M-DCPS / UTD
LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING
2021-2022 Reopening Plan
GUIDING PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS
This Letter of Understanding (LOU) confirms the collaborative agreement held between
MiamiDade County Public Schools (M„DCPS) and the United Teachers of Dade (UT D) regarding
the 2021-2022 M-DCPS Re-Opening Plan. The parties, along with representatives from the
Office of Academics and Transformation, School Operations, Safety/Environmental
Management the Office of Human Capital Management, and the Office of Labor Relations and
Compensation Administration, met to discuss modifications to the contract provisions
referencing Article Xl, Planning for Teaching and Learning; Article XVII
Paraprofessional/Associate
Educator/School Support Personnel; Article XVIII — Office Employees; Article XX — Teaching
Conditions; Article XXII, Academic Freedom; Article XXVI, EESAC Waivers; Appendix D,
Compensatory Benefits; and other employee expectations during the 2021-2022 school year.
As M-DCPS students and staff fully return to classes for the 2021-2022 school year, both parties
remain committed to providing students with a world-ctass education while also maintaining a
safe environment for working and learning. As a result of the continued presence of COVID-19
in our communitYF the parties recognize that additional health and safety considerations are
needed as we begin the 2021-2022 school year, The parties agree this document applies only
and specifically to the 2021-2022 school year, and all terms are nonprecedent setting.
Health and Safety
The District will continue to focus on providing enhanced health and safety precautions. These
protocols were created using information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). The parties agree to
continue using guidance from the CDC and FDOH and/or the Ad Hoc Public Health and Medical
Experts Task Force to formulate safety protocols in schools. Relaxation of protocols may only
occur based on the recommendation of the CDC, Medical Experts Task Force, or upon mutual
agreement of the parties.
Facial coverings M-DCPS will implement a temporary requirement of mandatory facial
coverings white indoors for all employees} students, visitors, and vendors at school sites,
except those students medically endorsed as defined in s. 1003.22 of Florida Statutes. Local
COVID-19 metrics including positivity rate and related information shall be continuously
reviewed to modify and/or discontinue any established protocols and/or requirements for
facial coverings. The previous sentence only applies to facial coverings. School-sites will
maintain a supply of facial coverings and other essential Personal Protective Equipment.
Employees interacting with students on a medical opt out shall be provided all necessary PPE to
mitigate the increased risk.
Enhanced Health and Safety Precautions o Contact tracing. A contact investigation will be
conducted in the event a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, to determine
who may have been exposed to this student or staff member. Seating charts will be one of
Letter of Understanding Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 9
the tools used to assist in the contact investigation. Unvaccinated individuals must
quarantine. Individuals who are
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futly vaccinated will not need to quarantine and may remain at the site provided they
meet ALL the following CDC criteria o Two weeks have passed since receiving:
A single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), or
2. The second dose in a two-dose series.
o They remain asymptomatic after the current COVID-19 exposure.
If a fully vaccinated individual does not meet ALL the above criteria, the individual will
be required to quarantine.
o Extended Sick Leave without pay shall be granted to employees upon request who
cannot physically return to work under the conditions of the pandemic due to
documented medical issues of themselves or a member of their household. Employees
may utilize accrued sick days during this leave at their discretion.
o ADA and Miami-Dade Virtual Schoolr As Miami-Dade Virtual School (MDVS) continues to
hire for the 2021-2022 school year, individuals with approved ADA accommodations to
work remotely during the 2020-2021 school year, will be given priority consideration to
transfer for an instructional or non-instructional position according to certification and
experiencer Interested personnel must submit a resumé to Miami-Dade Virtual School
by close of business August 30, 2021 to be considered. Personnel may be released to
MDVS once a replacement has been identified. All positions at MDVS perform their job
responsibilities daily at an assigned school facility. Subsequent to the timelines for ADA,
other interested instructional personnel must submit a resumé to Miami-Dade Virtual
School between August 31, 2021 , through close of business September 7, 2021 to be
considered. Personnel may be released to MDVS once a replacement has been
identified.
