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FAQs - Leave and Covid-19

6/30/2020

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Information is power. Take a look at this FAQ below published by Granite School District to address employee leave issues with regard to COVID-19. There are some great links if you would like additional information from the state health department. 
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If you have any questions about these items, send GEA a message in the comment section or email any one of us for a personal reply.

Mike.McDonough@myuea.org
Starleen.Orullian@myuea.org
Cindy.Formeller@myuea.org
 
 June 29, 2020
 
COVID-19 EMPLOYEE LEAVE GUIDELINES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
 
Please click on the link for the latest symptom updates with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Employees who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 should NOT be at work and should be tested as soon as possible. COVID-19 testing locations can be found at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locations/. Employees should notify supervisors as soon as possible.


Who is identified as High-Risk?
 
Please click on the link for the latest High-Risk updates with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
 
Are High Risk employees required to work on-site?
 
All employees are required to work on-site, unless directed otherwise by supervisors. However, all employees should adhere to social distancing (ideally 6+ feet), wash hands often, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). High Risk employees may contact Berkley King, Benefits Manager, for assistance with appropriate personal protective equipment. Berkley King may be reached at bdking@graniteschools.org.

What leave could I apply for if I am identified as a High-Risk individual, but I do not qualify for FFCRA Leave?

  • Benefit-eligible employees may apply for approved leave according to District policy, i.e. personal leave, 15-day leave without pay and vacation leave.
 
What leave could I apply for if I am caring for someone identified as a High-Risk individual?

  • Benefit-eligible employees may apply for approved leave according to District policy, i.e. personal leave, 15-day leave without pay and vacation leave.
  • Employees use Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Leave. Please visit Benefit webpage: https://www.graniteschools.org/hr/benefits/
 
What leave could I apply for if I have been exposed to COVID-19?
 
  • Employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 and have been directed to self-isolate by the health department or a medical provider.
  • Employees use Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Leave. Please visit Benefit webpage: https://www.graniteschools.org/hr/benefits/
  • Benefit-eligible employees may apply for approved leave according to District policy, i.e. sick leave, personal leave, 15-day leave without pay and vacation leave.
 
What leave could I apply for if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking medical diagnosis?
 
Employees who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT be at work and should be tested as soon as possible.
  • Employees use Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Leave. Please visit Benefit webpage: https://www.graniteschools.org/hr/benefits/
  • Benefit-eligible employees may apply for approved leave according to District policy, i.e. sick leave, personal leave, FMLA, short term disability, 15-day leave without pay and vacation leave.
 
What leave could I apply for if I test positive for COVID-19?

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and have been told to self-isolate by the health department or a medical provider, are required to self-isolate for fourteen (14) days or until the employee tests negative for COVID-19.
  • Employees use Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Leave. Please visit Benefit webpage: https://www.graniteschools.org/hr/benefits/
  • Benefit-eligible employees may apply for approved leave according to District policy, i.e. sick leave, personal leave, FMLA, short term disability, 15-day leave without pay and vacation leave.
 
What leave is available through District policy for contract eligible employees?
District policy provides the following benefits to eligible contract employees:
 
  • Sick Leave – May utilize available accrued sick leave. A person identified only as a High-Risk individual would not be considered sick.
  • Sick Family Leave – Up to ten (10) days of accrued sick leave can be allocated for sick family leave. Can be used for the health care needs of immediate family members; refer to policy. A person identified only as a High-Risk individual would not be considered sick.
  • Personal Leave – Varies by employee category, requires supervisor approval.
  • Hourly Employee TOW Leave – Up to fifteen (15) days of unpaid leave may be used in a school year.
  • STD – Up to one hundred and twenty (120) days of Short-Term Disability may be used in a five-year period, refer to policy. Educators must elect and pay for STD coverage. A person identified only as a High-Risk individual would not be considered sick.
  • One Year Leave – One (1) year leave of absence without pay eligibility varies by employee category, refer to policy.
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Provides additional paid and/or unpaid leave to benefit eligible employees who have a serious medical condition or have a family member with a serious medical condition; refer to policy. A person identified only as a High-Risk individual would not be considered sick.
  • Vacation Leave – Contract 12-month employees are eligible for vacation benefits. Vacation leave requires supervisor approval.
 
