Substitute teachers will earn more money in Old Rochester Regional district schools after the Joint School Committee / Superintendents Union No. 55 approved a pay raise during its September 24 Zoom meeting.
“This is just making sure that we’re comparable (with surrounding school districts),” said Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, stressing that the committee’s approval does not lock ORR into a particular rate schedule in every case. “These increases are only for the fiscal year 20-21.”
Citing the uncertainties that accompany the COVID-19 pandemic, Barber noted that FY22 could see ORR under more normal circumstances go back to its former rates. ORR’s last rate increase for substitute teachers took place on September 28, 2018. Barber cited Fairhaven as a comparable district in direct competition. Fairhaven posted in August $165 and $115 for various positions. ORR plans to use rates according to different positions.
After inquiring with Benefits/Human Resources Coordinator Susana Cunningham, Barber reported that 26 substitute teachers committed to coming back to ORR, while 39 for various reasons cannot and approximately 28 remain questionable for the 2020-21 academic year.
“We would hate to lose out on those in a competitive market,” said Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson. “We have a pretty good sense to this point where we stand with our staffing… pretty close right now… but we don’t know what tomorrow brings.”
Nelson says that ORR has been aggressive and will need intensify that effort. “We don’t want to wait too long before we get more aggressive in increasing our pool,” he said, citing the potential for school becoming fully reopened.
Region-side committee member Heather Burke asked why the per-diem is so substantial for certified substitute teachers. Barber responded by pointing to the 45 days of service that premium or certified substitutes complete and ORR’s dependence on their ability to teach Honors or Advanced Placement courses. Barber noted that the hybrid plan is saving ORR money overall and that the district is trying to be mindful not to overspend. “But top subs (are) one of those areas,” he said.
Union-side Chairperson Shannon Finning asked Nelson if he can “include how much (substitute teachers) are being used so we can understand the budget implications?” Nelson said he would do so and that Finning’s request makes sense.
Nelson had hoped by Friday, September 25, to advertise ORR’s new rates. Finning suggested reaching out to Bridgewater State University, UMass Dartmouth, and area colleges. Region-side member Frances Kearns suggested statewide or area teachers associations and the National Society of Black Engineers. “It’s a great opportunity to reach out to that group as well,” she said.
Both sides voted unanimously to approved the increase in the rate schedule for substitute teachers for the 2020-21 academic year.
Early numbers are in: As the ORR School District opened to students on September 16 on a hybrid basis, families retained the option of choosing a remote-only return to school for 2020-21. Remote-only students accounted for: Center School 17, Old Hammondtown 7, Sippican 60, Rochester Memorial 65, ORRJH 44, and ORRHS 77. Nelson reported an increase in homeschooling with some district schools up 30 percent.
Devoll reported that, since September 16 (opening day), five high school students have opted from hybrid to remote, while 12 have opted to go from full remote to hybrid. The changes are immediate. Devoll said some schools around the state have a three-week waiting period. “We want families to be able to make a decision immediately,” he said.
Policy was a hot topic in the September 24 meeting, and while Nelson told the committee, “We’re in a great place from a (personal protective equipment) standpoint… The students have been remarkable as far as compliance… I know that was a big concern for many people when school opened,” the policy around face coverings bears continued attention.
In reviewing the facemask policy, region-side committee member Tina Rood cited the section in which “expressive language” is prohibited and asked if the facemask policy is the same as the existing dress code. Nelson said he is working on an addendum for the next meeting’s consideration.
Region-side member Margaret McSweeny asked for an explanation on the removal of face shields from the policy. Nelson said school nurses have been clear on the subject: “A face shield or physical barrier is not an appropriate substitution for a mask unless there is an exemption in place,” said Nelson, noting that Grade 3 and down is not a zero-tolerance policy.
McSweeny pointed out the broad language in the facemask policy lacking definition of approved masks. “I know it’s a slippery slope and we want to enforce,” she said. Nelson said, “We wanted to make it more of a living document because things change with the (Center for Disease Control).” Nelson said that a living document would allow ORR to adjust to the most recent guidance.
“I think it has enough teeth in it,” he said.
The phrase “expressive language” in the definition of what would make a mask inappropriate drew several questions. Nelson said he interpreted it as offensive language.