o Healthcare. The 90-day waiting period for employee healthcare, dependent healthcare,
life insurancef short term disability will be waived through December 30, 2021. At that
time this will be reevaluated, and a decision will be made for the rest of the year. All
copay and cost shares will be waived for COVID-19 related diagnosis, testing and
vaccinations covered under the Board insurance plan. Additionally, U TD and M-DCPS
Wilf continue to explore effective educational strategies that will be implemented
throughout the school year.
o Notification. Anyone at the school/site identified as having been in close contact with
the individual who was confirmed positive by the FDOH, or self-reported cases will be
contacted directly by the school/site administration as soon as possible, but not to
exceed one business day, barring unusual circumstances. The school community,
including parents and employees, will also be notified with a general notification via
automated messaging, telephone and/or email Itinerant personnel and substitutes who
were present at the location during the investigation period will be notified just like any
other location employee. Al impacted individuals will be encouraged to get tested.
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o Students. A student who has been exposed and is unvaccinated must quarantine,
however, a student who is fully vaccinated and can provide evidence of full vaccination
does not have to quarantine if the student is asymptomatic. A student who has tested
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positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine until the FDOH notifies the District
School Health Office (DSHO) that the student is cleared to return to school. The DSHO
will notify the school principal who will then notify the student's parent/guardian and
teachersF
o Quarantine. Employees who are asked to quarantine due to Direct Exposure (<6 feet for
> 15 minutes) to a COVID-19 positive individual at the workplace may work remotely, if
possible. Their attendance will be recorded as Temporary Duty, when working remotely,
and the comment "Working remotely due to workplace exposure" will be indicated in
the comment portion of the leave card for the duration of the quarantine period. If an
employee is able to work remotely, but chooses not to, the employee must follow
District guidelines and worksite procedures for sick or personal leave. Additionally, if the
employee is unable to return to work after the quarantine period, or if the employee is
unable to work remotely, they should follow District guidelines and worksite procedures
for sick or personal leave. During the 2021-2022 school year, fulltime employees who
were exposed at the worksite, may be compensated for up to 10 days related to COVID-
19 quarantine. Prior to September 30, 2021, vaccinated and unvaccinated full-time
employees who must quarantine due to exposure at the worksitet will be eligible for
reimbursement of leave days consistent with the Family First Coronavirus Response Act
(FFCRA). After this date, unvaccinated employees must follow District guidelines and
worksite procedures for sick or personal leave. Vaccinated employees who are asked to
quarantine or isolate after September 30 th who are unable to work remotely and have
not exhausted their available 10-day COVID-19 quarantine days will not have leave
charged to the employees accrued sick or personal leave time for the balance of the 10
days.
Employees who are asked to quarantine due to direct exposure shall follow quarantine
procedures consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/FDOH)
guidance. COVID positive cases will be reported to the Florida Department of Health in
Miami-Dade County (FLDOH). The District shal} maintain a dashboard of self-reported
and positive cases by location for students and employees. Upon request, UT D shall be
provided with a report of the number of employees and students currently quarantined
per location; the report shall not include student or staff personal identifying
information. The report shall be provided within one business day. Competitive athletics
and activities may continue with students who are not on a COVID quarantine isolation.
o Vaccinations. Upon Board approval, M-DCPS will pay a one-time stipend of $275 to any
full-time employee who provides proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 within 60
calendar days of Board Approval. This stipend is intended to cover all hardships faced by
the employee in securing the vaccine, Payments will be made by December 31 2021 .
o Testing Sites. As proffered in Agenda item H-5 at the August 12, 2020, School Board
Meeting, Risk Management will research, explore, and analyze the financiall legal, and
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operational feasibility of establishing temporary COVID-19 testing sites for M-DCPS
employees and their immediate families, within the current M-DCPS insurance program
and any other private, state, or federal health insurance programs available to the
insured
Practices and Protocols
• All work sites, including SBAB, will maintain the same standards/protocols for entry.
• Physical barriers, such as plexi-glass, will be utilized in areas where employees work
with the public,
• When the physical school lay out allows, schoots will use one-way hallways
and stairways to avoid crowds in hallways and other common spaces.
