We are frustrated and disheartened to see Austin ISD pushing for students to return to campus on January 25th, especially in light of the incredibly dire situation we remain in with record-breaking hospitalizations and positivity rates in our county (still at Stage 5). We encourage our leaders and members to work with their colleagues and administrators to create a flexible staffing plan. Principals have been advised by district officials to “continue to work with staff to ensure they have a student-centered plan at each campus.” Since most students continue to learn remotely, it makes sense to have flexible staffing plans that allow remote work for as many staff members as possible and reduce staff counts at each site. We also continue to call on the district to work closely with Austin Public Health and Travis County to maximize efforts to procure needed vaccinations for our faculty and staff.
