When will on campus instruction begin?

At this time and unless conditions prohibit, we will plan to offer on campus instruction beginning September 8, 2020.

Since the first 3 weeks of school will be 100% virtual instruction, will I be required to be in the District or will I be allowed to work remotely?

Expectations for working remotely will include being on-site in your own classroom where you will have the resources you need to provide the best in-person or virtual educational experience for your students. Exceptions for on-site may be considered on an individual basis.

What, if anything, is being done for employees who have younger children at home, including Jr High and High School students?

The District is researching options to support our employees who have younger children and the difficulties they may face returning to work.

How will things such as faculty meetings, department meetings, training, etc. take place?

In accordance with TEA guidelines, these procedures provide that large meetings will occur virtually when possible and large gatherings will be limited at this time.

If I am asked to quarantine because of a case at my school, will I have to use sick/personal days? Will I still get paid?

Santa Fe ISD will take great care in addressing these individual concerns with employees as each situation is different. The federal CARES Act provides protection for employees who become ill due to COVID-19. Additionally, you can contact Becky Wright, Benefits Coordinator, at becky.wright@sfisd.org to work through potential leave options.

What steps do employees need to take if they feel like they are not able to return to work?

All employees are considered Essential Employees as the TEA Commissioner has determined that all schools must reopen. Any employee who believes he or she qualifies for leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) or any other SFISD approved leaves or who has specific concerns or who believes he/she may qualify for reasonable workplace accommodations should contact Human Resources or the Benefits Coordinator, Becky Wright, at becky.wright@sfisd.org.

What training will employees receive in regards to COVID-19?

In addition to the SafeSchools mandatory compliance training, training will also be provided such as disinfecting and sanitizing your workplace, etc., that will ensure that you are equipped to work in this “new” and unchartered learning environment. The Connecting the Future Back to School Plan 2020 has protocols on page 7. Click this link for details Santa Fe ISD COVID-19 Standard Response Protocol.

Will testing be provided to staff/employees on a regular basis?

At this time, Santa Fe ISD will not provide COVID-19 testing; however, we will be working closely with the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) to offer testing options.

If I get COVID-19 from a student or co-worker, will I be able to file worker’s compensation?

Employees can certainly file for worker’s compensation if they feel they were exposed to COVID-19 while at work.  This will be a decision by the Texas Workforce Commission.

What precautions are being taken for employees, especially high-risk employees?

SFISD will practice the following to mitigate the likelihood of spreading COVID-19: 

• Self-screening for staff, students, and visitors will be required before entering a campus, facility, or bus.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at every entrance, in every classroom, and on buses to be used upon entry.
• Implement more frequent and additional cleaning practices.
• All students and employees will be trained on appropriate methods and practices to protect themselves and others.
• All employees will be trained on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
• Comply with Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-29 regarding the wearing of face masks or face shields when practical and when social distancing is not feasible – adults and developmentally appropriate children are required to wear a face mask. This personal protective equipment will be provided by the District for you.
• Implement social distancing protocols on all District campuses, facilities, and buses in accordance with TEA guidelines.
• Visitors will be restricted to only those essential to school operations.

What is the process if an employee is infected with COVID 19? What is the process if an employee is exposed to a person thought to have COVID 19?

Staff, students, and visitors should report to their campus nurse if they have come in close contact with someone who is lab confirmed with COVID-19 or if they themselves have experienced COVID-19 symptoms. Department employees will report directly to Jodi Nash, Lead Nurse. Any individual who indicates they have symptoms, have been in contact with an individual who is positive, or resides with someone with symptoms or has tested positive, will not be admitted to any District campus, facility, or bus and are to notify the school nurse to determine re-entry criteria. Please click this link  SFISD Connecting the Future 2020 for more details regarding procedures for SFISD Health and Safety beginning on page 6.  These procedures are in compliance with the Texas Education Agency, CDC and the Galveston County Health District.

Will contact tracing be used?

Our nurses will talk to each person who has tested positive to understand who that person might have encountered. That information is private, and your identity will not be divulged to anyone contacted by the nurse. SFISD will notify the Galveston County Health District if an individual has been in a District facility and is lab confirmed with COVID-19. In coordination with health officials, the District will notify all individuals in a school or facility if a lab confirmed COVID-19 case is identified.

Will daily health screening be done for those returning to work?

Daily self-screening for staff, students, and visitors will be required before entering a campus, facility, or bus. Any individual who indicates they have symptoms, have been in contact with an individual who is positive, or resides with someone with symptoms or has tested positive, will not be admitted to any District campus, facility, or bus and are to notify the school nurse to determine re-entry criteria.