The Orange County School Board meeting is about to start, I'll live tweet what is happening with my thoughts.
Here is the link to watch live:
Upbeat waiting music is playing, which is already tiring considering the amount of stress and nerves educators and community members are feeling over this meeting.
Orange County School Board members: https://www.ocps.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=54703&pageId=90156

4 out of the 8 members were classroom teachers.

2 of those 4, Dr. Kat Gordon and Ms. Johanna Lopez, have the most experience in the classroom. Dr. Gordon 20 years & Ms. Lopez 19 years.
And we've started @ 12:36, because of the pre-meeting public comment. Chairperson Jacobs is calling for attendance.
Chairperson Jacobs talks about the number of people in the room as to adhere CDC guidelines. Additionally, brings up that there are 10 people from the community present and several callers on the line.
Moment of silence then plans for pledge of allegiance.

Chairperson Jacobs talks about some people not being able to get through on the phone. They are extending the call time frame for 15 minutes.

Call number is: 407-250-6270
Kobert creates a motion to use timer for board members. Dr. Gordon brings up concerns about having a timer over such sensitive issues.

Kobert clarifies that members can use 5 minutes at a consecutive time.
Board is now voting on using the 5 minute timer. 7 yeses for a 5 minute timer, 1 no. Dr. Gordon is the no vote.
First break is at 2:46pm.
Member Gould brings up the need to have email connection with the public in case public members cannot connect to the meeting through the phone. People can use the public email to affirm or disagree with what is being said in the meeting.
Byrd asks counsel "Can we clarify policies of meetings."

There hasn't been a 5 minute timer in the past, but board members can just get back into the queue if the want to speak again.
Dr. Gordon asks the Chairperson Jacobs what will happen after the public comment -- will the Chair speak after every comment, will every member speak after the public comment, or will the public speak then members speak.
Dr. Gordon wants to know what the structure is for public comment. She wants to hear from the public rather than board members during the public comment section.
Chairperson Jacobs, clarifies that she won't speak after every person. If she does it will be acknowledging the caller, clarifying speaking rules, and speaker time.
Dr. Gordon and Chairperson Jacobs get into a pointed back and forth.
Chairperson Jacobs provides an eloquently written and long introduction of Dr. Lawson. Now she is doing the same for Dr. Arbuster (I misspelled that for sure)
Side note-- I am trying to call to get into the public comment queue and cannot get in.
Vice Chair Gould is talking very highly of these two people for their years of service.
Every member is now honoring and speaking on these two people who are retiring.

Chairperson goes to Dr. Jenkins asks them if there are any other people in OCPS to recognize.
Dr. Jenkins brings up a list of principals and APs who are new to different schools this year.
Clarifications happening to agenda.

Vice Chair Gould discusses that many community members have had concerns regarding pay and starting late.

Amending the agenda happening and now adopting this agenda.

SO much bureaucracy omg
On the agenda is 17.01 Resolution Condemning Racism and Affirming the District’s Commitment to an Inclusive School Environment for All

Dr. Jenkin's talks about how this was created from George Floyd's death.

Chairperson Jacobs talks about how this is a good first step.
I just wanna know what does 'condemning racism and affirming the commitment to inclusivity in schools' looks like?

Like this resolution is performative and doesn't have a plan. Seems like a bandage.
IS* a bandage so we don't talk about it.
Dr. Jenkins is now discussing reopening in schools. She makes the point that both parents and educators will have choice.

'What we discuss today will serve as a foundation for reopening schools.'

'Whatever plans we come up with, must remain fluid.'
Dr. Jenkins discusses the 3 plans they have --

Face to face, Virtual school, and a Innovative combo of the two.
Parents can select what option they want for their students. Teachers, depending on how many students they have show up, can either teach from home or from their classroom.

Classroom size is dependent on parent's decision.
School start time is talked about being pushed back to August 21st. Teachers will start August 13th.
Any district that doesn't submit an innovative model must then open brick and mortar this upcoming school year. My goodness
Looking at different plans.

'Students who are doing virtual learning are not funded the same way as brick and mortar -- they are funded less. Innovative model plan is to be funded the same way as brick and mortar rates.'
OCPS has 3 options:

1. Face to face learning
2. Florida Virtual School / Orange County Virtual School
3. OCPS Launchpad Innovative Plan
Dr. Jenkins goes over the safety measures in place for face to face plan. Brings up that some classes social distancing will not be possible.

I mean obviously. Butokay
OCVS means the student is still and OCPS student. Students can complete classes in the set timeline.
OCPS will call this 3rd option-- LaunchED at Home. This is the innovative plan.

Students will attend schools through a livestream of lessons based on their bell schedule.
Students in the classroom will participate in person. Those at home will participate at home.

As a teacher this duality is a nightmare. I will now have the added work of dealing with kids at home AND in class. /sigh
FLDOE needs to approve the 3rd innovative model set forth by OCPS.
First pay date will be September 2nd.

