FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020, 9:30 PM EST
City of Boston, Boston Teachers Union, Boston Public Schools establish expanded framework to improve quality and safety of in-person learning for high-need students
Innovative framework establishes and clarifies guidelines and guarantees for air quality, PPE, simultaneous instruction, staffing protocols, and more
BOSTON, MA – Today, a new framework guaranteeing key safety and quality measures for the benefit of high-needs students was mutually agreed upon by the Boston Teachers Union and the Boston Public Schools with the support of the City of Boston and Mayor Walsh.
Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston played a key role in continuing and finalizing the discussions surrounding the expanded framework over the course of the past week, solidifying important provisions that will help to further strengthen the in-person and remote learning conditions within the Boston Public School system for both hundreds of high-needs students, and for other students learning remotely, in collaboration and in partnership with the Boston Teachers Union.
The parties hailed the agreement as yet another key step being taken by the City of Boston and by Mayor Walsh to put public health at the center of all decisions and policies being made with regard to the operation of key systems including public education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
All stakeholders involved in the discussions had previously and mutually acknowledged that the failed White House response to the pandemic has put all communities, including Boston, in the position of making difficult choices with regard to balancing public health concerns with the need to ensure high-quality, in-person learning options for high needs students.
The agreement most immediately provides safety and quality-of-learning provisions for students, educators, and families at the four schools currently opening to high-needs students for in-person learning. Those four schools are the Carter School, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, McKinley Schools, and Henderson Inclusion School.
In a statement, BTU President Jessica Tang thanked educators who had spoken out for increased safety and learning-quality provisions, and praised Mayor Walsh for his role in making even further improvements and commitments to various protocols regarding PPE, air quality, staffing, and more within the Boston Public Schools.
“Despite some false reports to the contrary, BTU educators have consistently made clear our support for high quality, in-person learning service for high-need students–particularly those who have not been able to access quality remote learning. This framework that reflects the common sense solutions advocated for by union educators will make the in-person learning experience safer and higher quality for our students with the greatest needs,” said Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang. “The merit of these provisions sought by union educators speak for themselves. Our goal has always been to get our students the services they need as quickly as possible and are pleased that our highest needs students at these four schools are able to resume in person learning. It was through the support and under the leadership of Mayor Walsh that all stakeholders were able to reach agreement on the importance of taking these steps to protect the safety and quality of in-person learning for students.”
“This framework adopts important safety and quality-of-learning protections that union educators have long been advocating for in order to protect the learning experience and health of our high-needs students, of educators, and of families throughout Boston and beyond,” continued Tang. “We are thankful to Mayor Walsh for understanding and helping to implement these common sense and concrete provisions with regard to PPE, ventilation and filtration, testing, room temperature, handwashing, in-person status notification, contact tracing notification, staffing, and more. We applaud all of the educators and families who continued to speak up and speak out throughout this process in support of these provisions called for by the union, and we applaud the Mayor’s involvement as we worked together with City Hall to make these safety and quality learning protections become reality. Thanks to BTU educators and the City of Boston, we have an opportunity now to work together with the Boston Public Schools and Superintendent Cassellius to create a model of safer, high quality in-person learning for high-needs students that other districts may do well to follow as our nation grapples with the impact of COVID-19 on our school communities.”
“The principles guiding every decision we make around reopening our schools have always been centered on public health, safety, and equity for our students, faculty, and staff,” said Mayor Walsh. “I am pleased that an agreement has been reached with the Boston Teachers Union to further bolster public health safeguards in our school buildings and ensure that we can prioritize in-person learning for our students with the highest needs, while respecting family choice. We will continue to ensure that our schools are prepared, and the protocols are in place, to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and families.”