Granite School District does not extend unauthorized leave. Failure to be on approved leave may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. In addition, each employee is expected to follow the “call-in” procedure when absent from work. If you have any questions regarding the “call-in” procedure, please contact your supervisor or principal.
 
Employees who make application for leave options, as outlined above, must communicate with immediate supervisors and the Granite School District Benefits Office. Furthermore, employees making a request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA), or have questions regarding the contents of this letter, should contact Berkley King, ADAAA Coordinator at (385)646-4222 or bdking@graniteschools.org.
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Unpredictable Times

6/26/2020

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Someone told me, “I can’t bear to hear the word “unprecedented” one more time,” so we’re going to work with “unpredictable.”  These are indeed unpredictable times. GEA has received many calls and emails of concern from members regarding the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. The rush to move to distance learning in March of this year caused anxiety, fear, frustration, and exhaustion. Teachers pulled a hat trick by not only moving from having in-classroom instruction to online, but also creating community, fun, and endless calls and emails to students and parents. Many of you have said that you spent many more hours in distance learning (not just the instruction piece) but the countless calls and questions from students which reached into late in the evening. Now, as the coronavirus hovers over our communities, our thoughts turn to what happens when school starts in August?  THAT is the big question.
 
District administrators have been working very hard to strategize around these unpredictable times. Dr. Bates has announced in both writing and verbally, that the District’s plan of action will be based on the CDC guidelines which go to the state government, and then is shared by Governor Herbert for action. What happens when even the government is confused about what to do about school attendance in the fall?  We create an “umbrella of precautions to prevent insecurity”
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“The future is only grim because people see it that way. It's unpredictable. Life is a summer storm of insecure thoughts. There's an umbrella of precautions to prevent insecurity, but it doesn't always keep the rain out of your face.” 
― Julian Winters, Running With Lions
 
Your AdvoCats have been at the table during all District planning; continuing to ensure your voice is in the room and your rights are protected. This planning is a moving target and may change as quickly as the number of positive COVID-19 cases do each day. Following are some of the most common questions we have received from GEA members:
 
Will teachers be expected to teach both online and in the classroom?  
 
The short answer is “yes.” The District has announced that it will take cues from the state health department on what is appropriate for school re-opening and there will be a balance of both distance and in-person instruction. In order to maintain physical distancing, the District is suggesting a hybrid schedule of student in-classroom attendance. Students with last names starting with A-L will attend in classroom on Monday and Wednesday. Students with last names starting with M-Z will attend in classroom on Tuesday and Thursday. Teachers will record their classroom instruction on these days and broadcast to the students, via Google Meet or Canvas, who will be “attending” from home online. Details for this plan were rolled out at the School Board meeting last week. For further details you can access the following links: Administrative presentation to the Granite school board, and the YouTube video of the meeting (note that this discussion begins at the 1:02 timeline). 
 
In order to balance out the time it will take to create online instructional materials and prepare for each week, Friday’s will be days when teachers have time to plan, coordinate, and create what is necessary for the upcoming week. GEA continues to argue for increased planning time so as to accommodate all that they are being asked to do this year.
 
Will teachers receive training and/or instruction for online instruction?
 
In May the District sent a survey to all teachers regarding their top needs for planning for the 2020-21 school year. The results show that the top three needs are:
  1. Ideas for integrating technology into lesson planning.
  2. Tutorials for using technology tools in planning.
  3. Have a library of electronic instruction resources to draw upon for lesson planning.
 
These needs have been the action the District has taken this summer to provide these and other resources for teachers. Beginning on August 13 – August 21 teachers are expected to return to work and, as negotiated, these days will be divided between 2.5 days for time in the classroom to prepare for the new year, and the other days will be shared with faculty professional development and online instruction, etc. The presentation link above will show the format outlined in detail. GEA closely followed the planning and preparation of these days and the District collaborated with GEA to ensure the contractual language was followed.
 
A survey was sent to parents regarding their preferences for returning to school, why didn’t we (teachers) have the option to submit our preferences?
 
The District, as the employer, will determine the working guidelines based on scientific evidence, Utah State Board of Education guidelines, state risk management, and governmental mandates and suggestions. The survey in May was a way for the District to hear what teachers need to be successful in their work. The safety, health, and wellbeing of teachers has been strongly advocated by GEA in collaboration with legal counsel. We will protect teacher rights and working conditions and heavily rely on the collaborative and respectful working relationship we have with the District.
 
