MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
RE: SCHOOL CLOSURE DUE TO COVID-19
ABINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
and
ABINGTON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 150E of the General Laws of Massachusetts, this Memorandum of Agreement is made and entered into by the Abington School Committee (hereinafter, “Committee” or “District”) and the Abington Education Association (hereinafter, “Association”).
WHEREAS, in connection with the public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, the Governor or Massachusetts has announced the temporary closure of all schools in the District through at least May 4th, 2020 and
WHEREAS, representatives of the Committee and the Association have bargained over the impacts of the school closure on the wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment of Association members;
Therefore, the Abington Public Schools and the Abington Education Association hereby agree to the following:
Section A: Employee Safety, Illness, & Absentee Procedures
The Committee and Association agree that it is for the mutual benefits of the community and the members of the Association to take preventative measures to combat infection and mitigate personal risk.
1. The Committee and the Association mutually agree to encourage members who are showing symptoms of COVID-19, exposed to COVID-19, identify themselves as high-risk as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or are so advised by their medical providers, to remain home and seek medical treatment as necessary. Such encouragement will be sent via email, if not done so already.
2. For the duration of this agreement, staff will not be required to produce documentation of
illness from a medical provider.
3. In the event an employee becomes ill and is not able to fulfil the duties during the closure, the
employee shall be entitled to use accrued sick, personal and family illness leave provisions.
Employees who utilize sick leave during this period will not be required to provide plans, initiate
or respond to communication, or otherwise participate in the academic engagement described
herein on the day(s) they utilize sick leave. If the employee’s illness or that of a family impacts
the employee’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities under this agreement, they shall notify their
building principal. If an employee does not have and/or exhausts accrued sick time, they shall be
held harmless and continue to receive their full pay and benefits due to personal and/or family
illness.
4. As related to any employees on maternity leave or other extended leaves of absence, the
temporary school closure shall not change the original terms of their leave entitlement. If the
employee returns to work during the period of school closure, those days worked shall count
toward the accrual of 91 days pursuant to Article XXIV, section 7(c) of the Unit A contract and
Article VI, section 7(c) of the Unit B contract.
5. Subject to state and federal law, the Committee will share non-confidential information in its
possession relating to confirmed cases of COVID-19 which occur in an Abington Public Schools
employee or student of employees.
Section B: Compensation & Work
1. During the period of temporary school closure, all employees represented by the Association
shall continue to be paid their full regular annual salary and wages according to the regular
payment schedule, and there shall be no deduction of pay for any of the days of the temporary
school closure.
2. Employees who receive pay in addition to their regular base salary for work performed in a
year-long stipendiary position will continue to receive any such additional pay for the period of
district closure. Spring extracurricular activities and sports stipends will be prorated for the
length of the activity/season and the length/proration will be determined once school returns to
session. If the spring athletics are cancelled for the entirety of the season, and in recognition that
not all of the duties and responsibilities of athletic coaches are performed solely during the
season in which their sports are played, the Committee agrees to pay head coaches $800 and asst
coaches $500 of the spring athletic stipends.
3. The PARTIES agree to the attached understandings and protocols regarding remote learning
due to school closure provided that the member is well and/or not caring for family members
who are sick. (see Appendices A & B)
4. The PARTIES agree that, should further guidance be issued by the MA DESE concerning the
scheduled April vacation, they shall reconvene if necessary over the impact of such guidance.
Section C: Evaluation, PTS, & Technological Support
1. As related to employee evaluations, the Committee shall hold harmless any employee for,
performance or productivity for any time lost due to personal and family illness and/or school,
building, office, or district closure.
2. Evaluation deadlines are hereby waived until further notice.
3. Teachers without Professional Teacher Status will continue to accrue time towards their three
(3) year requirement pursuant to M.G.L. Ch.71, s. 41.
4. The PARTIES agree to the modifications proscribed in Appendix C as regards the evaluation
of teachers on Developing Educator Plans, i.e. Teachers without Professional Teacher Status.
5. The Committee shall provide a laptop and/or other electronic resources to any employee who
requires such to complete their work remotely as described above.
Section D: No Precedent
The Parties agree that this Agreement sets no precedent or past practice and shall not be used in
any proceeding except one to enforce its terms.
Section E: School Closure Beyond May 4th, 2020
If the temporary school closure is extended beyond May 4th, 2020, the terms of this agreement
shall extend until district schools reopen or the 185th day of the student school year, whichever
comes first.
In Witness Whereof, the parties have set their hand and seal by their duly authorized
representative, (INSERT DATE).
