MOU Update. . . .
The KEA and KSD teams have met twice to discuss the safety concerns that have been brought to our attention. It appears that in some buildings, educators and other staff have tested positive for COVID-19. We know that there have been exposures, and we are working hard on getting KSD to bargain COVID leave. At present, KSD has only agreed to allow staff to use sick leave. This is a hardship for our staff because 10 days of quarantine will use up your sick leave quickly. At this time, anyone who does test positive can assume that you got it from work and can file an L&I claim. KEA will help you with the process if this is needed. For now, our priority is to bargain COVID leave for all KEA members.
Admin Response to Safety Concerns. . . .
We are thankful that most admin are taking the pandemic seriously. Unfortunately, we have also heard about some of the social Meet and Greets, as well as some of the ice breaker games played during the workshop days that have put people at risk to exposure. When you have a safety concern, please report it to the administrator. If the response is to take care of it yourself, please contact KEA. More now than ever, we need leadership to step up and do everything that they can to reduce the risk of exposure. Some of you may feel comfortable confronting colleagues, but it is the building administrator’s job to talk with employees who are not wearing masks or who are coming to work ill. Again, we want to thank admin, and all employees, who are doing all they can to keep everyone safe.
WaKIDS Update. . . .
Kindergarten WaKIDS Family Connection meetings will be occurring in our schools this Thursday through Monday. Family Connection meetings are a required WaKIDS component per OSPI. These meetings provide the opportunity for families to meet with their child’s teacher, start a dialog and lay the foundation for a successful partnership in their child’s learning.
Due to the nature of these meetings, there is potential for multiple adults and children to be in the classroom at any given time. KEA understands the importance to provide a safe virtual alternative for our members and families that may feel uncomfortable meeting in-person. KEA has brought these concerns to KSD multiple times and the District now seems to better understand these issues. KSD has agreed that teachers or families who wish to limit in-person contact can now meet through a virtual option. KSD is working on a communication to all impacted building leaders with guidance on how to accommodate our members and families. Teachers with a need for this accommodation, share your concern with your administrator and your request should be honored.
Relatedly, OSPI has extended the WaKIDS Assessment deadline to November 12th, 2021 this year.
Vaccine Mandate. . .
We have been contacted by many members who have wondered why KEA is maintaining a neutral stance regarding the vaccine mandate. We have purposely communicated factual information regarding this issue. We know that most members support the mandate and are very passionate about the need for everyone to be vaccinated, but we also have some members who are just as passionate about not receiving the vaccine. The purpose of a union is to protect the members’ due process rights regardless of leadership’s personal views.
Therefore, we will continue to give updates regarding the mandate. Nothing has changed, all school employees will need to be vaccinated by October 4th, or the termination process will begin and be completed by October 18. The exceptions are those who intend to apply for medical accommodations or have religious objections. Those forms will be made available from the district when they are available.
