Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,
I’m writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have come up since my last message.
Revised Employee and Parent Notification Letters
The SDCOE Communications team has updated our template letters to include language required in
Assembly Bill 685 relating to COVID-19 benefits options and disinfecting plans following a positive case at a worksite. We’ve also revised the definition of “close contact,” per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and added recommendations for testing for close contacts, per the San Diego County Health officer.
AB 685, set to become law Jan. 1, requires an employer to provide written notice within one business day to all employees who were at the same worksite as an employee who has tested positive, been ordered to isolate due to exposure, or has died from COVID-19 during the infectious period. Employers are also required to contact these employees with information on COVID-19-related leave and relevant civil rights protections. All employees should be notified of the disinfection and safety plans the employer plans to complete.
The following letters were created or updated, and are available in English and Spanish:
There are additional important requirements outlined in AB 685 that employers must consider. We recommend you review them with your legal team.
Complying With the Brown Act During COVID-19
As many of you are aware, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation has put numerous school districts in San Diego County
on notice of potential violation of the Brown Act specifically regarding newly administered regulations provided to allow for the public to speak or comment on agenda or non- agenda items at school board meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many, if not all, school districts continue to conduct their board meetings virtually via teleconference, SDCOE’s general counsel has created
this guidance on complying with the intent and spirit of the Brown Act as it relates to public comments at board meetings.
North County School Employee Testing Site Location Change
The North County school personnel testing site at the Del Mar Fairgrounds has been moved from Bing Crosby Hall to the Ballast Point Paddock Tavern. The new location is right across the field from the old site, and signage will direct visitors to the new location.
Thank you for all you are doing during these unprecedented times. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul
Dr. Paul Gothold
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools
phone: 858-295-6641
