The results of the ratification vote are in, with SDEA members overwhelmingly voting to ratify the tentative agreements to safely resume onsite instruction. Yes votes totaled 92%, with 65% of members voting.
The District must now focus 100% of its energy on preparing our school sites to safely welcome back our students. This includes making sure our physical distancing, ventilation, and mask use language is followed in every classroom and workspace.
We know that District communications have been confusing and contradictory at times and that at some sites educators have felt pressure to get to pre-COVID class sizes. While no one wants to return to normal more than we do, we also know that it’s only through strict mitigations that we will be able to prevent transmission on our campuses. This is why all of the mitigations, including physical distance are so critical. On the question of distance our agreement is crystal clear: “Student chairs shall be positioned at least 6 feet away from one another. Under no circumstance should the distance between student chairs be less than 5 feet.” With this agreement as with all other contract language, enforcement is essential. It is up to all of us to make sure safety protocols and mitigations are being utilized and followed at our sites.
During, and after, spring break we’ll have further guidance on how educators can enforce their contractual rights should issues not be resolved prior to students returning to campus. Educators will also have a process to report safety issues they are seeing on campus.
Since last March, we’ve followed the science and we’ve stuck together. As we head into spring break we hope the greater San Diego community continues to do their part to keep the community COVID-19 rates down. However, if rates do start to climb again, there is criteria in our agreements to keep our school communities safe.
This new transition is going to be challenging at times and it may take some time to adjust. This is not going to be perfect, and many times we will only be able to control what is happening in our own classrooms and workspaces. Remember to continue to give yourself and others grace.
We’ve made it this far through solidarity and collective action AND we will make it through the remaining 9 weeks of instruction by sticking to those principles.
Thank you for all of your hard work and try to have a relaxing spring break where you are able to rest and recharge before returning to school sites.
Together We Are Stronger and Safer.
