Feb 14th – Addendum to the Oct 31st Transitional Learning MOU, to prepare for March reopening

Here is the addendum to the MOU that we just reached agreement on, outlining the steps to reopening in March 2021:

And here is the original MOU on Transitional schedules for reopening:

NTA Negotiates New Timeline February 14, 2021

Hello NTA members, NTA Negotiates Addendum to MOU When the District took unilateral action earlier this week regarding the start of school, many of us became concerned with the rushed timeline and the numerous safety concerns that it created. Fortunately, earlier today, NTA leaders were able to successfully negotiate an addendum to our MOU that creates for a better, safer, and more responsible return for in person learning. There is no question that the reason NTA leaders were able to make changes is due to the collective strength we demonstrated all week, particularly during Thursday’s All Member Meeting.  Here is a summary to the relevant sections (full MOU attached here): PreK-6th grade Transitional Week: Monday (2/22): Early Release day to ensure that staff learn protocols that will be implemented when students return. Meeting has to include question and answer portion so that members have their needs and concerns addressed.  Tuesday (2/23), Wednesday (2/24), Thursday (2/25), and Friday( 2/26):  Shall be minimum days and members will remain in distance learning. Members do not have to provide new materials to students. After students are done with their day, teachers shall have the discretion for planning and prep (being on campus will be optional). Note: on Tuesday 2/23 and Wednesday 2/24, Non-NTA staff will meet with students to help students acclimate to being back on campus (members are not responsible for this). PreK-2nd grade – First Phase: PreK-2nd grade shall begin in person instruction on March 1, 2021, utilizing the schedule included in the 10/31/2020 MOU PreK-2nd grade staff shall receive 2 sub days for teachers to do one-on-one testing during the 2020-2021 school year. PreK-2nd grade staff shall receive a $500 stipend for the rapid transition into in-person instruction.  3rd-6th grade (self contained)- Second Phase:3rd-6th grade shall begin in person instruction on March 8, 2021, utilizing the scheduled included in the 10/31/2020 MOU Secondary Schools (7th-12th)- Third Phase: Shall begin in person instruction once county guidelines allow for reopening. Based on current trends, this may be as early as March 8, 2021, but more likely, by March 15, 2021. NTA will send additional updates as soon as possible. Transitional week (minimum days) shall start the same week 7-12 come back to in person instruction.  All Grades (PreK-12):Parents may now only change a students designation (from virtual to in class) on March 29th, April 12th, April, 26th, May 10th, or May 24th. Members must be given at least 24 hours notice before student attends in person instruction. Paid time for Vaccine: Members shall be released without loss of pay if vaccine is during work day Paid time for Vaccine: Members shall be placed on paid leave if they become ill as a result of being vaccinated (not deducted from member’s sick leave). Additional Paid Leaves: If a member who is exposed or test positive for COVID-19 (within 14 days after performing in-person services) and are required to quarantine and cannot work remotely shall be placed on paid leave (not deducted from member’s sick leave).  Construction at Elementary Schools The District has assured NTA that any ongoing construction shall not interfere will in person instruction. In addition, they have assured us that Paso Verde School will be with power prior to in person instruction as well as provide movers.  The rushed approach to reopen schools is not only creating safety concerns throughout the district, it is putting immense stress on teachers and school sites that are not physically ready.  Updated Students for In-Person Instruction- Divide by 50% for daily totals (Cohort A and Cohort B) American Lakes: 246 Bannon Creek: 148 Hight:318 Heron: 384 Jefferson: 269 Natomas Park: 287 Paso Verde: 311 Two Rivers: 296 Witter: 277 Appreciation for all NTA members that have helped during the negotiation process as well as rising to the occasion  for our students and community.  NTA United for Students, Safety, and Equity!

In solidarity, NTA negotiations team: Brenda Borge Kristen Rocha Mara Harvey Georgia Schaaf Lydiana Alfaro Ranbir Bains Randy Hodge Rachel Green Maria Atherley Justin Vorhauer Emily Baker Michael Ferguson