- We were asked to give input into the survey and were aware of it, but did not know exactly when it was going out. We now know it is out.
- BPS has agreed to share the back-end of the survey results with us.
- The survey is non-binding – if you say yes or maybe, it does NOT mean you will be automatically reassigned.
- The survey is for BPS to collect some initial interest in providing in-person HIPP services for students and hearing more about what conditions educators are concerned about.
With this understanding, we do encourage our members to fill out the survey.
As shared this morning in the regular bulletin, we are meeting regularly with stakeholders and leaders with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpedPac), Boston Education Justice Alliance (BEJA), Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC) and our own members of the HIPP Task Force (including a representation of educators with expertise in special education, SLIFE, ABA, paraprofessional, nurse and related service provider instruction) to jointly advocate for a safe and sensible plan for our highest needs students.
The BTU is advocating for a plan that includes the following minimum standards:
- Safe facilities, including rooms with HEPA air purifiers, HVAC systems with MERV 13 filters for buildings that can support them and independent verification of air quality
- An ample and adequate supply of medical grade PPE
- Weekly rapid and convenient testing for staff
- Educators working with students either in person, or remote – NOT simultaneous
- BTU educators must be able to choose to opt-in
Since BPS has not yet shared a comprehensive proposal with us, we are working on adapting a proposal we sent to BPS in August to meet the needs of HIPP students. The proposal is being co-created with our stakeholders.
While BTU members can choose to work remotely from BPS school buildings during this remote phase, no one should be or can be required to work in buildings with students until we have a signed MOA that clarifies the conditions that educators and students need for safe in-person services. We have been advocating for such a plan before the city-wide average hit 4% and have continued to advocate for such a plan since. While we did not want to see any interrupted services for our HIPP students, in lieu of a safe and quality plan from BPS, there was no other option.
Please let your parents and families know that it is absolutely not the BTU holding up in-person services, but the lack of an adequate, safe plan that prioritizes safety and non-simultaneous instruction that has been the issue. We were asking for a better plan weeks, if not months, ago.
If you have further questions, please do reach out to your Field Rep, Organizer or other staff member at the BTU. Thank you, as always, for your hard work and commitment to our students during this difficult time. Please also remember to vote!
In solidarity,
BTU Officers and Staff