“’Expressive’ says to me to step on free speech,” said Rood. “We’re not saying there is a limit to free speech, but there is a decorum when we’re in a school building.” McSweeny agreed with Rood. “If someone wears a face covering that says ‘black lives matter,’ that’s expressive and we don’t want them not to be able to say that,” she said.
ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll referenced the ORR Student Handbook and said that obscene, profane language or pictures promoting drug use or illegal activity should not be worn to school. Region-side member Jim Muse said the school has an option to rule against any speech, saying the mask is “for safety… not a billboard.”
Citing the bias against gator-style masks, region-side member Michelle Smith said that some of them have appropriate linings.
“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for the adults,” said Devoll, estimating anywhere from 300 to 400 students in the school building. “I don’t want to be in the business of debating with the kids… ‘Here’s a mask that we know works and let’s do that.’”
Both sides approved the policy change with the language amended in accordance with the ORR Student Handbook as read by Devoll.
Both sides of the Joint School Committee approved ORR’s commitment to policies on Educational Opportunities for military children (those that move based on the opportunity to serve) and Educational Opportunities for children in foster care.
Nelson thanked Joint School Committee members no longer serving on the Policy Subcommittee.
ORR also made an addendum to its remote-learning policy to address trauma.
Nelson said the intent of the addendum is to take the existing policies and take into account how COVID-19 may change things. “I feel that we’re not in the planning stages but are taking action,” he said, noting that students are meeting counselors via Zoom and individually. “I feel like we’re trying to meet each family where they’re at.”
In her report, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell referenced 10 days focused on social-emotional learning with a shift for this week onto an emphasis on remote learning.
In his report, Director of Student Services Craig Davidson said, “Our staff is doing an amazing job at meeting students and families where they’re at.”
Calling September 16 “a monumental day,” Nelson said, “seeing our students back in our schools was extremely rewarding for ourselves.”
He reported design work on a dashboard for the four school committees in deciding what model works best for their school, and plans at the Joint School Committee’s next meeting to share local and state data and that from universities.
Nelson says HVAC and air-quality systems have been assessed with new vendors. currently meeting standards. cleaning protocols are in place, meals for all students regardless of what learning model they are in. “I have to say the students have been truly resilient in embracing how school is different this year,” he said.
In reading Barber’s report, Rood questioned ORR’s custodial wage of $12.25 per hour being below Massachusetts minimum wage ($12.75). Barber explained that not being a private business, ORR is not subject to the state minimum-wage requirements but answers to federal standards.
Principals Rose Bowman (Mattapoisett), Marla Sirois (Sippican), and Derek Medeiros (Rochester Memorial) all gave positive reports on the reopening of elementary schools in the district.
Bowman reported that September 24 was the first full day for the incoming Kindergartners in Mattapoisett. “They just came out of the car and walked in like they’d always been there… What we do for them at that point lives in their heart forever,” she said, crediting Mattapoisett Police for its support and suggestions for pickup/dropoff time. “Now it’s so smooth parents are like, ‘Let’s not go back to the old way.’ When people come together, we’re so much stronger than we were before.”
Sirois told how families decorated bulletin boards and “made it great for kids” at Sippican, and Medeiros said Rochester Memorial students “brought a sense of calm to our building (and) reminded us why we came together this summer to really plan.”
Junior High Principal Silas Coellner and Devoll also reported on reopening.
“A lot of angst and all of a sudden we’re into it. There’s all these smiles and it’s working,” said Coellner, noting that cooperation and collaboration “has been mind-boggling.”
“It’s been OK,” joked Devoll, who was elated to have students back at the high school. “I could shout it from the top of the school, it’s been awesome. I thank the kids at every lunch,” he said. “We will never forget the class of 2020; these kids know they’re fortunate. In order for this to work, it has to feel like school… First step let’s prove to the community we can do this. When we keep doing it, we can look at the whole school experience.”
Finning received five votes to four for April Rios and will remain the union-side chairperson. Rios was voted vice-chairperson.
ORR’s Anti-Racism Subcommittee will meet on Monday, October 5, at 5:00 pm.
The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
ORR Joint School Committee / Superintendents Union No. 55
By Mick Colageo