Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for attending the Staff Town Hall on January 21, 2021. We set records for attendance (2,900 employees) and questions (3,600). We hope you found it helpful.
Due to the volume of questions, we were unable to address many directly during the live event. We assure you that we did not screen or censor any audience responses. The Teams platform's nature requires us to publish every question manually, and the volume made doing so difficult.
However, we did note several themes during the event and in comments on our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter (@baltcityschools). Below are paraphrased versions of the most-asked questions and the responses from leadership. We have also included links to the presentation and recording from yesterday at the bottom of this email.
Why are you expanding optional in-person learning when all teachers will not be vaccinated? Answer: The decision to expand in a limited manner is a product of several considerations:
Are you placing the lives and health of staff at risk? Answer: Protecting the health and safety of staff is our most important consideration. We will not offer in-person options if we cannot implement procedures and guidance from local, state, and national experts. Since September 28, City Schools has operated limited in-person learning sites across the city. In doing so, we follow the CDC's five mitigation strategies, have acquired ample PPE supplies, and implemented health protocols that have minimized the risk of transmission at our school sites.
Why are you making students come back to school? Answer: City Schools is not mandating a return to in-person learning en masse. We are offering families an in-person learning option for students that want or need it. Families may try in-person learning or opt to continue virtually. We fully expect that many families will opt to remain with virtual learning in the short term.
If you do not expect the majority of students to return, why proceed? Answer: Many students may not try optional in-person learning initially. But we know there are groups of young people who desperately need the support they can only receive in person, growing numbers of our families want this option, and we've proven we can do it safely.
Are you listening to teachers, especially those that have indicated they don't want to return? Answer: Absolutely. The CEO and her Cabinet regularly interact with the Baltimore Teachers Union, the CEO's Teacher Advisory Council, the PSASA Executive Committee, and other teachers who have been teaching in-person. Their concerns are heard and influence decisions for in-person learning options, most notably on-site testing, data sharing, and vaccinations.
What is the status of air purification systems and the installation of air filters in City Schools? Answer: City Schools is installing MERV-13 rated filters in buildings where it does not adversely impact system operation. If MERV-13 filters cannot be used, including when there is no mechanical ventilation of a space, portable air purifiers in occupied areas may be considered. MERV 13 filters are being installed in all buildings that can operate with upgraded filters. Air purifiers are being installed in classrooms and support spaces for facilities that cannot work with MERV 13 filters and health suites or isolation rooms.
Did I read that all the air purification and air filters have not been installed yet? Are you behind schedule? Answer: City Schools is working to install these devices before students and staff are scheduled to use them. If this is not possible, City Schools will not use those areas until the devices are installed.
If teachers are not vaccinated in time, how will they be safe? Answer: Vaccinations are not a complete solution to preventing the spread of COVID-19, according to experts. A multi-layered strategy endorsed by the CDC's five mitigation strategies for schools. These include:
City Schools has implemented these steps and more, including on-site testing. To learn more, visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/safety-procedures.
What if I have a health concern or need accommodation? Answer: We understand that some staff members may be less prepared or able to return on-site. Some may be eligible for leave or accommodations due to their personal, family, or health circumstances. We will take staff members' situations into consideration as much as possible. Staff members who believe they are eligible for leave or who would like to request a reasonable accommodation should do so. All requests will be evaluated on an individual basis. Click here for leave information or here for accommodation requests.
Moving forward, City Schools will provide regular second-semester preparation updates on Tuesdays via email. Please keep an eye on your inbox for more details.
|