We’re in this Together
August 13,2021
With the opening of the new school year, it is important that everyone remembers the safety protocols in place that are meant to keep everyone safe and protected. This is a very stressful time, and everyone needs to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. DTU is working closely with the DCSB as protocols are being put in place to keep everyone safe and healthy. It is very important that you read all updates coming from the DCSB and DTU. As safety precautions and support are put in place DTU will provide you with updates. Please watch your email daily for updates and changes.
The Points of Interest today will include Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between DTU and DCPS, the Covid Protocol Booklet, Student Decision Tree, and a summary of recent changes. Along with a brief explanation of the content of the MOU there is an attachment of the complete document for you to refer to as needed. Click on the title of the MOU to see the actual signed MOUs and supporting documentation.
Leave for COVID:
During the 2020-2021 school year, through the CARES Act, employees were allowed up to 80 hours of COVID leave in the event they contracted the virus. This Federal CARES Act provision expired in June and was not extended by Congress for employees. For the 2021-2022 school year, therefore, employees who contract COVID or are quarantined will need to use their own accrued sick leave. DTU is in active discussions with the district to try to come up with some leave days if an employee contracts COVID or is quarantined. Please watch your DCPS email for updates on this issue.
Covid Protocols:
School administrators and employees have been provided with the current Covid protocols to be used during the opening of schools. The situation with Covid is very fluid and ever changing. The DCSB and DTU will continue to monitor the number of cases in Duval County and decisions will be made based on recommendations from the Department of Health, CDC, and medical professionals. Employees should watch their DCPS emails for updates as the COVID situation continues to unfold. Click on the titles below to see the Document.
Memorandum of Understandings:
COVID-19 Temperature Screenings: This document outlines how members of the Paraprofessional Unit and Security Guards can volunteer to assist with the prescreening of everyone who enters the worksite. Those who volunteer would start their workday thirty minutes earlier and would be paid their hourly rate of pay. The number of staff members needed will depend on the number of students enrolled in the schools. Click on the title of this MOU to see the signed MOU.
COVID-19 Staffing Isolation Rooms: This document outlines how the Isolation Rooms will be staffed during the 2021-2022 school year. The document also contains the eligibility criteria and the personal protection equipment that will be provided to the employee. This MOU allows a UOPD employee who elects to volunteer to staff the Isolation Room to earn a supplement. The UOPD employee will work as a back-up to either a Nurse, School Health Aid, Department of Health Staff, or contracted employee, to receive a supplement. The UOPD employee who volunteers to works as a backup in the isolation room during the 21-22 school year will be paid a supplement in the amount of $500. ($250 per semester). Each school will be funded a supplement for one position.
In a school that does not have a staffed clinic the supplement would be in the amount of $250 per quarter (Total of $1,000). All pay outs for this supplement will be in December of 2021 and June of 2022. Click on the title of this MOU to see the signed MOU.
Substitute Coverage: Teachers and instructional staff that provide voluntary class coverage during assigned planning periods or who assume additional instructional responsibilities by receiving students as a result of a class being divided, will receive an increased compensation for the 2021-2022 school year. Click on the title of this MOU to see the signed MOU.
Elementary Lunch Coverage: A predetermined number of elementary teachers, who elect to volunteer to work during their regularly scheduled lunch period will monitor their students in their classroom during lunch periods and receive a supplement. The number of available supplements will depend on the student enrollment for the school. The attached MOU outlines the number of supplements and the compensation to be earned by the teachers. The supplement will be in the amount of $2,500 ($625 per quarter). The compensation will be prorated based on the number of quarters completed by the teacher. The payment of the supplement will be remitted in December of 2021 and June of 2022. Click on the title of this MOU to see the signed MOU.
Covid-19 Administrative Leave for Testing: (Pending Board Approval) Duval County School Board (DCSB) employees are being granted 32 hours total, but not more than 16 hours for each test, of COVID Testing administrative leave during the 2021-2022 school year. This applies when employees are directed to be tested for COVID-19 by district medical personnel or the Department of Health personnel conducting contact tracing on behalf of DCSB. The district COVID testing process takes one day for testing administration and one additional day to wait for results. The COVID Testing administrative leave will begin on August 3, 2021.
Face Coverings (otherwise referred to as a mask mandate): This is for DCSB employees when entering and exiting all schools and district buildings and at all times while in a building, when not alone in a personal workspace or office, otherwise referred to as a mask mandate. The mask mandate will tentatively expire on September 3, 2021. However, the Superintendent may extend the mandate until the end of the 2021-2022 school year based on the health and safety of employees and students. Click on the title of this MOU to see the signed MOU.
Vaccination Clinic Schedule Fall 2021: DCSB created a schedule of locations for employees and students to get the Covid-19 Vaccine at schools throughout the district. The schedule provides a date and time for the first and second dose of the vaccine. Employees who need to get the vaccines will be given leave time to go and get the vaccines and then return to work. If you need a vaccine, please communicate with your administrator, and work out a time for you to get your vaccination. Click on the title to see the schedule.