What happens if we come back to school, and there is a positive case (of COVID-19) in my classroom or in the school?
 
If we are to return in August full-time or in some hybrid manner, all precautions will be in place to maintain a safe and sanitized learning environment. Temperatures of students and staff will be taken prior to entering the building, custodians will daily deeply sanitize the entire building each day, air ventilation will be available where necessary, etc. Precautions will be in place for six feet of physical distancing, and the District will have masks available for every employee and student.  However, infection will likely happen, and when this does, the school (like what occurred with Hunter High last spring), or the classroom(s) involved will close and students and teachers will isolate at home for the necessary 14+ days. The District will be nimble in making decisions to avoid the spread of infection.
 
If I am quarantined, will this affect my accumulated sick leave?
 
Should there be a mandatory school or classroom dismissal, or closure, employees will be placed on paid administrative leave. If the school is not mandatorily closed, your sick days may be used if you personally or a family member are ill, as per the contract. There are leave days available through the federal CARE Act, which allows up to ten days of paid leave for reasons of COVID-19 infection. This leave will supplement the leave provided by our contract. You also have unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act that is available. Any concerns or questions about leave, GEA will handle on a case-by-case basis, so keep us close.
 
I am worried about the lack of substitutes if I need to be home or become ill.
 
Without a doubt, substitutes will be scarce this year. Each school building will navigate the best way to handle these situations. This issue is still being discussed and worked through. GEA leadership is in discussions with the District to resolve this pending issue.
 
Can we make wearing face masks mandatory?
 
This question is before the Utah State Risk Management team of attorneys. Dr. Bates suggests that likely, the District will be given the option to mandate masks, but how this would be monitored and the remedy if employees and students refuse to comply is a bigger question. We will need to count on the good sense and responsibility of the student and staff body.
 
In closing, let us reiterate; the best laid plans may change in a moment depending on the viral nature of COVID-19 and mandates from the government for state or counties. Everything is in flux and planning for each eventual possibility is near impossible. Please continue to share your questions and concerns, and GEA will be diligent in passing these on to the District. Our main concerns are your health and the health and well-being of students. GEA is navigating the rough waters with you and we’re all keeping our heads above the water…barely!
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Social Justice

6/22/2020

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An Educator’s Right to Speech
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The brutal killing of George Floyd in Minnesota ignited a powder-keg of protests around the world. The arrogance of the police officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, in broad daylight, while people filmed, and Floyd cried out for his mother has exposed this nation’s history of racism. Many of us in Utah have been actively involved in peaceful protests. Current events bring home the much needed work around racial justice in our communities and schools.

GEA has been at the forefront of human and civil rights issues in our District. GEA members have been meeting over the years to learn about the concerns teachers and students of color have in our schools and stand together to speak out for change. These active members have created training around trauma-informed schools, racial justice, and support for our LBGTQ community members. If you are interested in finding resources on Human and Civil Rights, click this link to GEA’s website: 
https://www.gea-ut.org/human-and-civil-rights.html

The role of your AdvoCats through this is to offer the best advice for teachers who choose to be on the front lines of protesting. Following are some guidelines we would like to share as you make the decision to join a protest.
  • The Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC) has no exception for arrests/citations due to conduct amounting to civil disobedience.
  • The costs related for criminal defense should you be arrested would not be covered by GEA/UEA/NEA (Unified Legal Services Program) because the conduct would be considered outside the scope of employment.  However, defense of any related employment or license investigation and discipline would be covered and should you be arrested, you will need to contact an attorney first, GEA second, and your District HR within 48 hours.
  • If you are protesting, be sure to write key phone numbers on your body in permanent marker before you go out. GEA will not be able to post bail for you, so don’t make our number the one you list; we should not be your first call. Choose someone close with whom you trust.
  • If you are arraigned on a criminal charge before you can retain an attorney, keep in mind a plea of “not guilty” does NOT mean you did not commit the offense; rather a plea of not guilty means the state (or county, or city) does not have sufficient evidence to successfully prosecute you beyond a reasonable doubt. 
  • You do not have to speak with a police officer without an attorney. If you don’t have an attorney, request one to the officer. Don’t be bullied into giving a statement under pressure. Simply say, “I am happy to answer your questions once my attorney is present” and keep repeating this statement.
 