• EmpEoyees shall be provided with a workspace that is regularly sanitized to limit
spread of the virus. This includes regular cleaning of all common touch points such
as doors and bathrooms with appropriate disinfectants throughout the day.
Administrators will explain to staff the sanitation procedures,
• Soap and hand sanitizer shall be readily available in all bathrooms and
common areas (preferably 'no touch' dispensers). Hand sanitizer shall contain
at least 60% alcohol.
• The District will monitor visits by visitors, community organizations, businesses,
municipal partners, and speakers, Visitors will be required to adhere to safety
guidelines, including those for facial coverings. U TD representatives shall continue
to have the right to visit schools to investigate employee complaints and to
communicate with bargaining unit members.
• Employees will be provided safe access to drinking water. Water dispensers shall be
regularly cleaned with appropriate disinfectants throughout the day.
• Schools will arrange student desks and/or seats to promote physical distancing. This
includes the removaE/identification of non-essential furniture or desks. Desks that
are not to be utilized in order to create greater spacing between students will be
indicated as SUCh, As recommended by the CDC, schools will provide at least three
feet of distance between students and maximize physical distance as much as
possible while eating. The CDC recognizes that school-site factors and course
offerings may limit schools' ability to maintain three feet at all times. Schools will
utilize appropriate and available spaces, when feasible, to assist with spacing,
including the use of outside spaces to help facilitate distancing during mealtimes.
Region offices will review the use of alternative spaces upon request. M-DCPS will
utilize surplus and available teachers in obsolete positions to assist with class size
where certification aligns. M„DCPS will re-evaluate surplus and obsolete teaching
positions after FTE week to determine if additional support, inclusive of additional
hiring of personnel, for class size reduction can be provided. M-DCPS will
subsequently meet with UTD to share information. M-DCPS shall establish a work
group with U TD to evaluate the possibility of innovative models to improve safety
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by alleviating crowding, The work group shall provide recommendations through
Labor Relations by October 15, 2021 , the end of FTE week.
• Student seats should be at least 6 feet from the teacher station/area.
• Teachers shall refer students who exhibit symptoms during school hours to the
Health Screening Area as appropriate. UT D bargaining unit members will not be
required to staff the health screening area. Masks wili be required while in the
Health Screening Area. These areas will be staffed by Medical Personnel assigned to
the school.
• In addition to these minimum safety requirements and in order to heighten safety
and health measures, M-DCPS may enact additional safety requirements that align
with those of the Ad Hoc Public Health and Medical Experts Task Force, FLDOE,
FDOH in Miami-Dade County, the CDC, and the World Health Organization.
Letter of Understanding Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 5 of 12
Teaching While Students in Quarantine
All teachers will report to the schools to provide greater academic success and instruction. Both
parties recognize that in-person instruction is the preferred instructional method. However,
there may be instances where students are not able to physically attend class because they are
subject to a stay-at-home order. In these instances, all teachers will utilize their
Districtprovided camera to allow students to passively view instruction to obtain similar
benefits of inm person learning and support student achievement Those remote students will
observe instruction via 'observation mode.' Teachers, who opt-in at their sole discretion, may
integrate remote students into classroom activities by fully engaging in dual modality. In
keeping with Agenda item H-6, all teachers will get a $300 stipend for the additional work they
will undertake to implement Schoology. Teachers choosing to opt„in to dual modality through
Schoology/Teams/Zoom with progressive implementation of Schoology, will receive an
additional $600 supplement. All teachers will provide remote students assignments and
activities using the District's Pacing Guides, Curriculum Guides, or adopted instructional
materials through Microsoft Teams or Schoology, the District's learning management system (I-
MS). Teachers not opting to use dual modality, will respond to remote students' questions
regarding curriculum and assignments within 24 hours. Student communication can be
accomplished through phone, email, Schoology, Teams, or other digital application selected by
the teacher. Class links will remain active during the entire class block.
