Dear Union Members,

We understand that some staff may have concerns regarding in-building workdays this month. We support the implementation of policies needed to ensure that students and staff are safe and healthy, such as:

• The District provides hand sanitizing stations throughout all buildings for staff and students.
• During both the materials pick-up and collection times, social distancing will be enforced.
• During student resource kit creation (MS and Elementary), staff can work in areas without student contact, and with proper ISBE social distancing guidelines.
• Testing students will be provided a grab-and-go breakfast, which they may eat in the classroom. Staff members, however, may stand outside the room during this time as long as they have their materials bin with them. They are not required to be in the room with unmasked students, but they should continue to have visual oversight of the students they are supervising.
• During testing, high school administration is separating all students so that there are no more than eight to ten students per room. This will allow ample space for social distancing. If large numbers of staff do not attend, it may require some rooms to be combined, which will increase the health risk for those in attendance. 

PSAT/SAT testing is not only a state mandate: it is an opportunity for our students to position themselves on the path to academic success and stay competitive with other students. Union leadership has been bringing our concerns and ideas to administration, and we believe the District is working hard to ensure that testing is performed safely.

The District has gone to great efforts to ensure that all staff retain their positions while providing flexibility and safety. Clerical staff were brought into buildings on a rotating basis a few months ago, and support staff have been doing in-person services for over a month, such as distributing meals to families via bus routes and providing needed services to our special needs students. Thank you to those members that have stepped up to support staff and students in this unprecedented time.

In their willingness to allow certified staff to work where they see fit–whether from school or from home–as much as possible, the District has proven it wants to ensure the safety and health of staff while still addressing the needs of our students. As a Union, we want to retain that flexibility, so as members, we, too, need to remain flexible on the few days the District does require staff to be in the building.

On Monday night, the School Board approved the District recommendation that we remain fully remote at least until the end of first semester; this gives credence to their claim that they are prioritizing the safety of our staff and students. By working with the District and remaining vigilant, Union members can help ensure that these upcoming in-building workdays are safe for everyone.

I believe all our members can come together to get these necessary student-centered goals accomplished while assuring all are safe. When our members stand union strong, supporting our students in their academic careers, all community stakeholders win.

In solidarity,

Jeff Mleczko

East Aurora Council President