COVID-19 Update: School Closure Extended Through the Academic Year
On Wednesday, April 8, Gov. Kate Brown and Colt Gill, director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), announced that the public school closure will be extended through the academic year out of the need to protect students and staff during this pandemic. All staff will continue in paid status. Gov. Brown also extended her executive order regarding post-secondary education.
I strongly support the governor’s decision in these circumstances. Though some of us expected this announcement, it is still a shock how much this unprecedented pandemic has changed education, our jobs and the landscape of our lives.
This has never happened before. Though there will be no in-person instruction, school districts are expected to continue education through distance learning using all available resources. Seniors currently on-track to graduate will graduate, and all students will receive support to keep learning.
Every one of the employees represented by our union is an important source of support for our students. We can tap into our skill sets and unique knowledge of the students in our communities to help them succeed. To accomplish this remotely, we expect our employers to share the governor’s vision of working cooperatively towards creative solutions to the challenges we face.
Trying to stay safe and maintain our well-being has not been easy in this time. Bargaining unit members have come down with this virus. Many of our families and communities have been impacted by the economic devastation it has caused. Some of us may have lost a second job.
Concerns for how things will look a few months down the road are only growing. We will continue to advocate for everyone we represent, for public education and for all workers. If you have any questions about what is going on with your employer or contract, contact your field representative or call the State Office at 800-252-6732.
Thank you very much for everything you are doing to support our students and your coworkers.
In unity,
Lisa Gourley
OSEA President
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