Restart and Recovery Addressing Buildings Grounds and Transportation

Presenters • David Nash, Esq. , LEGAL ONE Director • Thomas Eldridge, Business Administrator, Lawrence Township School District and NJASBO BA of the Year for 2020 • Rebecca Gold, Retired Director of Human Resources ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 2

DISCLAIMER This presentation is intended as a summary of law only and is not meant as legal advice. Please consult your attorney to obtain legal advice. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 3

Key Topics • Legal and logistical challenges related to: – meeting health, safety, cleaning and disinfecting standards for school buildings, – properly supervising school grounds, and – addressing the many challenges related to transportation. • Implementation challenges – – how to assess the scope of services that must be provided, how to determine staffing needs, how to best use existing resources most efficiently, and strategies for assessing various options related to student transportation • A Suggested Tool for Planning and Implementation ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 4

Evolving Requirements • July 24, 2020 – NJDOE Memo Clarifying Expectations for Access to Remote Learning • July 24, 2020 – Updated CDC Guidance for Schools • July 22, 2020 – Updated CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance • June 26, 2020 – NJDOE Issues The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 5

The Road Back • Reopening Guidance Issued June 26, 2020 • Every district must submit a reopening plan no less than 4 weeks prior to reopening • Document includes Anticipated Minimum Standards and Additional Considerations • Requires new policies and protocols • Requires District-wide Restart Committee, school-level Pandemic Response Teams, suggests contact tracing liaisons ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 6

Guiding Considerations for Policies/Protocols • Will this change encourage social distancing? • Will this change discourage student cohort mixing like those that occur for lunch periods, recess or assemblies? • Will this change encourage and improve hygiene practices? • How will this impact the mental health and wellness of students, staff and the school community? • See page 47 of The Road Back ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 7

Health and Safety Protocols • Anticipated Minimum Standards – The Road Back generally relies on CDC Guidelines for Schools, including guidelines for cleaning/disinfecting, hygiene, face coverings, social distancing • NJDOH Requirements • Protecting and Supporting Students and Staff Members at Higher Risk (growing list of underlying medical conditions) • Key to identify and provide reasonable accommodations for those at higher risk ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 8

Transportation • Anticipated Minimum Standards – All students able to do so must wear a face covering if unable to maintain social distancing or put physical barriers between rows on bus • CDC recommends social distancing of 6 feet or physical barriers between rows (54 student bus would go down to 11 students or 22 with barriers) • If some students unable to wear face covering then provide accommodations (e. g. , barrier for that student or social distancing for that student) • Adopt best practicing for cleaning and disinfecting buses ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 9

Transportation Challenges • Screening of bus drivers – Employee – Contracted driver • How to address problem behavior at the bus stop – Notice in advance to parents and students – Communication between driver/bus aides and school administration • Enforcing social distancing, hand sanitizing and enforcing wearing of face masks where appropriate – Ideally have another staff member on bus – Posting signs on buses with clear direction – Reviewing video footage periodically • If no screening at this point, potential exposure of other students and staff • Heightened standards for cleaning and sanitizing between bus routes • Ensuring health and safety protocols followed as students exit bus, wait to enter the building ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 10

Bus Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols • Cites CDC guidance for bus transit operators for anticipated minimum standards for cleaning buses • See CDC Guidance for Non-Emergency Transport Vehicles for those with known or suspected COVID-19 ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 11

Reducing Transportation Demand • Consider options to reduce total bus demand – offering payment in lieu of transportation – consider reducing/ending courtesy busing – Identifying parents who choose to transport their own child (summer survey) – Identifying parents who opt for fully virtual instruction ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 12

Facilities Cleaning/ Disinfecting Protocols • Every day • “Deep cleaning” days for days without students • In response to someone in building who tests positive for COVID-19 • Playground equipment • Commonly touched, shared items • Signage to reinforce protocols ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 13

Adequate Supplies • Support healthy hygiene behaviors by providing adequate supplies, including: – soap, – hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer), – paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, – cloth face coverings (as feasible) and – no-touch/foot-pedal trash cans. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 14

Cleaning and Disinfection • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e. g. , playground equipment, door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains) within the school and on school buses at least daily or between use as much as possible. Use of shared objects (e. g. , gym or physical education equipment, art supplies, toys, games) should be limited when possible, or cleaned between use. • If transport vehicles (e. g. , buses) are used by the school, drivers should practice all safety actions and protocols as indicated for other staff (e. g. , hand hygiene, cloth face coverings). To clean and disinfect school buses or other transport vehicles, see guidance for bus transit operators. • Develop a schedule for increased, routine cleaning and disinfection. • Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection productsexternal icon, including storing products securely away from children. Use products that meet EPA disinfection criteriaexternal icon. • Cleaning products should not be used near children, and staff should ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children or themselves from inhaling toxic fumes. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 15

Ventilation • Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors. • Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e. g. , risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to children using the facility. • Ensure that ventilation systems in your facility operate properly. For building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that have been shut down or on setback, review new construction startup guidance provided in ASHRAE Standard 180 -2018, Standard Practice for the Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systemspdf iconexternal icon. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 16

Water Systems • To minimize the risk of Legionnaire’s disease and other diseases associated with water, take steps to ensure that all water systems and features (e. g. , sink faucets, drinking fountains, decorative fountains) are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown. • Drinking fountains should be cleaned and sanitized, but encourage staff and students to bring their own water to minimize use and touching of water fountains. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 17

Physical Barriers and Guides • Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart (e. g. , reception desks). • Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that staff and children remain at least 6 feet apart in lines and at other times (e. g. guides for creating “one way routes” in hallways). ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 18