If teachers must quarantine, they will be provided temporary duty and will provide remote
instruction from home with their cameras on for their fu|l instructional period(s). Teachers will
provide remote students with Microsoft Teams or Zoom (through single sign„on
authentication) link to view and participate in class lessons. Teachers will provide remote
students assignments and activities using the District's Pacing Guides, Curriculum GuidesF or
adopted instructional materials through Microsoft Teams or Schoology and students will work
independently or in small groups after participating in the teacher-directed part of the lesson.
The teacher, however, will remain online during the entire class block to assist students answer
questions, work with small groups, or provide one-on-one instruction. Student communication
can be accomplished through phone, email, Schoology, Teams, or other digitaJ application
selected by the teacher. Administration will provide for supervision of students at school.
Both parties agree to establish a joint committee to determine best practices related to dual
modality instruction in anticipation of the guidance from the Florida Department of Education
related to a potential innovative school model. The joint committee shall start meeting no later
than September 10, 2021 .
Teacher observations for the purpose of evaluation shall be based on instruction and
interaction with students who are in the in-person setting except for MDVS teachers, When
teaching remotely, teachers will contact school administrators to communicate any issues
relative to their inability to login or a students inability to login that may affect their
attendance.
Instructional Continuity
Student Attendance
Teachers will continue to record student attendance in the electronic gradebook. We
understand the impact on student performance of increased student attendance and
Letter of Understanding Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 6 of 12
participation during the pandemic. We also understand that home visits are an important part
of supporting student success, they should be conducted in a safe manner by employees in
job codes where job descriptions include home visits. Therefore, PPE, safety protocols, and
guidelines will be provided to employees conducting home visits.
Curriculum and Schedules
The ability to pivot between an in-person learning experience and a remote learning
experience is imperative to the continued academic success of students, A consistent
curriculumF communication platform, and schedule are essential components to ensure that
pivoting bethpeen delivery models is successful. As such, Microsoft Teams or Schoology, both
accessed through District accounts, will be the required communication platforms for the
instructional delivery and assignment of schoolwork during remote learning for the 2021-2022
school year with the exception of Dual Enrollment courses that require the platform of the
university or college. Teachers will continue to utilize the District's pacing guides and curricular
resources for instruction and will have the discretion to utilize other supplemental resources to
enhance their instruction and communication. The choice betheen Microsoft Teams or
Schoology shall be at the discretion of the teacher.
Assignments and Grading
All grading will follow the current Student Progression Plan. However, as an additional
assurance to support and review student learning throughout the learning experience, a
teacher will input a minimum of one grade a week per student per subject
Proctoring of '-Ready and Other Assessments
Teachers will continue to proctor I-Ready and other assessments aligned to the testing
calendar. Proctoring guidelines will be jointly reviewed and updated at the Standardized
Testing/Assessment of Educational Progress Committee to address concerns, including
virtual testing conditions. The committee shall be scheduled as soon as possible.
Instructional Support Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Support Personnel
Based on the complexity of offering in-person and remote learning during the 2021-2022
academic school year, curriculum support specialists may be temporarily assigned to a
schoolsite or to Miami-Dade Virtual School to provide classroom instruction when needed. All
other contractual provisions will be followed.
Counselors and CAP Advisors
Counselors and CAP Advisors will follow contractual guidelines and fulfill job responsibilities.
Both counselors and certified CAP Advisors may be temporarily assigned to provide classroom
instruction when needed or may be used to provide classroom/student supervision. In order to
support the social and emotional needs of students, counselors should not be pulled to provide
classroom instruction or supervision when other options exist.
Letter of Understanding — Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 7 of 12
Academic Coaches
Based on the complexity of offering in„person and remote learning during the 2021-2022
academic school year, coaches may be temporarily assigned to provide classroom instruction
when needed or may be used to provide classroom/student supervision. All other contractual
provisions and job responsibilities apply.
