SLTa Updates, Return to In-Person Instruction and Leaves

Dear SLTA Members,
Tonight, the SLUSD School Board will be hearing a presentation by Superintendent Mike McLaughlin on the reopening of our schools to in-person instruction.  The Board is expected to consider a motion to safely reopen schools in a phased process beginning in January, 2021.

SLTA's Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the District tomorrow to discuss next steps in bargaining.  In September, SLTA submitted a "Demand to Bargain", which brings the Union and the District to the table to negotiate changes to working conditions related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Remember that until now, School Districts developed a Distance Learning program because the Governor's Executive Order instructed them to do so.  As both the State and the County ease restrictions, it is incumbent on local districts to prepare for our inevitable return.  
At every step along the way, your Bargaining Team is committed to fighting for the priorities expressed by you, our Members, in surveys, emails, site meetings and working sessions:
• Maintain the safest level of health and safety standards for our members and the community.
• Maintain contractual guarantees around a manageable workload and work hours.
• Build a program that gives SLTA Members the highest level of professional agency while building a quality educational program.
Last week, I joined teachers in Alameda County to sign onto a letter to ACOE Superintendent Karen Monroe and ACPHD Director Dr. Nicholas Moss.  Our letter calls for the highest level of PPE,  ventilation, distancing protocols, screening, testing, tracing, and reporting in Alameda County as a condition of school openings.  You can access that letter here.
Earlier this month, I shared a memo with you outlining your rights with regard to sick leaves.  A more detailed guide to leaves and accomodations is available here from CTA.org.
I will update you later this week about our discussion with the District, and our plans to return to the Bargaining Table to continue our work.
In Solidarity,
​Tom