March Thoughts
Hi all,
Here we are, finally, two-thirds of the way through this challenging year. From the optimism of last summer, when we thought the pandemic was nearing an end, to the utter frustration of Omicron in January when we found ourselves thinking, is this ever going to end, it’s been one roller coaster ride.
COVID:
Change is upon us again as the state and county health departments lift the mask mandates (click here for the guidance). Clover Park has chosen, along with surrounding districts, to make mask wearing optional for most locations in the district. Those working in healthcare or hospital settings still have a mask requirement (ex. health rooms and facilities located at Western State Hospital).
At Interests and Issues on Wednesday, March 9th, the district indicated they will continue to make masks and other PPE available for those who have a need for it. Check with your COVID manager if you need more.
The governor’s emergency order regarding COVID is still in place so, our MOU is still in effect. Should you contract COVID and you believe your were exposed at school you can still complete the declaration form supporting your claim.
Membership matters:
State budget: You may have seen the news updates we have received from WEA. The legislature completed their session on time yesterday, March 10th. Included in the education package is a 5.5% COLA for all Prek-12 public school employees (please note, the requirement requires bargaining with local districts). There is money to support the reduction in case loads for those who provide social/emotional/health supports for students; to include counselors, school nurses, social workers and psychologists.
National Board Certificated Stipends: Concern has been expressed by many national board certified teachers about the potential impacts of COVID related issues on their stipends since the amount of the stipend is determined by the level of poverty in each school.
WEA staff have had conversations with OSPI and OSPI has listened to the concerns. Here is the link to the OSPI bulletin which was issued March 10, 2022 indicating that they are filing an emergency amendment to the WAC to be filed by May. As you can see this is only a temporary measure.
OSPI is filing an emergency amendment to WAC 392-140-973 that will allow schools designated as high poverty per the October 1st, 2019 FRPL percentages, used in the 2020–21 school year, to carry these FRPL percentages into 2021–22. This rule only affects schools that are not already designated as high poverty per the October 1, 2020 FRPL percentages. This rule will tentatively be filed on May 3rd and become effective for 120
days.
Listening Sessions and Bargaining Prep:
CPEA began to hold listening sessions last month to gather issues they feel need to be addressed in this upcoming bargain with CPSD. Elementary Interventionists are scheduled to meet Monday, March 14th at 3:45, SPED CTs and ESAs, March 23rd at 5:00, middle school March 30th at 4:00, Librarians Monday, April 11th at 3:30, MLL on Thursday, April 14 at 4:30 and middle school on April 14. Other listening sessions are added to the calendar as they are scheduled.
Parent Conferences:
Lastly, don’t forget there are extra hours available for parent conferences scheduled outside of the workday. You should schedule them in a way so they are no more than about 45 minutes apart (don't schedule one conference at 5pm and expect to be compensated for the hours between the end of the work day and the 5 pm conference). Also, remember, if you’ve scheduled that conference and the parent fails to attend you are still entitled to compensation.
Once again, thanks again for everything you do! You are absolutely amazing!
Deb Hansen, President