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Curriculum Support Specialists
Curriculum Support Specialists shall prepare and share curriculum resources, create, and
facilitate virtual professional development to support teachers on remote learning lessonsl
support families, and assist with assigned duties on the Distance Learning Help Desk. Other
academic tasks, including teaching, may be assigned by supervisors as needed. Additionally,
based on the complexity of offering in-person and remote learning during the 2021-2022
academic school year, curriculum support specialists may be temporarily assigned to a school-
site or to Miami-Dade Virtual School to provide direct instruction when needed or may be used
to provide classroom/student supervision; others may be offered the option to work flexible
hours in order to provide virtual after-school/evening support.
Other Instructional Support Employees
Instructional Support Employees not specifically identified shall collaborate with their site
administrators to determine how they can best support students and teachers. Some
instructional support employees may be temporarily assigned to provide classroom instruction
when needed or may be used to provide classroom/student supervision.
Paraprofessionals, Associate Educators, and School Support Personnel
Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals, as requested by the classroom teacher or administrator, will assist in calling
the parents/guardians of students not present in school, who are not actively engaged in
remote learning and may be utilized to provide classroom/student supervision. IEP Support
Paraprofessionals will also support parents/guardians in helping students access the
educational resources. All full-time and part-time paraprofessionals will support a practicable
routine to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in classrooms, including manipulatives and
equipment. Full-time and part-time Pre-K paraprofessionals (i.e., VPK, Head Start, Pre-K ESE)
will be provided sanitizing materials, including gloves, and be required to clean and disinfect
high touch centers and outside areas (e.g., outside area toys) regularly. These routines will
maximize healthy learning environments for all stakeholders. All other contractual provisions
and job responsibilities apply.
All office employees, associate educators, and school support personnel may be used to
provide classroom/student supervision during student lunch periods. Hourly school support
personnel may also be used to assist with answering phones, assisting parents, greeting guests,
ensuring social distancing, and wiping down commonly used areas (e.g., doorknobs/handles,
Letter of Understanding Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 8 of 12
countertops, chairsF and phones). Ali cleaning supplies, including gloves, shall be provided by
the District.
School-site Communication
Facu*ty meetings may be held through Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Employees shall be required
to be on campus and in their classroom or normal work space while participating in meetings
via Zoom. In-person faculty meetings will provide for a minimum of one meter spacing and
mandatory face coverings. All other contractual provisions apply.
Continuous Labor Management Reviews Related to COVID-19 Employee Health
and Safety
The parties agree to address concerns related to implementation of this LOU as they arise and
to work collaboratively to solve issues resulting from the community conditions that may
continue to evolve. As such, both parties agree to continuous labor management discussions
Letter of Understanding — Reopening Plan 2021-2022 Page 9 of 12
regarding issues related to COVID-19. These protocols may be changed by School Operations
based on updated CDC guidance or advice from the Medical Experts ad hoc task force. Changes
will be shared with UTD prior to implementation. Discussions may include the provisions of this
LOU, employee and student safety, adherence to worksite safety compliance requirements,
Board policy, published procedures, changing community conditions, and information received
from county public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World
Health Organization, the Florida Department of Health, and/or the Florida Department of
Education.
Existing Contractual Provisions
Both parties agree that any provision not expressly contained within this LOU will continue to
be governed by the existing M-DCPS/UTD collective bargaining agreement.
Duration and Renewal
Should circumstances change and/or guidance from the Federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), and/or County or State Health Departments change the
District's plan for addressing COVID-19 related issues, the parties agree to meet to
discuss the impact those changes may have on wages, hours, and working conditions.
The provisions of this LOU shall expire June 9, 2022
Letter of Understanding Reopening 2021-2022 Page 10 of 12
— Han
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY UNITED TEACHERS OF DADE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
n M. Bag os Date Ms. Karla Hernandez-Mats Date
Chief Human Capital Officer President
Office of Human Capital Management
Dr. S Ivia J. Dia
Chief Academic Officer
Office of Academics and Transformation
Dr. Jo In D. Pace, Ill Date
Chief Operating Officer
School Operations
Ms. Vivian M. Santiesteban-Pardo Date
Assistant Superintendent
Office of Labor Relations and Compensation
Administration
Letter of Understanding — Reopening 2021-2022 Page 11 of 12
Plan
Letter of Understanding Reopening 2021-2022 Page 12 of 12