GEA supports the right of everyone to protest lawfully and respectfully and will simultaneously protect your employment as a GEA member and employee with Granite District.
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Don’t forget to wear a mask, remain 6 feet from the nearest protester, don’t touch your face, and carry sanitizer! 
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2020 GEA PAC Recommended Candidates

6/17/2020

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The GEA Political Action Committee makes recommendations in Granite-area races based solely on educational issues.  No member’s dues dollars are ever spent on political campaigns; instead we rely on voluntary contributions to the PAC to help elect education-friendly candidates.  Please make sure that your voice is heard – please vote.  Recommendations of the UEA PAC can be found here: https://myuea.org/issues_action/elections.aspx
 
The GEA Political Action Committee recommends the following candidates:
 
Granite District School Board Primary Recommendations
 
  • Granite School Board District 2: Starleen Orullian
  • Granite School Board District 1: no recommendation in primary

GEA-PAC interviewed all four candidates for Granite School Board, district 1, and decided not to make a recommendation in the primary election.  The committee feels like we have four very qualified candidates.  After the primary, we will meet as a committee and decide whether to make a recommendation in the general election.  

​Here are links to campaign websites so you can research the candidates further:
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https://www.facebook.com/StarforGraniteDistrict2/

http://toddezenger.com/
http://www.francebarral.com/
https://votejuliejackson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MaxPutsKidsFirst/
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Remembering Norma Jean Dye Phipps

6/7/2020

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"In Memory
of a Life so beautifully lived...
a Heart so deeply loved"  - Author Unknown

We share in this time of grief, but also share in the love and memories of Norma Jean Dye Phipps, Former GEA President. ​
"Norma was a teacher beginning her career in 1952 in eastern Kentucky. She was the first female school bus driver in the area. She taught summers at Indian Community Schools. She taught 5th grade at Woodrow Wilson Elementary and Twin Peaks Elementary. She served as president of Granite School District Teachers Association, and was the chief contract negotiator for the teachers for several years."
Read the full obituary here >>
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The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 12 and will be available to watch online by going to Norma's obituary page at HolbrookMortuary.com
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Reporting Positive

6/4/2020

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“Ugh! My recent COVID-19 test came out positive; what is my responsibility to my employer?”  Some of us may be experiencing this terror, and many of us are assured to experience it in the near future.

​What is a teacher’s responsibility when receiving positive results from a COVID-19 test?

According to the Utah State Health Department, whether you go to your primary care doctor, a health facility, or testing site, if you test positive you will be contacted by your health provider and asked questions about where you have been in the past few weeks, so that contact tracing may be done efficiently. Now this is important, you don’t have to contact your principal and report your positive test results. The Granite School District is in contact with the State Health Department on an almost daily basis. If anyone tests positive and reports that they were at a Granite school event or in a building during an infection period, the contact tracing personnel will report that immediately to the District and give them specifics as to what building or in what capacity you (as an employee, not individual) were with other people. The name of the person who has been tested positive is NOT given and is kept confidential.

You may feel responsible for your colleagues and/or students whom you have been in contact with, and if you wish to report to the District your positive results, do so by calling the HR Benefits Department only. (Contact numbers below.) The staff and administrators in the Granite Benefits Department will ensure your confidentiality. They will contact the administrators assigned to your school to give them an update regarding a positive test, the dates and timelines, but will also keep your name confidential.
In order to educate administrators and supervisors of how to manage the pandemic, the District distributed a document which states specifically the protocols for positive or potential infection. Following is an excerpt from the administrative memorandum:

COVID-19 Reporting
If an employee is at work and reports that they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, supervisors shall send the employee home. COVID-19 symptoms include; coughing, fever, shortness of breath, muscle soreness, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. Supervisors should immediately contact their direct supervisor, Cescilee Rall, RN, NCSN, and Benefits/HR. The employee should be directed to contact their personal doctor and the SLCHD.

If an employee calls in and reports they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, supervisors should permit the employee to stay home. COVID-19 symptoms include; coughing, fever, shortness of breath, muscle soreness, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. Supervisors should immediately contact their direct supervisor, Cescilee Rall, RN, NCSN, and Benefits/HR. The employee should be directed to contact their personal doctor and the SLCHD.

