In a decision that could upend any plans to disrupt the opening of school across Massachusetts, the state labor relations board ruled on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, that Andover teachers engaged in an unlawful strike when they refused to enter school buildings last week for training. The decision affirmed the Andover School Committee's position that [...]
As schools start the year either fully remote or with a hybrid learning model that includes a mix of in-person and remote learning, employers are certain to face questions about the applicability of Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave to employees struggling to find care for children learning remotely full or part time. On [...]
Last month, the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that all Massachusetts students will be required to get a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020. The mandatory immunization requirement aims to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness among students as an added precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The requirement applies to all children 6 [...]
In response to the fact that many schools across the state will be starting remotely or with a combination of in-person and remote instruction (hybrid model), the Baker administration has taken action to allow families to form small remote-learning co-ops, after-school programs to operate during typical school hours, and churches and community centers to host [...]
Its been a busy week. Perhaps the most significant development since our last Advisor is the Governor’s passage on Friday of a new travel advisory mandating a 14 quarantine. Also on Friday, the House passed its version of the police reform legislation by a vote of 93 to 66 following several days of debate. The [...]
Earlier today Gov. Charlie Baker established a new mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in Massachusetts or returning to the state from anywhere except lower risk states. The new order, effective August 1, is the first time the Baker administration has included an enforcement mechanism for the state's long-standing traveler quarantine requirements. The mandatory quarantine [...]
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released guidance regarding Transportation and Facilities to assist school districts in planning for a possible Fall Reopening. Fall Reopening Transportation Guidance, July 22, 2020 Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance, July 22, 2020 Below is a copy of the On The Desktop Message from Commissioner Riley [...]
This week’s Advisor is a bit of a potpourri with an update on workplace specific safety standards in Phase III, an overview of DESE’s updates, requirements and guidance around school reopening plans, and a legislative update regarding Police Reform efforts in Massachusetts. COVID-19 Advisor vol 14 (July 20, 2020)
On July 15, 2020, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released information regarding a two-step process for submitting Fall Reopening Plans and a online form/template to be used by districts. Two-Step Process for District Fall Reopening Plans, July 15, 2020 Below is the text of the On the Desktop message from Commissioner Riley [...]
On Friday, July 10, 2020, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released an On The Desktop message with additional guidance on Fall Reopening Plans. The Initial Reopening Guidance issued on June 25, 2020 provided that districts' plans would be due in August. The revised guidance sets the due dates for districts to submit [...]