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2020-2021 School Year COVID-19 Information
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Staff Frequently Asked Questions
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The answers below are based on the guidelines as of July 15th. All answers are subject to change based on new information the District may receive from the Health Department, CDC, government, or other pertinent organizations.
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How will sick days related to COVID-19 be handled?
Staff members may take sick leave from their bank or they may qualify for paid leave under the Family First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) based on the guidelines below which will apply through December 31, 2020.
FFCRA guidelines are listed below:
- Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a healthcare provider), and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis; or
- Two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay because the employee is unable to work because of a bona fide need to care for an individual subject to quarantine (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a healthcare provider), or care for a child (under 18 years of age) whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, and/or the employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Labor.
Additionally, if an employee has been employed for at least 30 days they may qualify for the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) which will apply through December 31, 2020 based on the following guideline.
- Up to an additional 10 weeks of paid expanded family and medical leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay where an employee is unable to work due to a bona fide need for leave to care for a child whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19.
If you would like to be considered for the FFCRA leave you will need to communicate with your supervisor and fill out the FFCRA request form. You should contact Laura Ford, benefits coordinator at lford@fortosage.net You will need to talk to both your supervisor and Laura Ford, Benefits Coordinator, and you will need to fill out the proper forms and get the required documentation.
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What will staff screening protocols look like at school?
Staff members will be screened each day at school. Plans are being developed on how this will be implemented.
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What will student screenings entail?
Staff will check students for visual signs or symptoms of illness. Plans are being developed on how this will be implemented.
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Will masks be required or can face shields be worn? Will the District provide either of these items?
Per Jackson County Guidelines, all staff members will be required to wear a mask. The District has purchased one reusable mask for each staff member. Clear masks are also being purchased for those staff members who would prefer one. Per current Jackson County guidelines, face shields are not a substitute for masks at this time. As more information becomes available, we will share that with staff.
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If I don’t feel well, whom do I need to notify?
Anytime you do not feel well, you need to stay home and notify your supervisor. You may use your sick leave or take additional leave as allowed by law if you qualify.
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Will we be social distancing in the classroom?
Although it is not feasible to maintain six feet apart at all times social distancing will be promoted. This could look different at each school, due to the difference in the spaces, and it could include.
- Staggering the use of common spaces, including the cafeteria, playground and other areas
- Rearranging furniture and equipment to move students farther apart
- Adjusting recess and lunch schedules to allow for more cleaning and disinfection
- Modifying passing periods
- Changing arrival and dismissal procedures
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What happens if we shut down again?
If the District is unable to offer in person school we will shift to distance learning.
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Are there any reasons why I may be exempt from returning to work?
If you are unable to perform the essential functions of your job due to a medical condition. which may qualify you for FMLA, you should contact Laura Ford, Benefits Coordinator, at lford@fortosage.net or 650-7021.
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What will happen if we do not have enough substitute teachers?
The District is working on a number of ideas that could be put in place.
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Will students be eating breakfast and lunch in the classroom?
Classrooms and common areas will be utilized for breakfast and lunch to promote social distancing. Although we are still working through the logistics of this plan, it may include various staff members, including non instructional staff to help supervise.
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Will my duties potentially look different than in the past?
Your general job responsibilities will be the same. Additional support may be needed to help buildings implement social distancing measures at various times during the day.