If an employee reports a positive COVID-19 test result, supervisors will direct the employee to call Benefits/HR as soon as possible. Supervisors should immediately contact their direct supervisor, Cescilee Rall, RN, NCSN, and Benefits/HR.
 
Further in the memorandum it states:
 
Communication with Employees (including those protected by the ADA) during COVID-19
Communicating with employees during the COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful and challenging. This document is intended to provide guidance regarding communications with employees, including those who may be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. Personal identities shall be kept confidential, with the exception of reporting requirements. Employees may apply for ADA accommodations at any time by contacting Berkley King, Benefits Manager. If ADA accommodations are granted to an employee, supervisors are notified of those accommodations via a letter from Benefits.
 
It's important that YOUR personal information remains confidential. The expectation of the District and state health department is strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA privacy law.

Let’s be realistic, principals are human and may react unprofessionally by sharing a person’s name to other staff or teachers in the school building. However, their role as an administrator should be to protect your privacy. If this should happen, please contact GEA and we will educate the principal and ask the District to re-enforce its protocols.
 
Bottom-line, you can do yourself a favor by also following safety protocols that protect you from human error and  embarrassment if your confidentiality is breached. Follow the protocols for reporting as stated above. Here are some contact numbers for your information:
 
Contact Information
Salt Lake County Health Department – COVID-19 Info Line - 1-800-456-7707
Cescilee Rall, RN, NCSN, Granite School District– 385-646-2139
Granite School District Benefits – 385-646-4222 or 385-646-4528
Granite School District Human Resources- 385-646-4517 or 385-646-4511
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Advocating 24/7 and 365 - We will be here!

5/27/2020

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PictureWestbrook Elementary
Today is the last contract day for educators in Granite School District. Completion of the 2019-20 school year would have fizzled out quietly if not for educators and administrators organizing makeshift graduation celebrations, parades in neighborhoods, and celebration lines in front of elementary schools. GEA honors Westbrook and Sandburg Elementary teachers, administrators, and staff as they said goodbye to their respective buildings as well as students. Change is difficult, but they made it special just the same.

GEA is also saying farewell with gratitude to the over 100 career educators and dedicated members who are retiring this year. Bittersweet to be sure.

As reported in a recent blog post, Granite School District Board of Directors and Superintendency continue to honor the ratified agreement which included a 5% COLA and 3% One-time Bonus. A huge lift to be sure as the state legislature meets today in its Public Education Appropriation Committee to discuss how the education budget should be reduced. In February and March many of GEA’s association representatives held school walk-ins to speak out loud the need for adequate funding for our schools and students. Teachers wore Red and organized both parents and students to join the walk-ins in support for increased funding. Before closing the 2020 Utah Legislative Session, legislators enacted a 6% increase to the Weighted Pupil Unit which honored the desperate need of funding for our public schools. Now, even though Utah is last in the nation for per pupil funding, the legislature is looking at taking back its promised increase due to state economic loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand some budgetary adjustments must be made, but strongly plea that public education is held harmless.
PictureValley Crest Elementary
In a recent letter to Utah legislators, UEA President, Heidi Matthews urges, “The UEA disputes the assumption that the discussion must begin with budget reduction scenarios of 2%, 5% and 10% from the base budget. No cuts should be considered until revenue projections are fully understood and every option for backfilling any budget shortfalls has been explored. Use of bonding, rainy day funds, federal CARES Act monies, non-lapsing balances, and any other potential revenue source or expense deferral must all be considered BEFORE making ANY cuts to public education.”  So, even though the official contract year is coming to an end, the advocacy work of GEA and UEA continues 24/7. We believe our public educators and students deserve more than last place for funding. Educators at all levels are working harder than ever to provide a robust distance learning platform for students during this pandemic. In anticipation of a potential continued school dismissal in the fall, educators will be adjusting curriculum and lesson material to prepare and polish the work they have done on the fly since March of this year.