FOR THE COMMITTEE: FOR THE ASSOCIATION:
________________________________ __________________________________
APPENDIX A
Whereas the PARTIES recognize and support the importance of continuity of learning for
all students during the Covid-19 pandemic, we also recognize that:
1. Remote learning is not a substitute for what takes place in the physical classroom;
2. Most educators have no training in effective online instruction or methodologies;
3. Despite the Districts’ best efforts, not all students have equal access to materials;
4. Prepping to deliver instruction online takes longer than prepping for classroom instruction,
especially in the early stages and for those who have never done it before;
5. A “less is more” approach is prudent to reduce stress for students, families and educators
alike. Quality is better than quantity;
6. Despite the best efforts of the District, certain materials cannot not be produced or reproduced
for remote learning;
7. Teachers are not expected to work beyond their established contractual work day;
8. Teachers are afforded flexibility in timelines related to working from home due to personal
circumstances, including, but not limited to childcare and family needs;
9. Teachers are not evaluated based on the content or delivery of their online practices and will
be given leeway while navigating these uncharted circumstances;
10. Any teleconferencing between administration and staff shall be scheduled with as much
advanced notice as possible and at mutually convenient times within the contractual work day;
11. We support asynchronous learning as we feel it better protects the privacy of both staff and
students. However, “live” instruction, when done with appropriate safeguards for privacy, may
be an effective option of providing instruction.
12. Not all remote learning is done through video content.
APPENDIX B
WORK EXPECTATIONS
All staff will check school email twice per day. All staff shall respond to all student, parent and
school emails within a 24 hour period within the contractual work week/day.
All staff continue to be mandated reporters under General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A.
All staff shall participate in virtual IEP/504 meetings as required.
Administrators shall provide 48-hour notice for all virtual staff meetings and or CPT. Staff shall
be held harmless for non-participation due to illness or care for a family member who is ill.
K-Grade 4 Classroom Teachers (Unit A) shall provide, by grade level, “Week-At-a-Glance”
schedule of learning opportunities equivalent to fifteen (15) hours per week, three (3) hours per
day. Deadlines for submitting these plans are determined by the building principal but must fall
within the contractual workday (Friday afternoon or Monday morning). In addition, they shall
make available 2 synchronous or live “check-in” opportunities per week for the purpose of
maintaining personal contact with students through district approved platforms (Microsoft
Teams). Lessons shall provide deeper coverage of existing content, review materials and be
standards based. Teachers shall hold online “office hours” of one hour per day, the schedule of
which shall be posted at the beginning of each week. Feedback on assignments shall be provided
in a timely fashion.
Grades 5-6 Classroom Teachers (Unit A) shall provide, by grade level, “Week-At-a-Glance”
schedule of learning opportunities on Canvas equivalent to fifteen (15) hours per week, three (3)
hours per day. Deadlines for submitting these plans are determined by the building principal but
must fall within the contractual workday (Friday afternoon or Monday morning). In addition,
they shall make available 2 synchronous or live “check-in” opportunities per week for the
purpose of maintaining personal contact with students through district approved platforms
(Microsoft Teams). Lessons shall provide deeper coverage of existing content, review materials
and be standards based. Teachers shall hold online “office hours” of one hour per day, the
schedule of which shall be posted at the beginning of each week. Feedback on assignments shall
be provided in a timely fashion.
K- Grade 6 Specialists (Unit A) shall post one assignment per week per class or grade
level. Feedback on assignments shall be provided in a timely fashion. Deadlines for submitting
these plans are determined by the building principal but must fall within the contractual workday
(Friday afternoon or Monday morning).
Grade 7-12 Teachers (Unit A) shall provide, for each class taught, “Week-At-a-Glance”
schedule of learning opportunities on Canvas equivalent to three (3) hours per week, or thirty-six
(36) minutes per day. Deadlines for submitting these plans are determined by the building
principal but must fall within the contractual workday (Friday afternoon or Monday morning).
Lessons shall provide deeper coverage of existing content, review materials and be standards
based. New curricular content may be presented to students as mutually determined by teachers
and their respective administrator(s). Teachers shall hold online “office hours” of one hour per
day, the schedule of which shall be posted at the beginning of each week. Feedback on
assignments shall be provided in a timely fashion.
Guidance/Adjustment Counselors/School Psychologist at High School shall post and hold
office hours fifteen (15) hours per week, three (3) hours per day. They shall also communicate
via email with their respective caseloads at least once a week, but as necessary to offer support,
strategies and information regarding terms, AP & MCAS testing, college application process,
master schedule process, scholarships, etc. Guidance/Adjustment Counselors/School
Psychologists shall check and respond to individual student/parent email daily and notify
administration with any concerns regarding student safety and well-being.
School Psychologists will follow the Special Education remote learning process for the students
who receive special education services on her caseload
Department Heads & Directors shall hold weekly department meetings pursuant to the
continuation of curriculum work and planning for upcoming PD (May and CPT). They shall
support ongoing NEASC work for VOG and Action Plans as needed.
Curriculum Coordinators – Maintain weekly contact with Director of Curriculum, Instruction,
and Assessment and Principals. Be available to assist teachers with questions, online resources,
and support during remote curriculum and lesson planning.
Paraprofessionals and Tutors
Pre-K through Grade 4
Paraprofessionals and tutors will be assigned to special education and/or general education
teachers. The paraprofessionals and tutors will check-in with the teachers throughout the week
to determine how they can support teachers with the preparation of assignments/packets,
resources for the family, or direct service to the students. Paraprofessionals may be asked to
research or compile materials, pre-record lessons that have been designed by the licensed
educator, or offer review directly to students through Microsoft Teams.
