It covers safety protocols against COVID-19 in school buildings. 
Frederick, Md (KM) A memorandum of understanding covering how the Frederick County Public School System will deal with the COVID-19 pandemic when hybrid classes begin was adopted Wednesday night by the Board of Education. The agreement with the Frederick County Teachers Association, the Frederick Association of School Support Employees and the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association addresses important health and safety protocols in school buildings.
Hybrid learning is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 16th.
Among the items in the MOU: social distancing, safety and cleaning protocols will be established, implemented and enforced in the school buildings in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Employees who work in close proximity to students to meet their educational and behavioral needs will be provided with personal protective equipment.
The MOU also says reequipments for wearing face coverings will be strictly enforced. Masks will be provided for staff and visitors, and employees and students will be subject to discipline for failure to adhere to wear face coverings.
Employees will continue to be trained on how to de-escalate situations where students refuse to wear face coverings.
The Board of Education will ensure that each classroom and work spaces be six-feet apart between students and teachers’ desks.
According to the MOU, bus drivers will not screen all students for COVID-19. But if a driver suspects a student is exhibiting symptoms of being infected with the coronavirus, he or she will report that to a supervisor.
“We are pleased to see the agreement was reached and educators throughout Frederick County are focused what is best for students,’ said School Board President Jay Mason,
in a statement.. “We know that the hybrid return will greatly benefit students and the community at large>”
“I believe each person in our group had a unique and important perspective to share,” said Superintendent Dr. Theresa Alban, in a statement. “Key to the success of finalizing the agreement was the willingness of all parties to listen to one another and recognize the challenges we are facing in this unprecedented time we are facing together.”
The Board of Ed says it has voted to entrust the Superintendent with the authority to make decisions regarding the implementation of the hybrid model of instruction.
“We are pleased to be able to come to an agreement on this MOU,” says FCTA President Missy Dirks, in a statement. “IT brings much needed clarity to educators on unique health and safety items necessary in a pandemic, such as quarantine protocols.”
By Kevin McManus