GEA believes that public education should be the last place, not the first, where state leaders focus budget cuts in the troubled economic times we face. The multi-million dollar rainy day fund should be utilized to fill budget shortfalls. Utah’s rainy day fund ranks 19th in the nation, and the state is healthy financially because of this prudence in savings. However, being last in the nation for per pupil funding, and NOT utilize the rainy day fund but further cut public education funding is backward-thinking at best. Perhaps if the legislature is looking in every nook and cranny for funding cuts, it should consider the $6 million voucher bill it passed in a recent special session. Just saying.
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Crestview Elementary
 
​We will continue to post on this blog during the summer months, so check in with us on www.gea-ut.org, on our Facebook page, and our fledgling Twitter, @GEA_Utah social media accounts for updates. We urge all of you to take time these next few months for self-care, adventure, and relaxation.
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"We gained so much from YOU" - 19/20 Retirees

5/26/2020

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What a year to end a brilliant and fulfilling career in teaching!  GEA would like to recognize and honor the many teachers who have supported the Association throughout their career, as well as changed multiple lives through their gift of teaching!  “Thanks” just doesn’t say enough – what we have gained as an organization is due to your hard work. We stand on your shoulders and teachers coming behind you will forever be rewarded by the gifts you’ve shared. 
Robyn Allred, Upland Terrace Elementary
Mary Alsop, Cottonwood High
Michelle Asay, Granger High
Heather Ashton, Fremont Elementary
Sandra Baker, Orchard Elementary
David Barton, Olympus High
Seydou Bengaly, Granger High
Carol Bethers, Moss Elementary
Lisa Bouwhuis, Driggs Elementary
Robert Brough, Olympus Jr. High
Marilyn Brown, Eisenhower Jr. High
Michelle Butterfield, Educational Technology
Bonnie Call, Bonneville Jr. High
Phillip Cannon, Cottonwood High School
Susan Cannon, Y.E.S.S. Program
Leslie Chatelain, Morningside Elementary
Miriam Childs, Hunter Elementary
Jerry Corbett, Hunter High
Patricia Creager, West Valley Elementary
Judy Cutler, Crestview Elementary
Kenneth Dilley, Granite Park Jr. High
Lloyd Earl, Bonneville Jr. High
Carolyn England, Silver Hills Elementary
Renee Evans, Bennion Elementary
Tammy Farnsworth, West Valley Elementary
Gina Felt, Woodstock Elementary
Kristin Fisher, Lake Ridge Elementary
Julie Ford, Sandberg Elementary
Scott Fowler, Granite Technical Institute
Robert Fratto, Cyprus High School
Sandra Funk, Bennion Elementary
Suzanne Gaeta, Westbrook Elementary
Shanna Garso, Roosevelt Elementary
Tammy Giles, Penn Elementary
Bradely Goffe, Olympus High School
Elizabeth Goold, Oakwood Elementary
Sue Gray, Morningside Elementary
Robyn Gresh, Hillside Elementary
Laurie Gunkel, Hunter Elementary
Susan Gunn, Sandberg Elementary
Nancy Hansen, Cottonwood Elementary
Michele Hart, Driggs Elementary
Karen Haslam, Westbrook Elementary
Julia Henkes, Wright Elementary
Jessica Hook, Skyline High School
Ann Itchon, Pioneer Elementary
Anthony Ivins, Taylorsville High School
Rosemary Jacklin, Bonneville Jr. High
Tamara Jackman, Hillside Elementary
Teri Jenkins, Taylorsville Elementary
Heidi Jones, Crestview Elementary
Janet Juengel, Wright Elementary
Christine Katsilas, Taylorsville High
Monica Kelley, Plymouth Elementary
Marilyn Kline, Hunter High
Shelley Larson, Oakwood Elementary
Tiffany Lundberg, Special Services
Andrew Marks, Cottonwood High
Kent Mayne, Prevention & Student Placement
Patti Jo Mazanis, Jefferson Jr. High
Paul McClatchy, CCR-Psychologists
Ruth Merrill, Granger High
Pamela Moea’l, Educational Technology
Virginia Moon, Cyprus High
Teina Moore, Rolling Meadows Elementary
Deborah Morris, Farnsworth Elementary
Cynthia Moyle, Educational Technology
Audrey Nelson, Cottonwood High
Paula Nelson, Y.E.S.S. Program
Christy Oaks, Morningside Elementary
Carol Overson, Cyprus High
Janeen Partridge, Arcadia Elementary
Kim Peterson, Redwood Elementary
Cheryl Pietz, Educational Equity
Celia Powell, Educational Technology
Anne Puzey, Bennion Jr. High
Marianne Rankin, Vista Elementary
Katharine Roach, Cyprus High
Julie Rosenlof, Kearns High
Charles Sampson, Western Hills Elementary
Thomas Sharpe, Cottonwood High
Denice Smith, Olympus High
Kathleen Smith, Bennion Jr. High
Corinne Soelberg, Twin Peaks Elementary
Ann Sorenson, Cyprus High
Dirk Sprunt, Elk Run Elementary
Joni Sueoka, Vista Elementary
Joe Szugye, Whittier Elementary
Patricia Taylor, Taylorsville High
Deborah Thomas, Olympus Jr. High
Jo Thompson, Hunter High
Joan Thompson-Harris, Copper Hills Elementary
Valerie Tomer, Special Services
Wendy Wagstaff, Cottonwood Elementary
William Walker, Hunter Jr. High
Sue Weierman, Eisenhower Jr. High
Debra Wessman, Mill Creek Elementary
Ingrid White, Kearns High
Patricia White, Research and Evaluation
Johanna Widdison, Lake Ridge Elementary
Linda Williams, Jackling Elementary
Carolyn Wood, Magna Elementary
Karen Yates, Hunter Elementary
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AR of the Year Award goes to...