“BPS is excited to see some of our students with the highest needs return tomorrow to four of our schools serving vulnerable learners with complex disabilities. Due to the global pandemic, many of our students have gone too long without the critical in-person services that they require for their continued health and well-being. BPS has worked to provide additional safety measures to ensure our students and staff feel comfortable and safe in our buildings and are free to focus on teaching and learning,” said BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with our educators, staff, the Boston Public Health Commission, and community stakeholders to maintain our commitment to equity, public health and safety in all of our reopening planning and decision-making. I am thankful to the many hardworking teachers, school leaders and staff at these four schools, and all of our schools, who serve our children and families every day, especially during these very trying times.”
Boston Teachers Union members have been advocating for guidelines and guarantees consistent with the following provisions for these four schools, which were included comprehensively in the expanded in-person learning framework that was signed by the union and the Boston Public Schools on Sunday afternoon.
All stakeholders had clearly expressed their commitment to ensuring in-person learning options for high-needs students throughout the process and agreed that the final expanded framework reflects that shared commitment.
On-site COVID-19 testing availability:
Specifically, the framework reads that:
“BPS agrees to provide free weekly COVID testing to BTU members who consistently report to work in school buildings at the Carter School, Horace Mann, McKinley Schools, and Henderson via the City of Boston’s mobile testing program or at a nearby testing site up to 300 weekly tests. If more than 300 tests are needed, the City of Boston continues to offer over 1,500 free tests on a daily basis across the City of Boston. Additionally, BPS Health Services continues to work with BPHC, Children’s Hospital, and a select group of community-based health centers to pursue accelerated testing options.”
Clarified provisions ensuring educators receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Specifically, the framework reads that:
“BPS will have a 60-day supply of various types of masks (3-layer cloth masks, FDA-approved surgical/medical-grade masks, clear masks), eye protection, nitrite powder-free, latex-free gloves, and gowns for staff coming into the building who will be delivering in-person services. BPS will provide each nurse with five N95 masks for use in accord with CDC approved extended use protocols. If a nurse sees a student or staff member with COVID symptoms as defined by the CDC, and that student or staff member tests positive for COVID, BPS will provide the nurse with an additional N95 mask. BPS will have a 60-day supply of disposable masks for students who will be receiving in-person services.”
Read the full agreement here: https://btu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-MOA-re-Returning-HIPP-Students-to-Four-Schools-11.15.20.pdf.
Improved and concrete standards for ventilation and filtration:
Minimum standards for air quality in spaces to be used for in-person learning. Previously, there had been an agreement to test air quality, but this agreement specifies the actions BPS will take based on the results of those tests. Now, if tests reflect less than three air changes per hour, BPS will take action to increase the air changes per hour or provide a new classroom.
Specifically, the framework reads that:
“BPS agrees to that the listed schools will either have Central HVAC systems with dedicated or 100% outside air ventilation systems, or portable air purifier units installed in all learning spaces regularly occupied by students. MERV-13 filters have been purchased and will be installed within Central HVAC systems as guidance recommends for equipment as allowable. BPS agrees to install portable air purifier units in the four listed schools for all special education classrooms regularly being utilized by students for in-person learning as well as medical waiting areas and nurses’ offices. Air purifier units will be installed as warranted by square-footage of each room. BPS agrees to conduct air quality and ventilation testing in accordance with the options set forth in the Harvard School of Public Health 5 Step Guide to Checking Ventilation Rate in Classrooms in a representative sample of classrooms during school hours. If a majority of samples do not reflect an ACH of at least 3, BPS will increase the representative sample size of classrooms by 10%. BPS will allow a BTU observer and will share the measurements and results. If the test for a classroom reflects an ACH below 3, BPS will take action to increase the ACH to at least 3 or provide a new classroom. As suggested within guidance provided by the CDC, DESE, ASHRAE and the BPHC, BPS has complied with and completed all preventive maintenance and repairs required by the state to its HVAC systems within all BPS buildings. ASHRAE’s COVID-19 compliance checklist includes provision of adequate ventilation rates and air exchanges for all Central HVAC buildings, and uses Indoor Air Quality monitoring as a method for verification of adequate and sufficient ventilation. BPS agrees to release a bid for Indoor Air Quality data loggers, which will be installed in all BPS classrooms. The data loggers will measure IAQ metrics live and record them centrally to be managed and responded to as needed by Facilities Management. The IAQ data loggers will also allow BPS to provide direction and guidance for teachers and staff within non Central HVAC buildings to open or close windows as necessary to ensure proper ventilation rates.”
