Arbitration ruling on Reopening

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

So can someone tell me if DCPS has the names of students who want to go back? It’s starting to look like dcps set a number of kids they want to return snd just started calling folks. Come to think of it, I was never asked formally (something with my children’s name on it) about our preference.

It seems simple, make a list of which students want to return and then ask which students want to return. If 20% of the students want to return and 10% of the staff, the difference could be made up with the cares staff right?

No ones headed back at our school, too much speculation about unreported cases. It just sucks that so many teachers got called up and the kids were off for three days and I still have no idea what my kids are doing Monday morning. Who their teacher will be, I just know both of them have to return in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

So can someone tell me if DCPS has the names of students who want to go back? It’s starting to look like dcps set a number of kids they want to return snd just started calling folks. Come to think of it, I was never asked formally (something with my children’s name on it) about our preference.

It seems simple, make a list of which students want to return and then ask which students want to return. If 20% of the students want to return and 10% of the staff, the difference could be made up with the cares staff right?

No ones headed back at our school, too much speculation about unreported cases. It just sucks that so many teachers got called up and the kids were off for three days and I still have no idea what my kids are doing Monday morning. Who their teacher will be, I just know both of them have to return in person.

What do you mean by dcps never asking your preference about virtual or in school? When you were offered a spot, you accepted or declined, right? That would be a pretty good indication of your preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our two children are supposed to go on Monday and I am really hoping for a delay. Every day feels less safe. I think the impending snow storm is a sign. Stay virtual until teachers have their second dose.

Why hope for a delay? Why not hope for being allowed to keep your child home as long as you want without losing your spot?

I'm satisfied with security protocols at our DCPS--my older child has been back at school before a teacher for a couple months now--and want my younger kid back at school, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our two children are supposed to go on Monday and I am really hoping for a delay. Every day feels less safe. I think the impending snow storm is a sign. Stay virtual until teachers have their second dose.

Why hope for a delay? Why not hope for being allowed to keep your child home as long as you want without losing your spot?

I'm satisfied with security protocols at our DCPS--my older child has been back at school before a teacher for a couple months now--and want my younger kid back at school, too.

Yuck. No. We are a family that hoped for an in person slot but wasn’t offered one. Please do not promote taking in person seats but not showing up. That’s hoarding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't even know this was going on. I do believe DCPS should hold up their end of the bargain and make sure ALL HVACS are fixed. It would be crazy if they touted it was safe but didn't hold up their end of the bargain at all schools.

YES, please! Speak with LSAT's and Building Inspection Team for your school's status in regards to the checklist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

So can someone tell me if DCPS has the names of students who want to go back? It’s starting to look like dcps set a number of kids they want to return snd just started calling folks. Come to think of it, I was never asked formally (something with my children’s name on it) about our preference.

It seems simple, make a list of which students want to return and then ask which students want to return. If 20% of the students want to return and 10% of the staff, the difference could be made up with the cares staff right?

No ones headed back at our school, too much speculation about unreported cases. It just sucks that so many teachers got called up and the kids were off for three days and I still have no idea what my kids are doing Monday morning. Who their teacher will be, I just know both of them have to return in person.

What do you mean by dcps never asking your preference about virtual or in school? When you were offered a spot, you accepted or declined, right? That would be a pretty good indication of your preference.

+1

And kids don’t ‘have’ to go back in person. You must have chosen to send your kids back in person. I suggest you email the AP and principal of your school today to get some clarification on what you agreed to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

So can someone tell me if DCPS has the names of students who want to go back? It’s starting to look like dcps set a number of kids they want to return snd just started calling folks. Come to think of it, I was never asked formally (something with my children’s name on it) about our preference.

It seems simple, make a list of which students want to return and then ask which students want to return. If 20% of the students want to return and 10% of the staff, the difference could be made up with the cares staff right?

No ones headed back at our school, too much speculation about unreported cases. It just sucks that so many teachers got called up and the kids were off for three days and I still have no idea what my kids are doing Monday morning. Who their teacher will be, I just know both of them have to return in person.

What do you mean by dcps never asking your preference about virtual or in school? When you were offered a spot, you accepted or declined, right? That would be a pretty good indication of your preference.

+1

And kids don’t ‘have’ to go back in person. You must have chosen to send your kids back in person. I suggest you email the AP and principal of your school today to get some clarification on what you agreed to.

This. Accepting an in person or care seat was the parents' choice with the guaranteed option to stay virtual if preferred. No students are being forced back into buildings. It's actually the opposite: some families who wanted in person options aren't getting them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

the arbitrator should not hold up reopening of all schools based on fishing-expedition accusations by the union.

[Anonymous]

The arbitrator can’t delay the opening of schools but regardless of what the arbiter says, the WTU can [legally or illegally] tell its teachers to stay home. So yes, there is the possibility that students will show up to school on Monday but their teacher does not. If this happens, it would be just one more sign that the WTU could care less about students’ well being.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

the arbitrator should not hold up reopening of all schools based on fishing-expedition accusations by the union.

I’m curious how y’all know what their complaints are. I’m about to send my kid in-person. Would love to know if our building is non-compliant. For an organization that is constantly screaming about transparency, why are they hiding the ball? It absolutely turns families against them and makes the mayor/chancellor dig in. (Unless the arbitration is super secret or something, in which case someone please correct me.)

[Anonymous]

Even if the arbitrator doesn’t hold up reopening, looks like the snow will...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The arbitrator can’t delay the opening of schools but regardless of what the arbiter says, the WTU can [legally or illegally] tell its teachers to stay home. So yes, there is the possibility that students will show up to school on Monday but their teacher does not. If this happens, it would be just one more sign that the WTU could care less about students’ well being.

This would be a really bad look for WTU. I suggest those of you with kids offered in person show up Monday no matter what. Your teacher either will or won't be there, but it will be a very stark picture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the issue is that the WTU is clearly using this as a tactic and trying to shift the goalposts. They have not identified a single school with a specific issue by name. I am not denying that there may be school specific issues that need addressing, but (1) it’s not clear that this is the best way to do that and (2) that is clearly not the WTU’s actual goal. Look at the materials re: the WTU’s protest this weekend, it is not at all about MOA breaches but, once again, shifting the goalposts (this plan is inequitable... not until every teacher vaccinated... not until it’s safe (no definition)... nothing about MOA breaches & desired solutions).

What are you talking about “the best way to do that”? Do you work in labor law? The arbitrator is exactly the way that they go about getting these things, it’s literally the purpose of arbitration in labor relations. The HVAC records and in-school student data are things that DCPS and WTU agreed upon months ago. DCPS needs to hold up their end of the bargain. The protests, slogans, etc is all irrelevant. The MOA is the only thing that matters here.

the arbitrator should not hold up reopening of all schools based on fishing-expedition accusations by the union.

My kids attend an unrenovated school with windows that are sealed shut, so having records and data about HVAC upgrades is not a “fishing expedition” for us.

[Anonymous]

Any idea on what happens Monday if they roll out with in person? I heard at our reopening parent meeting that class size for virtual will swell to 35 for pre k 3 kid and 38 for 1st grader. All new teachers and class composition. My kid will adjust but I worry about the kids who need more support and some of the students who don’t speak English. About 1/4 of my oldest class seems to have parents that speak only Spanish (I’ve been ear hustling in class) but not much translation to keep parents in the loop. I think they DCPS should go back the drawing board and make a better plan. Swelling class sizes, new teachers, AND asynchronous seems like a lot of concessions on top of a few care classrooms in quarantine due to positive cases. It’s just way too messy.