FAQs from MNPS Educators Regarding COVID-19 and MNPS Operations
Greetings MNPS Educators! We have decided to start a FAQ page here so that we can answer your questions with verified answers. Please check date and time of our posts as information is changing rapidly.
CURRENT INFORMATION AS OF 3/25/20, 4:00PM
1. How long will schools be closed?
MNPS will remain closed until at least April 24th Central Office staff are to work from home unless otherwise specified. Source: Email to MNPS Employees from Dr. Battle, 3/16/20
2. Will teachers be paid while schools are closed?
Yes. MNPS employees, including teachers, will continue to be paid. Source: Email to MNPS Employees from Dr. Battle, 3/16/20
3. What does “employees” encompass? For example, what about 120-day substitutes? Or long-term subs? Are there any MNPS employees who would NOT be getting paid?
We are still seeking clarification on this.
4. Will teachers still receive coaching stipends?
We are still seeking clarification on this.
5. Will teachers have to use accrued sick or personal days to be paid while schools are closed?
No. Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-5-716 states that a teacher, including a teacher on pre-approved leave or other type of leave, shall not be charged with a day of leave for any day on which the teacher's school or the school district is closed due to natural disaster, inclement weather, serious outbreak of contagious illness, or other unexpected event.
6. Will the MNPS Health Clinics remain open, and can I go there if I suspect I am infected with COVID-19?
Yes. In addition to normal sick care, the clinics are able to provide COVID-19 testing, if warranted, or simply guide you on what to do if you’re unsure. However, they are discouraging walk-ins and have set up specific guidelines for visiting their clinics for regular appointments including treatment of chronic conditions and follow-up appointments. Please call the clinic first to find out any specific directions or requirements at 615.259.8755 or visit mnpshealth.org before visiting. Source: Email to MNPS Employees from Lori Netti, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, Director of Clinical Operations, and Dr. Martha Shepherd, DO, FAAFP, Medical Director, Population Health on behalf of MNPS Health Clinics, 3/16/20
7. How is our school calendar being adjusted? Will we have to make up for the time we are out?
The state legislature voted on March 19th to allow the commissioner of education to waive the present law requirement of 180 days of classroom instruction for the 2019-2020 school year, and to ensure that districts will continue to receive state funds if they do not meet that requirement. It does not however, prohibit school districts from making up the days if they so choose. Source: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2672
8. What about 3rd quarter grades?
Third-quarter grading and report cards have been postponed until further notice.
The Tennessee Department of Education is seeking a waiver from the federal government for assessment and accountability requirements in the 19-20 school year, and Dr. Battle is supportive of this request. Source: Email to MNPS Employees for MNPS Communications Office, 3/18/20
9. What about ACT tests?
The ACT test date scheduled for March 31 has been postponed and we currently plan to assess our 11th graders on the previously posted ACT makeup date of April 21. Source: Email to MNPS Employees for MNPS Communications Office, 3/18/20
8. What will happen regarding WIDA testing since it has already begun?
The same recent legislation that “holds harmless” all students and educators in regards to TNReady scores also applies to state EL assessments. Districts may decide to continue with the testing, but scores cannot be used unless they help a student’s or educator’s overall scores. Source:http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2672
10. How will educators be notified of important updates once spring break is over but while schools remain closed?
The district will be communicating regularly through MNPS email and also through call-outs. It is important that administrators and supervisors check to make sure that any requirements they have in place for their employees is in accordance with district expectations. Email to MNPS Principals from Dr. Battle, 3/19/20.
11. What about after school activities?
The district is canceling all field trips, activities, events, clubs, games and practices through Friday, April 3, 2020. Future field trips including in-county field trips will be not be approved until further notice. TSSAA events have also been cancelled. All future events beyond Friday, April 3, are pending and/or subject to cancellation. Please plan accordingly.
Source: Email to MNPS Employees from Dr. Battle, 3/16/20
12. Will MNEA continue to assist members who need advocacy or representation?
Yes. The office will be closed, but we will continue to work from home. We can be contacted by phone at (615) 726-1499 or by email at info@mnea.org.
13. How will teachers who are up for tenure be impacted by the closing of schools?
We are still researching this question.
14. How will teachers who are on plans of assistance be impacted by the closing of schools?
We are still researching this question.
15. Will MNPS be expecting teachers to put their classes online?
“Currently, we do not intend to conduct distance or virtual classes. There are equity and legal issues that prevent us from doing this district wide. If there are exceptions in the future, those will be communicated out separately.”- Dr. Battle. Source: Email to Principals from Dr. Battle, 3/19/20