5/20/2020

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It’s hard enough navigating the end of a school year amid a global pandemic and school dismissal without receiving discouraging news reports that Utah continues to be the last in the nation for per student funding (Reported by Courtney Tanner, SL Tribune, May 12:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2020/05/12/utah-dead-last-again-per/)

​This ranking has been a dubious placement for many years. Although the Utah State Legislature, in its recent 2020 general session, moved to address this inequity in funding by enacting a 6% increase to the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) for the 2020-21 school budget year, it’s now considering taking that increase away to fund the state’s economic losses due to the COVID-10 pandemic. A special session will be called sometime this summer to consider how to cut budgets across the board. GEA is hearing anything from 2% for all budget areas up to 9% in others. Public education is reported to not be immune to these cuts and the Legislature went a step further to enact a resolution cautioning school districts to not negotiate increased salary and benefits for public school employees at this time.

In a previous blog, (April 30, 2020, “What’s Up GEA?”) we acknowledged the courage the Granite School Board and District Administration had in meeting GEA for negotiations and reaching an agreement on a 5% cost of living increase, 3% one-time bonus, shift in salary schedule to make the starting salary more appealing for new educators, and several other financial increases. Even amidst the pressure by the state to limit negotiations, Granite continues to stand by their agreement. It’s important for you to know that GEA continues to meet regularly with the Granite district superintendent team and as current as this week, the team reiterates the District’s support for the negotiated agreement and offers assurance to GEA that the District’s budget will support this increase regardless of what state leaders decide to do with public education funding. Kudos to the District for being fiscally responsible as well as conscientious of the incredible effort and professionalism of all educators and special services employees.

In other good news – every year GEA celebrates the hard work GEA building representatives (Association Representatives (AR)) have achieved throughout the year. Beginning with the August New Teacher Orientation, ARs focus on being the voice of GEA teachers in each building. Meeting each month during the year, 100+ ARs gather to hear updates from GEA on what is happening in the District or State that affects educators and public education as a whole. Oftentimes, ARs are given tasks to do in their buildings, i.e. hold GEA meetings, share information, hold and manage elections for GEA leadership, stay up to date on education news, advocate for GEA members in their buildings, represent GEA at the state and national associations, et al. This year GEA threw in a request to plan a building Walk-in to bring the attention to the state legislature on how great our schools are in Granite and the need for at least a 6% increase in funding—and we were able to convince the legislators to do just that!

In May, GEA annually has an “Oscars” award night for ARs to celebrate and recognize ARs who have gone above and beyond to support members in their buildings, increase local capacity and their leadership capabilities. No surprise that choosing our top winners is very difficult and always a close race. One AR will win “AR of the Year” and this individual will receive a plaque and have their GEA/UEA/NEA dues paid by the Association for the next contract year. Following this superstar, there are three to four “runners-up” who receive recognition through a certificate and a $50.00 cash prize.  We would like to recognize the 2019-20 GEA Superstars:

The 2019-20 AR of the Year
 Jared Newbold, teacher of 4th graders at Twin Peaks Elementary. 
 