A whole month without pay. August is gonna be rough.
Dr. Jenkins talks about kids being moved in cohorts, temperature checks, and banners and signs that encourage washing hands and social distancing.

What happens when we stope temp checks after a week? A banner is gonna make kids wash their hands?

My god...
There's no way to be socially distance on a bus. I don't know why they think adding PPE and sanitizing the buses twice a day will result in social distancing. Have they never been on a bus?
Food will still be dispersed as normal. Lunch time will be extended for groups of student cohorts to come and go.

Grab and go food for LaunchED kids are still available.
Schools will need to create a Covid19 room for students who have symptoms.

If you're preparing to make your schools have a Covid19 room you shouldn't? be? opening? schools?
Positive cases will be investigated by DOH and OCPS will adhere to their advice and guidance.
In the plan to reopen, they're talking about the possibility of closing schools again if (*when*) there's a spike in Covid cases in schools.

Unbelievable. They know going to school will infect people in those buildings. THEY KNOW.
Public Comments are happening now

1st speaker is an English teacher who reminds the board to place themselves in the position of those in the schools.

Those uninsured, those in classrooms that are overcapacity, those who have underlining illnesses.
2nd caller brings up the issue of the 10 caller and 10 person public comments. Talks about how this is the board listening to themselves in a vacuum.

'Some teachers will weaponize police and health over students. Parents could willingly send Covid positive students.'
That first caller also brings up how the US neo-colonist reaction to this pandemic.

They call out Dr. Jenkins to do the right thing and not open schools.
2nd in person speaker recounts personal stories from friends on Covid.

'Who are we ready to bury?'
Phone lines are going to open for an additional 15 minutes !

407-250-6270
3rd in person speaker talks about how everyone's opinion is considered and everyone as a choice -- but educators. And how that in and of its own is offensive.
3rd phone caller brings up the need to prioritize Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs over Bloom's Taxonomy.

That health is more important than any gap in education.
4th in person speaker goes straight for the board. To have them do the hard thing and fight against what the state is saying.

"How many people are you willing to let die?"
Caller right now is talking about how she is privileged to be able to keep her kids home and keep them safe, but a lot of parents are not in the same space for that.
Discusses that ESE students need to have more flexibility. That digital learning is very different for ESE students.
In person speaker -- any student that contracts Covid-19 and dies does not meet your district vision.
What will happen after the death of a teacher? Student? Staff member? Are you ready to have those deaths on your hands.
Next phone caller discusses Member Caster-Dentel and Dr. Pino's conversation of 'safe'. Dr. Pino stated that if 'safe' means zero-transmission then no, schools won't be safe.

Caller brings up a a case where a teacher thought she was working in a 'safe' environment and...
contracted Covid-19, she died two weeks afterwards.

Speaker calls on the board to not reopen schools as they are not actually safe.
In person speaker bringing up the return of classified staff-- custodians, office staff, and lunch workers. Talks about how the OCPS New You Can Use email mentioned classified staff coming in with students. (Because they don't want to pay them when to come with teachers)
Classified staff need to come in with teachers in order to plan and get trained for the upcoming school years.
Next phone caller brings up the mental health and wellness of educators and school staff if we go back. Discusses that we need to consider where the adults in the building are at mentally.
Next speaker is OC CTA President, Wendy Doromal. Speaks on lack of resources in schools to keep Ts and Ss safe.

'Academic challenges can be addressed. A lost life cannot.'
OCPS has closed over hurricanes that never came. OCPS have kept students in classes after the bell during uncertain weather, to keep them safe.

We can't open doors during a pandemic.
Last in person speaker is an OCPS teacher and parent. She brings up how Covid-19 disproportionately affects Black communities and communities of color. She brings up also that for plan 3 to be equitable we need to know what students need at home.
Some students don't have devices and internet and will be forced to come to school in person, which makes the innovation plan inaccessible and inequitable.
AND we're back! at 3:15.

Break started at 2:50.

Dr. Jenkins just said that there are 50 people on the caller queue who haven't been connected over to speak.
First phone caller from the break calls the board members to start school digitally then revaluate in January.

Caller brings up that two board members are not in attendance (Gordon and Gould) because they don't feel safe. Board has the luxury to protect themselves, Ts don't
Caller talks on how schools are overcrowded and underfunded. That teachers are entering early retirement because of Covid-19. Teachers are creating and updating their wills.
Caller finishes by telling board to do what is right and to not call Ts to become martyrs. That we will remember those who stand up and protect us and those who sat down and protected themselves.
In person speaker, why are we willing to be putting people lives at risk for the facade of normalcy put in place by leaders who are politically motivated.
Phone caller -- how are Ts expected to react to Ss who outrightly do not want to wear masks and who don't wear masks.

