March 27, 2020
Dear Member,
I hope that everyone is staying home and managing their lives during this difficult time. Now this “stay in place” order looks like it will most likely be extended, and the State Legislature passed HB 197 last evening, we have a better idea of the expectations including more clarity as we move forward. CFT will keep everyone updated as we move forward. The most important thing is for everyone to stay healthy and take care of yourselves. The district is changing their long-term protocol for people to work from home and will send out guidelines. It is important that people cling to hope as people begin feeling isolated.
HB 197 Updates:
1. Student Food Hubs will continue for families. Children will not have to be in attendance with their parents to pick up student meals. There are many volunteers who are providing resources for our families on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week from 11:00-1:00.
2. Educator Licenses – If your license is expiring this year:
This law permits ODE to issue one-year, nonrenewable, provisional licenses to educators that have met all other requirements for the requested license except for the requirement to pass a subject area exam prescribed by the State Board. However, an educator that is issued a provisional license is required to take and pass the appropriate subject area exam prior to expiration of the license as a condition of advancing the license.
Extends a license’s validity until the sooner of 90 days after the emergency declared by Executive Order ends or December 1, 2020, if the license would otherwise expire during the emergency, unless it is revoked, suspended, or otherwise subject to discipline or limitation under the applicable law for reasons other than complying with the deadline extensions by delaying in taking action to maintain the license.
3. School Boards will now be able to meet electronically – the CPS board’s next meeting will be televised online on April 4th at 4:00 pm.
4. This law permits school districts to use distance learning to make up for any missed days or hours of instruction caused by the ordered closure of Ohio schools. The time we are off will not have to be made up – we will be paid but the state expects students to have opportunities for instruction. That can look very different based on what you teach and the level that you teach. Everyone is expected to continue communications with students, families and fellow staff members. A district email was sent last week that explained that it can be through emails, calls, Schoology, Google Classroom, paper packets, etc.
5. This law allows special ed providers to utilize tele-health and electronic communication methods to students who are receiving special education services. All the information regarding special education can be downloaded here.
6. The state tests will be waived.
7. The state report cards for the 2019-2020 school year will be waived and they will create a safe harbor from sanctions; it permits seniors to graduate if school determines they are on track; and gives waivers for the Third-Grade Reading Guarantee.
8. It also makes evaluations permissive and prohibits the use of value-added data and allows the State Superintendent to waive the College Credit Plus timelines during the Covid-19 emergency. I have been invited as Co-Chair of the Ohio 8 to serve on a statewide advisory committee for the Governor and ODE to help work through all of the issues related to the K-12 guidance documents.
9. Extends absentee voting by mail for the March 17, 2020 primary election to April 28, 2020. See other section for details.
10. Be on the lookout for ODE’s Considerations for providing services for Students with Disabilities during the closure.
Payroll is scheduled for next week’s pay. Extended time will be paid for all stipends, Schedule E and Overtime after the district is up and running. Please be patient as the district works through these issues. Please check your paystubs and W2s while you are off. The district will be updating their website daily for any changes with district information.
For now, stay safe, and (if you’re able) stay indoors…..but also stay in touch with family, friends and co-workers. We need each other now more than ever.
Best in Solidarity,
Julie Sellers