Good evening,
The situation before us has been a learning curve to say the least. This is unchartered territory and we are working to expeditiously make informed decisions while fielding what seems to be minute by minute changes to what is happening around us.
We cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support and concern for students and colleagues – your passion is certainly shining during this trivial time. The good news is that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced today that they will be providing waivers for student contact time, which is a huge relief for all of us as we continue to navigate the weeks ahead.
Most regular full-time equivalent employees (not part-time, timesheet) in the following groups: administrative support professionals; administrative, supervisory and technical; community and student support; educational support professionals; facilities; food services; interpreters; and teachers are not to report to work effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. All aforementioned FTE will be paid as usual during this time.
In addition, the following Non-FTE positions with consistent work hours (aka part-time, timesheet assignments) will also be paid as usual during this time:
- Cafeteria worker
- Clerical who have a consistent schedule
- Food service technician II and III
- Library aide
- Long-term substitute special education ESP
- Long-term substitute teacher
- Noon hour monitor
- Student help I, II and III
- Title I classroom ESP
All other part-time, timesheet employees, other than those outlined above, will not be paid during this time. Individuals not being paid during this time may file for unemployment at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/.
Some supervisors may ask essential staff to work during the closure to meet the needs of the district. Positions that may be asked to come in include (this list may change based on needs):
- Building principals
- Central office facilities staff (warehouse, custodians, etc.)
- Central office food services for cold lunch program
- Central office finance staff
- Central office information services staff
- Communications staff
- Educational accountability staff
- HR staff
- Leadership council
Individuals in non-exempt positions deemed essential and asked to work by their supervisor will receive flextime to be used by Dec. 31, 2020.
All previously scheduled absences (e.g. sick, vacation, unpaid leave) during the closure will not be counted. The Office of HR will reverse any pending absences in Frontline. No action is required on your part.
Please know that buildings will be closed to the public as of the end of day today, but staff will be able to access buildings until the end of day Tuesday to collect items if needed. After Tuesday buildings will be closed for disinfecting. The ESC will remain open for essential staff and will be cleaned regularly during this time, but it will be closed to the public.
Many other staff questions have been answered in this newly created STAFF ONLY Q&A. This includes some info that was shared with the general public yesterday, but also has additional information that relates to staff only, be sure to check it out today.
Again, we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we have worked through this and will continue to keep you updated.
Thank you,
Dr. Sue Savaglio-Jarvis