A lot of uncertainty is the umbrella that most of us are standing under right now. From the sudden departure of Dr. Watts, the ongoing changes in district leadership, contradicting information being communicated, and of course, COVID-19
School Opens Soon . . . .
The State expects all districts to offer full-time, in-person school for students. Last spring, KEA did offered to bargain an additional remote option, but were informed that the District intended to only offer an in-person option for our students. We were also informed that there was no need for an MOU because KSD intended to open using the current contract. With this information, we did not meet with KSD over the summer regarding opening with the new Delta variant, but the offer to bargain an MOU has stood. Since then, KSD has communicated with the public about possible remote learning possibilities should positive cases arise in a classroom. But there has been no communication with KEA. As of the newsletter being sent, KEA has requested a Demand to Bargain with the district. KSD did respond, and we will be meeting this Friday morning. Look for communication from KEA at the beginning of next week.
Possible State Mandates. . .
Chris Reykdal, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, has been urging Governor Inslee to mandate vaccinations for all education employees. We are expecting this announcement from the Governor very soon. KEA and WEA do not have a position on this, but we do feel strongly that the guidance from the Department of Health should be followed to keep our members and our students safe in the community.
We are also aware of the mandate that everyone will need to wear masks while indoors. Those guidelines were updated on July 28 by the State with some additional changes on August 10 for sports and extracurricular activities. Click here to read these
guidelines.
Preservice Meetings and Meet and Greets. . .
Many of you have contacted KEA regarding your administrators holding in-person preservice meetings and school Meet and Greets. We do not know the answers to why administrators want to hold events with large numbers of people in a confined space, but they do. Since KSD did not bargain an MOU, we will need to follow their directives.
However, if you do contract COVID-19 after returning to work, it will be presumed that you contracted it at work. You will need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim. Link to common asked questions is here.
We recognize that some of you are making difficult, personal and professional, decisions regarding the health of you and your family. All leaves or accommodations will need to go through Human Resources to be approved. You can contact us for guidance, but please make sure you are also in communication with Human Resources.
Please don't hesitate to contact us:
Office line – 253-852-1350