Grade 5 through Grade 12
Paraprofessionals and tutors will hold 15 office hours per week when they are available to
provide academic support to students. The paraprofessionals and tutors’ office hours will be
shared with teaching staff and posted publicly so that students will be aware of staff members’
availability.
Administrative Assistants/Secretaries shall check voice/electronic mail daily and
report each day to Principal/Assistant Principal any general issues or immediately in case of
emergency. They shall assist with school management as needed.
Nurses/Librarians shall provide resources to teachers, families and students weekly. They shall
post office hours up to fifteen (15) hours per week, three (3) hours per day.
Special Education Teachers (PK-12) and Related-Service Providers (Speech-Language,
Occupational Therapy, School Psychology, Physical Therapy, Behavior Therapists, OG
Tutors) shall establish and document a weekly plan for each student on their caseload that
pertains to their goal area(s). The weekly plan should focus on maintenance of skill unless,
according to the educator’s clinical judgment, the student is prepared to work on new skills and
benchmarks.
Each student’s weekly plan should consist of a combination of the following:
a. Assignments/packets, resources for the family, active outreach to the
family, and direct service. Assignments/packets may include
accommodated/modified-versions of the grade-level work provided by general
education teachers (this will be common for Special Educators in co-teaching roles).
b. Resources for families may include a proposed home routine, prescribed websites to
explore over the week with their child, prescribed websites to better understand their
child’s disability, pre-recorded tutorials and explanations for parents, or a
recommended schedule to practice skills.
c. Active outreach to families refers to direct conversation with families or emails that
should occur at least once per week, and more often when appropriate. The
conversations will likely involve prioritizing the student’s needs, problem solving
with the parent, addressing behavioral issues, and customizing the student’s daily
schedule.
d. Direct service refers to virtual instruction and therapy provided to students. Direct
service includes pre-recorded lessons and activities, or virtual interactive instruction
using Microsoft Teams. Interactive instruction may occur individually or in small
groups. If educator offers instruction in small groups, the administration shall prepare
a privacy statement to parents that educators shall post during small group
instruction. Direct instruction and therapies are the heart of Special Education and
administration asks that educators offer these lessons at a frequency that is
appropriate based on the student’s need and given the current circumstances. It is the
goal of all parties is to continue to offer more direct, virtual services as the weeks
progress.
Special Education Teachers and Related-Service Providers are asked to provide advanced
notice to parents each week for arranged phone calls and direct service to their children.
As documentation is critical in Special Education, administration asks that the educator maintain
documentation of each student’s weekly plan, communication logs, and/or email/social media
records.
Special Education Teachers and Related-Service Providers are asked to maintain office hours
for at least 1 hour per week when a parent may proactively reach out through email to arrange a
phone conversation in order to discuss any issues or concerns.
Special Education Teachers may be assigned a paraprofessional to support their efforts to
provide assignments/packets, resources for families, and direct service to students.
The PARTIES recognize that administration awaits guidance from DESE related to IEP Team
Meetings. If virtual IEP Meetings are held, special educator participation will be required. The
participation of special educators shall also be required in building-based caseload meetings.
Such meeting shall be held through an electronic medium and the special educator shall not be
required to attend in-person meetings.
APPENDIX C
Educators without Professional Teacher Status (Non-PTS)
1. Should school resume on May 4, 2020, the cycle set forth in the Handbook for Evaluation,
incorporated into the Collective Bargaining, shall be modified as follows:
a. The evaluation process for Teachers on Developing Educator Plans will continue and
result in a Summative Evaluation. If necessary, the district shall allow teachers access to school
facilities and/or network drives to access evidence pursuant to the evaluation.
b. The evaluator need only to conduct a 3rd unannounced observation (the 4th
unannounced observation is waived) and the deadline to do so is extended to Fourth Friday in
May.
c. A formal conference and presentation of the Summative Evaluation will occur by the
First Friday in June.
d. The deadline for submission of the Evaluation Reports to Human Resources is
extended to the last day of school.
e. The June 15th deadline to provide notification of non-renewal is statutory and therefore
remains in effect.
2. Should school remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 School Year, and subject to
approval or waiver by DESE:
a. Teachers on Developing Educator Plans will be evaluated based upon their
performance through March 12, 2020. Teachers shall be provided the opportunity to submit
evidence pursuant to the evaluation by May 1st. If necessary, the district shall allow teachers
access to school facilities and/or network drives to access evidence pursuant to the evaluation.
b. The requirement to conduct a 3rd and/or 4th unannounced observation is waived.
c. A formal conference and presentation of the Summative Evaluation will occur by
the first Friday in June.
d. The deadline for submission of the Evaluation Reports to Human Resources is
extended to the last day of school.
e. The June 15th deadline to provide notification of non-renewal is statutory and therefore
remains in effect.
Abington Education Association 