COVID-19 Closing —
Employee Frequently Asked Questions
March 24, 2020
With the closing of school in this unprecedented time, a number of questions are being asked.
Here, we will attempt to address the more common questions. In the days ahead, we will add to this list as new topics arise and we receive additional information.
Will my pay continue? For how long?
Our goal as a District is to find ways to ensure that pay is not interrupted for our full-time and regular part-time employees (see definition below) during this national health emergency.
During this initial closing period through April 3rd, all full-time employees will continue to receive full pay, identical to how pay is handled when we close for inclement weather (logged as administrative leave).
“Regular part-time” positions are defined as an employee who has been approved by the Board of Education to fill a part-time position created and approved by the Board of Education. For clarification, there is also a non-regular/temporary employees classification (defined as an employee that is approved to work less than 20 hours per week), which will not receive pay during this closure. HR will contact “regular part-time” employees within the next several days with specific information regarding pay during the closing period of March 23rd through April 3rd.
Should the closing be extended, the intent is that pay will continue. There is currently a law that ensures continuing pay for certified employees during an epidemic. The State Department of Career Tech is working with the state legislature to expand that coverage to include support personnel as well.
Do I need to use my personal leave while the District is closed?
For the closing through April 3rd, you will be paid under “administrative leave”. There is no need to use personal leave at this point. If the closing is extended, it is uncertain at this point whether personal leave would need to be used. Much will depend on what is defined by the legislature. We will keep you apprised as this evolves.
Can I cancel leave that I previously scheduled before the closing?
Yes. If you have scheduled vacation or personal business leave to occur between 03/23 and 04/03, you may cancel this leave by making this request to your supervisor. That leave will be canceled and returned to your leave bank in Time Clock Plus.
My vacation leave is maxed out. What will happen to upcoming accruals?
We are temporarily extending the maximum amount you can accrue so that you will not lose upcoming accruals. No action is needed on your part.
Do I need to come into work?
You are only permitted to be onsite if you are asked to come in to perform an essential function. The Executive Team is making plans to ensure that essential functions of the District are covered during this closing. If you are assigned to cover an essential function, we will work with you to determine what your work schedule will be.
Examples of essential functions include payroll processing, inventory receiving, accounts payable, internal construction projects, building maintenance, vendor coordination, etc. Covering essential functions might be a combination of on-site work and remote telecommuting work.
If I am asked to come in to perform essential tasks, what precautions should I take?
The District is committed to the health and safety of those individuals that will be coming in to work on assigned essential functions. To maximize the safety of the work environment, work areas will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CDC and health department recommended practice of having gatherings of less than 10 will be followed.
When performing an essential task onsite, work should be performed as efficiently as possible to minimize the time on-site. The adherence to social distancing guidelines while at work will be required. Workplace social distancing guidelines can be found here.
Can I come into work if I want to?
If you are not assigned an essential function to cover, you are expected to remain at home. It is important that we have as few employees in buildings as possible.
Can I pick up work items or personal belongings from my work area?
If there are work materials or personal items that you need to get from your office or classroom, please contact your director to submit a request for access. Your director will coordinate with the SLT to arrange building access, when possible.
Even if you possess keys to a building, you will not be permitted to enter any facility without prior approval and deputy assistance. Any approved access to buildings should be completed by 3:00pm on 03/25.
Office or classroom technology equipment is not to be removed from your work area but check-out equipment is available through IT.
Can I check out computer equipment to take home?
Computer equipment should not be removed from offices or classrooms.
Employees wanting to check out “work from home” equipment should contact the IT helpdesk at 918-828-5025 or helpdesk@tulsatech.edu to coordinate.
No self-uninstalls of employee’s desktop or classroom equipment will be permitted. IT has similar equipment that can be loaned out. Equipment check out will only be authorized for exempt employees.
IT will be providing remote help desk support to help you be able to connect to the District’s network.
Will our deputies be working during the closing?
Our deputies will continue to work during the closing. If you need to reach deputies during this time, you can contact them at 918-828-1190. They will not, however, be permitted to grant building access during the closing except for times slots that have pre-authorized for picking up items on Tuesday and Wednesday (03/24 & 03/25).
Should each campus have someone present over the next several weeks?
No. We are putting buildings into energy savings mode and expect employees to be home, unless assigned to cover an essential function, as defined by the Executive Team.
Do I have to cancel work-related travel?
Yes, all work-related travel should be canceled through April 30. This will be extended as needed. Please work to get expenses refunded or, at a minimum, credits for future travel.
Can I continue to deliver instruction at this time? (Clinicals, Online)
No, the latest guidance from ODCTE states that no in-person instruction or grading should occur for secondary students and that any continued access to online curriculum should be completely voluntary. That means we cannot require a secondary student to complete an assignment nor can we grade an assignment.
Additionally, there is to be no in-person instruction for post-secondary students, this includes instruction that occurs as part of a clinical experience. Unless otherwise communicated with by your director as part of a district approved plan, we ask that faculty take an instructional pause during this period until April 6th.
Unless a district exception is approved in line with site restrictions, and attendance restrictions of 10 or fewer total headcount, all BIS and ACD classes should be cancelled until April 6th.
How will students make up lost time?
The strategy of how we complete instructional requirements will vary by program. As such, over the next two weeks a comprehensive plan will be developed working campus by campus and program by program.
Our partnering k-12 schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year so we will be taking guidance from the SDE and ODCTE to determine our instructional plan for secondary students. Our instructional team and faculty will be advised accordingly.
We are dealing with several unknowns at this point (i.e. accreditation reprieves, DOE requirements for DE, licensure requirements, allowable clinical substitutions, etc.) so having contingencies built into the plan will be necessary. Please expect a multitude of strategies to be utilized as we strive for the best solution for each program.
Are CTSO events cancelled?
Below is the most up to date information provided for CTSO:
- CareerTech Student Organization Events
- National DECA : Cancelled
- National BPA: Cancelled
- All other national offices are monitoring and communicating weekly.
- The state events are listed below.
After April 6 |
FCCLA State Competitive Events |
Competitions will be held virtually. |
|
FCCLA State Convention |
Currently working to reschedule for the first week of May. No confirmation at this time. |
April 6-8 |
HOSA State Leadership |
Competitions will be held virtually. |
April 8-10 |
TSA State Leadership |
Competitions will be held virtually. |
April 19-21 |
Skills USA State Conference |
State Leadership/ Skills Conference/ all state contests will be virtual. |
April 28-29 |
FAA State Convention |
Cancelled, working on alternatives |
Will graduation be cancelled?
Yes. To ensure that our students, their families, and our employees remain safe, we are canceling this year’s graduation. Any money paid by students will be refunded.
How can I stay up-to-date on this situation?
While we remain in a closed status, please stay up-to-date by frequently checking the Tulsa Tech Safety and Security Website. You will also receive e-mails from Tulsa Tech with updated information. Please attempt to be available via phone and monitor voice messages during the closing.