatives aware of any issues you learn about in your buildings. We will get through this together.

In solidarity,

Jeff Mleczko, President

Jennifer Gentile, Vice President I

Judy Durham, Vice President II

Rhonda Bass, Vice President III

Loretta Holt, Secretary

Sarah Bonebrake, Treasurer