1st Runner-up
JoAnne Brown, Science, Olympus High School
 

2nd Runner-up
Felicia Walton, teacher of 4th graders at Arcadia Elementary
 

3rd Runner-up
Lizzie Jolley, teacher of 5th graders at Crestview Elementary
 

Honorable Mention
Michele Jones, Mathematics, Cyprus High School
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And a big GEA “Thank you” to not only our AR Superstars, but to all the other ARs who volunteer their time to be leaders in their school buildings to support educators’ rights and public education!
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Open? Not quite yet.

5/8/2020

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As Governor Gary Herbert moved Utah from a COVID-19 Red status to “Orange” many are wondering what “Open for Business” means for public schools. The last order from state government, county health departments, and Granite School District, is that schools would not open physically for the remainder of this school year. With the last day of teaching new instructional material being the week of May 11, and student Chromebook returns scheduled for the following week, this year is pretty much one for the records. However, the state superintendent, Dr. Sydnee Dickson recently sent a letter to local district superintendents outlining what the “orange” status means for public schools. In her letter, she reports having coordinated with the state health department to authorize having “a few students” in school buildings with safety protocols. The reasons Dr. Dickson outlines for students entering school buildings is purported to be for such things as:
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  • Small group instruction,
  • CTE project work that requires hands-on experience,
  • Testing for students with IEPs and serviced provided that were postponed due to distance learning,
  • support in mathematics or reading for lower performing students, and
  • make-up work for students who have not been active during distance learning these past several weeks.

At the same time, on May 6th Governor Herbert released the state’s guidelines for the moderate risk (Orange) phase which advises that children do not go to school, but remain learning at home, should not schedule playdates with other children, and closures of all playgrounds are still in effect. Given all this, what does this mean for Granite teachers?  The District superintendent and his cabinet of assistant superintendents are reviewing the advice from Dr. Dickson while maintaining caution such as what is outlined from the governor and state health department and will decide how this affects teachers and staff in Granite. GEA has coordinated with the Special Education department administration and they are recommending continued conservative protocols for health and safety reasons. With a backlog of SPED students needing to be evaluated and tested, administration is recommending voluntary participation of teachers, social workers, psychologists, etc. to take on some of the testing one-on-one under strict health protocols and in coordination and agreement with parents. Again, this testing would be done voluntarily and will not be directive at this time. Granite literally has 2.5 weeks of school left on the 2019-20 calendar and its unlikely that a focus will be made to increase physical presence in our school buildings.

Focus in the District right now is on finalizing this year’s student grading, return of Chromebooks, and arranging for continued summer catch-up for students who are facing incompletes. We are also seeing proactive movement to clearing classrooms in schools slated for closure, repair, and reconfiguration. Questions have come up from teachers who are receiving proposed plans from principals on how the collection of Chromebooks and dissemination of students’ personal belongings should be staged. The District protocol recommends that beginning the week of May 18, principals should be scheduling a system for parents to drive-up to the school to drop-off Chromebooks. This curbside process should be in line with the same protocols already set up for lunch distribution. Teachers who are not in high-risk categories or feel safe coming into the school on a staggered schedule will receive bags from administration in which to place individual student’s personal items. Bags will be sealed and labeled with the student’s name. This should happen through the week of May 11-15 with support of school custodians, aides, and administration.  Then, during the week of May 18-21st, as mentioned above, a system, similar to lunch distribution, will be arranged. Teachers may volunteer to help with the personal property distribution and collection of school Chromebooks but are not required to be there if health and safety is an issue. GEA believes teachers should not be expected to be at the school, meet separately or one-on-one with students and/or parents during this school closure/exchange.

GEA is also hearing from teachers who fall within the high-risk category for reasons of age or compromised health; in fact, 1/3 of GEA members fall within this category. GEA AdvoCats and Leadership have been in continued conversation with District administration to ensure protection for all teachers, not just our most vulnerable. The District has echoed our concerns and is moving forward with caution as well as communication with us prior to action. This is the respect and relationship GEA has developed over a long history of negotiating and collaborating with the District and its leaders on the school board. Anyone with concerns about rumors they are hearing, directives they’ve been given, or news being reported, should email one of your GEA AdvoCats to discuss and resolve. We got you!

Mike McDonough, GEA President:            mike.mcdonough@myuea.org
Star Orullian, GEA Executive Director:     Starleen.orullian@myuea.org
Cindy Formeller, GEA Assoc. Director:     cindy.formeller@myuea.org
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