Published On: February 25, 2021
In this special bulletin, we are sharing the latest reopening updates as we continue to advocate for safety, vaccinations and instructional integrity.

We continue to work with AFT-MA, MTA, the Mass Firefighters, Mass Nurses Association and the AFL-CIO for the Last Mile program and rapid, immediate vaccination of educators. Please take a moment to call the Governor’s office at 617-725-4005 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and share why educators and school staff – particularly those who are in-person and are set to return on Monday and beyond – need immediate access.  

Don’t forget to change your social media frame as well:
Vaccinating Educators Is Good for Students
Vaccinating School Workers Is Good for Students
Vaccinate School Workers
Vaccinate Educators

On Tuesday, the Governor and Commissioner of Education held a press conference about elementary students coming back to in-person schooling 5 days a week. This announcement came as a surprise because there is still no plan from the state on how all educators will get vaccinated. It is also impractical considering that such a goal contradicts recommendations from the latest CDC guidance around 6 feet of social distancing, bus protocols and many other both operational and instructional considerations. See our full press statement on this issue.

Every week there is new information, new developments and announcements. While we always have our weekly bulletins, for all of the latest and most up-to-date information, please do remember to follow the BTU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In preparation for the March 1 reopening, our independent air quality inspectors have been working in collaboration with the district and city’s testing. The inspections are on track to be completed by the end of next week and so far, there have been no egregious violations. We also continued our walkthroughs of school buildings and visited four more yesterday. The physical facilities, including air purifiers, operational windows, cleaned HVAC systems and filters seem to be in place, as does access to PPE, hand sanitizer, cleaning products and hand washing supplies. 

Building Reps: Please remember to conduct your walkthroughs with your School Safety Teams by tomorrow and fill out the survey if you haven’t done so already.  

Here is a summary of the results we have received so far:
We are analyzing the data we received to address gaps, inconsistencies, and concerns.  For example, BPS is executing the installation of the Indoor Air Quality Loggers. Here are some additional reminders:
  • Please remember that if your school needs additional air purifiers, supplies, etc., be sure to ask your school leader to request them from the district – there are plenty more supplies available. 
  • Be sure not to use the GeneFect disinfectant for cleaning surface areas where eating occurs. Check with your custodian for the appropriate cleaner. 
  • It is also best to open additional windows during meal times as well. 
  • Be sure to check that bathrooms have working exhaust fans – you should be able to see and hear them. You can also test if the fan is working by holding a tissue paper near the vent. If there is no visible movement, it is not on and facilities should be contacted immediately. 
  • For the safety of all, it is very important that everyone continue to abide by strict adherence to mask wearing, social distancing, proper usage of additional PPE, and frequent hand washing/hand sanitizing and not touching your face, eyes or mouth.
  • Remember to call the BPS Energy Office if your room is too cold or too hot: (617) 635-8740
We are also continuing to follow up with the BPHC and Health Services concerning contact tracing, communications and targeted reviews of schools with high numbers of COVID cases. If you have concerns, please do reach out to a BTU staff member.

Lastly, our annual Winter Conference is taking place this Saturday. We will begin with a plenary in regards to reopening, and workshops will be focused on building power and planning for the future as we begin increasing our attention to our master contract campaign in anticipation of our contract expiring in August of this year. We will also be launching our new member survey as we prepare a new package proposal for the Schools Our Students Deserve. Please register today! Registration closes tomorrow, Friday, February 26 at 12 p.m.

Thank you everyone for your continued vigilance, commitment and hard work to ensure our students, educators and communities are as safe as they can be and are getting what they need academically, emotionally and physically. Your work continues to inspire. Despite what some of the public may think, we know you all are the true heroes looking out for our students, schools and families and everyone’s best interests.

In solidarity,
President Tang, BTU Officers and staff 

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