USEP Update – Friday, Sept. 4th, 2020

Greetings, USEP members,

Let me provide you with the latest updated information as it relates to USEP concerns:

• Classroom cleaning –
  • Spray disinfectant is provided for each classroom, however, USE OF THIS DISINFECTANT IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. Each worksite has a machine that mixes the concentrated disinfectant to exact tolerances, and the diluted mix is “not classified as hazardous” according to documents provided by the District. “After mixing, the product is 90-100% water and all other ingredients are measured at .01%.”
  • Additional money has been sent to all worksites for PPE use only. If you would like hand sanitizer for your classrooms, please have that conversation with your administration and ask for the money to be used in this manner.
• Breakfast in the Classroom –
  • Several options have been made available and USEP will be having additional conversation with senior District staff on Tuesday to attempt to resolve this situation.
• Dismissal Concerns –
  • Seemed to be mostly at the elementary level, but some secondary schools had issues as well.
  • Conversation was had with Assistant Superintendents who are working with school administrators and transportation to remedy these situations. Already we have received information that changes have been made to eliminate long waits for busses and students.
• Instructional Deliberate Practice –
  • Due date has been extended to September 21, 2020, at the request of USEP to give employees time to select and plan their DP.
• SRP Payback –
  • USEP received questions on the paying of taxes on the “payback” money. We inquired of the process from District and got this response.
    • “Whatever Federal taxes an SRP pays in the advance checks, the District will “reduce future Federal withholding taxes” equivalent to the total amount of taxes for the remaining 19 checks so the end result will mean a “wash” or ZERO tax implications on the advanced monies.”
• Negotiations –
  • The Instructional and SRP Bargaining teams continue to meet to discuss pertinent issues. Next SRP meeting is next Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 6:30 PM and the Instructional team meets Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
  • Impact Bargaining with the District takes place next Tuesday at 1:30 PM. We will try to resolve some of the major issues still of concern.
• COVID-19 Information –
  • The Department of Health is making all decisions on when students and/or employees are sent home based on their COVID RESPONSE TEAM investigation. The message, however, may be delivered by an administrator based on the DOH decision.

If you are being given conflicting information at your worksite, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BUSINESS REP!