COVID-19 HR Related Issues

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:08:07 GMT

We want you to know TASPA has been closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 situation and the impact on our educational system. We know some of us are in the start of a Spring Break and some of us are working through various plans without students present. With all the perceived chaos, we thought we would send a short communication to you,

As we are sure you are aware, plans are rapidly being developed and updated as the situation dictates. We want to applaud Governor Abbott and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for issuing a waiver on 2019-2020 STAAR testing for all school districts due to COVID-19. This will allow school districts to focus on the safety of students and staff of each of our school districts. Our TASPA staff is working in the safety of their home to do our part of not furthering the spread of COVID-19. As questions come up we encourage you to visit the TEA created website for guidance on issues: ( https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/safe-and-healthy-schools/coronavirus-covid-19-support-and-guidance )

We are sure you are being asked for guidance on the various scenarios as they relate to compensation, return to work, workers compensation, personal versus district approved leave, etc. TASPA has created a "Forum" topic called "COVID-19 HR Related Issues". First the disclaimer- TASPA nor the posting individuals are giving any legal advice and you should consult your district legal counsel before implementing and ideas or making any decisions regarding your district processes or procedures. There- now for the real reason for the forum- please use our website to share any ideas your district is working through OR if you have encountered road blocks which you have worked through to share with our membership. Also, if you have a question, post the question in the forum and we will try to get responses posted or linked to available resources already in place.

Finally, we ALL need to keep each other in our thoughts and prayers. As a country, as a state, and most importantly as educators of the future doctors and scientists, we must stand together and work towards bringing calm and comfort to our surroundings. We will prevail in this crisis, of that we are sure, because we will do what is right for our children, staff and ourselves. Please be safe and as everyone else says- wash your hands!

Sincerely,
Rick Rodriguez, President
Lolly Guerra, Executive Director

Emergency Closures - Essential Nonexempt Personnel

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:51:10 GMT

The only thing I have learned from our attorney that might be helpful to others is if there are any non-exempt essential employees that are needed to keep business going, ie pay checks or business office, to make sure they document their time. That documentation may be used later to file claims for wage reimbursement through FEMA. Anyone else hearing that?

HR Support During School Closures

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:39:43 GMT

1.) What are some ways your HR dept. is supporting employees during school closures?

Examples:

Communicate telehealth information via various channels
Increased electronic communication
Goody Bags or Resource Packs to boost morale for teachers/staff working on campus
Relaxed policies or adjusted guidelines (when possible)

2.) How is your HR team working to provide this support?

Examples:

All dept staff working remotely
Alternate or staggered onsite schedule
Live conferencing

All ideas are appreciated. Hope everyone is well!