Communal Spaces • Close communal use shared spaces such as dining halls and playgrounds with shared playground equipment if possible; otherwise, stagger use and clean and disinfect between use. • Add physical barriers, such as plastic flexible screens, between bathroom sinks especially when they cannot be at least 6 feet apart. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 19

Meals • Have children bring their own meals as feasible, or serve individually plated meals in classrooms instead of in a communal dining hall or cafeteria, while ensuring the safety of children with food allergies. pdf icon • Use disposable food service items (e. g. , utensils, dishes). If disposable items are not feasible or desirable, ensure that all non-disposable food service items are handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Individuals should wash their hands after removing their gloves or after directly handling used food service items. • If food is offered at any event, have pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee instead of a buffet or family-style meal. Avoid sharing food and utensils and ensure the safety of children with food allergies. pdf icon ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 20

Shared Objects • Discourage sharing of items that are difficult to clean or disinfect. • Keep each child’s belongings separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas. • Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high touch materials to the extent possible (e. g. , assigning each student their own art supplies, equipment) or limit use of supplies and equipment by one group of children at a time and clean and disinfect between use. • Avoid sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 21

Signs and Messages • Post signs in highly visible locations (e. g. , school entrances, restrooms) that promote everyday protective measurespdf icon and describe how to stop the spreadpdf icon of germs (such as by properly washing hands and properly wearing a cloth face coveringimage icon). • Broadcast regular announcements on reducing the spread of COVID-19 on PA systems. • Include messages (for example, videos) about behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19 when communicating with staff and families (such as on school websites, in emails, and on school social media accounts). • Find free CDC print and digital resources on CDC’s communications resources main page. ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 22

Funding and Procurement • See The Road Back pp. 62 -72 • CARES Act Funding • Potential Revisions to State Aid to be announced in August • Use of available State contracts • Cooperative Purchasing Consortiums • FEMA • Additional Federal Funding? ? ? ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 23

A Model Approach to Planning • Lawrence Township School District Planning Tool – Building Cleaning – Bus Cleaning – Supply Tracking – AM Loading Procedure – PM Loading Procedure – Bodily Fluids – Other Areas to be developed? ? ? ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 24

Free Webinars Pandemic Response Series – Archived March 18 Coronavirus and Our Schools March 30 Defining Essential Personnel and Functions April 1 Meeting the Needs of Special Education Students April 2 Addressing HIB and Discrimination Claims April 6 Addressing Student Mental Health and Counseling Needs April 8 Addressing FERPA and Student Privacy Issues May 7 Next Steps Now that Schools are Closed for Remainder of the School Year May 8 Addressing the Needs of Homeless Students May 21 Understanding How to Apply for and Use CARES Act Funding May 29 Graduation and School Closing - Key Legal and Health Considerations For these events and more up-to-the-moment training information, please visit New Online Learning Opportunities and In-Person Workshop Updates ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 25

Pandemic Response Institute: Planning for the ‘New Normal’ Archived version now available! If you couldn't attend the Pandemic Response Institute July 8 th and 9 th, don't worry, it's not too late. With district reopening around the corner you need to hear from the leading experts on health and safety, human resources, meeting unique student needs, and leading the planning process. Day 1: Supporting and Protecting Our Students, originally July 8, 2020; Duration: 5 hours The global pandemic has caused a major upheaval in all aspects of society, including our public education system. Adapting to our new reality requires a fundamental reimagining of nearly all aspects of our current approach to education. This Institute will empower school leaders by providing the new protocols, practical tools and clear roadmap that are necessary to continue delivering high quality education in these unprecedented times. • • Registrants may sign up for one day or both days. The Institute addresses planning for the aftermath and challenges of returning to school and the real potential for recurring closures. Participants receive a Pandemic Response Toolkit that includes model policies, protocols, templates and checklists. It also consolidates the latest Executive Orders, NJDOE and USDE Guidance, new statutes and regulations. Day 2: Supporting and Protecting Our Staff, originally July 9, 2020; Duration: 5 hours Fee: $100 per day or $180 for both days • • Health and Safety Protocols for Students Ensuring Equitable Access for All Students Addressing At-Risk and Specialized Student Populations Human Resource Protocols Observation & Evaluation Business Operations ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 26

LEGAL ONE In-District Protocol Review Service During the Coronavirus pandemic, school districts are being challenged like never-before to adapt their protocols "on the fly" to provide ongoing education and support services to students and to meet the complex human resource needs of staff. LEGAL ONE is here to support you as you navigate these difficult waters. Let us help you develop legally sound and effective protocols in a wide array of areas including: • • • special education and Section 504; harassment, intimidation and bullying; affirmative action; human resource management; attendance and residency; addressing substance abuse; child abuse prevention; crisis response; progressive staff supervision; and other critical legal areas. Our in-district services addressing these topics are available year-round, not just in response to the Coronavirus. At the same time, we recognize the unique challenges that the pandemic and resulting statewide closure have had on districts across the state, as we all work to overcome this unprecedented challenge. Of course, we are available to provide the level of service you need, whether it's a one-hour consultation, daylong review or more in-depth tailored services. We also have a wide array of virtual learning opportunities, including our webinars, recently updated online courses and virtual workshops, using Zoom, Go. To. Webinar, Canvas, and other online services. For more information, or to schedule an in-district protocol review, contact Ameena Terrell at aterrell@njpsa. org ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 27

Conclusion • Thank you for choosing professional development with LEGAL ONE! • Visit our website for more courses that can support your work at http: //www. njpsa. org/legalonenj/ • If you have any questions about this presentation or suggestions for future seminars, please send an email to dnash@njpsa. org or teldridge@ltps. org ©Copyright 2020 Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. – LEGAL ONE 28