Read the full agreement here: https://btu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-MOA-re-Returning-HIPP-Students-to-Four-Schools-11.15.20.pdf.
New provisions to enhance in-person instruction for students:
An intentional commitment to reduce so-called simultaneous teaching. That means educators teaching these high needs students in-person will be able to better focus on in-person, high-needs students, while educators teaching remotely will be better able to focus on remote learners.
Read the full agreement here: https://btu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-MOA-re-Returning-HIPP-Students-to-Four-Schools-11.15.20.pdf.
A collaborative “opt-in” first approach to in-person staffing that provides additional protections for those with pre-existing conditions:
With the support of the union, Boston Teachers Union educators, especially those who do not have preexisting conditions or family members with preexisting conditions, have been opting in to conduct in-person learning despite rising COVID-19 positivity rates across the city. The new framework will ensure that those staff who opt-in for in-person learning duties will be prioritized in the assignments of in-person duties. The new framework establishes a collaborative process for when either due to COVID-19 infections or preexisting conditions a school or program needs to draw upon a wider base of educators than is available, while establishing a process to ensure additional appropriately-qualified and licensed BTU members are conducting in-person learning as needed to meet student and operational needs.
Read the full agreement here: https://btu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-MOA-re-Returning-HIPP-Students-to-Four-Schools-11.15.20.pdf.
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About the Boston Teachers Union:
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals, including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout the Boston Public Schools. We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve all working people’s quality of life. We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue our students, families, or colleagues’ lives or liberties.
About the Boston Public Schools:
As the birthplace of public education in this nation, the Boston Public Schools is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.
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ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FROM BOSTON TEACHERS UNION FACT-CHECKING GLOBE EDITORIAL:
The Boston Teachers Union also separately issued the following statement regarding misleading characterizations of the negotiations by a Boston Globe editorial writer, and regarding a lack of fact-checking by the Boston Globe editorial writer:
“A recent editorial put forth by a Boston Globe editorial writer was inaccurate and not adequately fact-checked with regard to particular proposals and solutions that had been issued by union members. Contrary to misinformation included in an editorial published on November 12, 2020 by a Boston Globe editorial writer, negotiations between the Boston Teachers Union and the City of Boston were ongoing late last week as City Hall began working more directly with union educators to nail down the details of how to best implement the safety and quality measures listed above that educators had long been advocating for. At no point had the union’s positions become “intransigent” as suggested by the Boston Globe editorial writer, but in fact, all parties have acknowledged that the union had been proactively offering solutions to facilitate safe in-person learning for students and more advance notice for parents of changes in in-person learning availability, in many cases since the spring. The safety and quality measures proposed by union members and ultimately accepted by the City of Boston had been relayed to Boston Public School administrators previously through documented negotiations — and were neither prompted by nor issued in response to any announcement regarding school reopening timelines. At the time of the misleading editorial’s publication, the union had been advocating that the district and city adopt not just a collaborative “opt-in” first approach, which ultimately was included in the framework announced today, but also several other safety measures that had not yet been agreed to. Contrary to the Globe editorial, the “opt-in” first approach was not the only outstanding issue in the ongoing negotiations at the time the editorial was published. Had the Boston Globe editorial board contacted the union, these key distinctions could have been easily rectified. The editorial writer falsely attributed “pointed, and sometimes unreasonable, demands” to the union without providing any evidence of what demands were pointed or unreasonable. All stakeholders maintain that the provisions within the adopted and expanded framework are reasonable and for the benefit of and in the mutual interest of students, educators, families, and the community. As evidenced by the actual framework document, those solutions were well within reason, and were ultimately agreed to by all parties with in some cases only slight modifications, contrary to the characterizations put forth by the Boston Globe editorial writer.”