Valid point because how am I gonna keep myself protected in that sense. /sigh
New caller, nothing is worth it if we risk our health in reopening. We closed schools in March when cases were significantly lower.
Phone caller who is a mom of a student with hard of hearing, talks about the inaccessibility of returning to schools.

Brings up how deaf and hard of hearing Ss won't be able to read lips (bc masks).

Neither F2F or virtual are accessible for some students.
I wholeheartedly agree with this speaker. These plans were thrown together without thought for students with varying accessibilities.

In conclusion, OCPS needs to differentiate their plans for reopening.
New caller now is talking about the need to ignore the state mandate in order to protect students.

Caller talks on how it is board members should not worry about their job but focus more on the life students.
Next caller asked board point blank how many deaths are they willing to sacrifice. Also calls the board to defy the state mandate.
Next caller is an Elementary teacher. Talks about having power of attorney conversations with their students.

This caller also tells the board to defy the mandate. Caller discusses how they learned how to make digital distance learning accessible.
New caller asks for clarity on some points. How will parents will be notified about vaccinating in schools.

Additionally, what is the structure of the LaunchED hybrid model. How do parents decide when kids can go back and how often.
Caller talks about that the loss students are facing - death bc of Covid, loss of housing, parental jobs. Caller mentions that returning kids to campus could create a 'pressure cooker' type environment that could lead to another school shooting like that of Parkland
Next caller tells a personal story of how they helped their students breath in class. Caller talks about not being able to think about them trying to breath in a hospital bed.
Next caller is a student raising concerns how will secondary and elementary safety measures differentiate.

How will the community know when someone tests positive, and what structures are put in place in case someone tests positive.
Next caller, brings up the extra things teachers have had to do over the years. Having Ts return to a F2F school will add to the plate Ts have and are too much to bear.

There are too many unknown variables to safely return
If we return F2F, the type of education we will see won't be anything we've seen before. Ts will be more focused on the health risks and pandemic safety precautions, than actually teaching.
I agree with this caller, they're so right.

If we return F2F the quality of education will not be that of what it was last year. If we start school digitally we as Ts can plan and rise to the occasion and give students a safe learning space.
New caller is asking why are we opening schools when there is no control over Covid-19.

Who in the board will guarantee that Ts and Ss will not get Covid-19 when Florida is the new global epicenter of the pandemic. It's not time to open schools.
Caller also brings up accessibility of F2F. ESE students cannot learn the same with a mask.
New called talks about their child's panic attacks and trauma of watching their father battle Covid-19.

Sending her child to school will be irresponsible. She opposes reopening of schools because the numbers of Covid cases are out of control, Ts won't be able to control...
...students in the classroom ensuring them to wear masks. The lack of education of people not wearing masks will make Ss not wear masks at school.

Also we are unaware of the cleanliness of other people's homes which could be brought into the schools.

She opposes reopening.
New caller - if you are forcing us to go back,

'teachers ought to be able to deny teaching to unmasked students. students should be made to comply with the safety. at risk teachers should be given option of online.'
This caller also tells the board to defy the order. That teachers should not be having to choose between our lives and our livelihood.
New caller, discusses how they were at school recently with not many people on campus.

They got a phone call a few hours after being there, telling them that they were in contact with a Covid-19 person & they will need to get tested.
New caller, Ive been watching this meeting and many of you haven't worn face masks, haven't been socially distant and have touched your faces.

How do you think I will be able to make sure my elementary students will be able follow the same guidelines.
Next caller, brings up how the powerpoint and plan OCPS has created is not plausible.

Social distancing won't work in overcrowded classrooms. Grouping will happen no matter what.

Temp checks should be done frequently, not just in the morning.
Caller emphasizes the need to plan to digital switch. To not throw away their shot to make history in this moment, in their decision.
New caller calls those reopening schools conforming to something that isn't right. Calling school board members willing to jump off a cliff in order to align with DeSantis and Trumps education plans
Their agenda (DeSantis & Trump) does not protect schools, educators and communities. They also are advocates of charter schools.

'I will not jump off that cliff with anyone. I will protect these students.'
Another caller expressing their disbelief of this conversation on reopening.

'Teachers proved in spring they could teach remotely, and they have proven this in the fall.'

Brings up DeVos' acceptance of .02% of students dying of Covid. That's 42 students in OCPS,
Next caller is a high risk parent. 'I can't afford to send my kids to class and bring whatever they get into at home to me.'

OCVS is nothing but reading, it's tedious for my students with ADHD. I can't sit for so long and concentrate.

If you guys can rework that.
I agree with this mom's concerns. OCVS and FLVS is super inaccessible for many students and learners.

If teachers were give then time and space to plan for this upcoming school year, we can create lessons that honors and accommodates all students.

That's a whole promise.
Next caller, reopening is an asinine idea.

Reopening will create a butterfly effect that will affect the rest of the Orange County community.

'It's disgusting that we are expecting our Ts and their families to deal with this prospect.'
'If you are making people decide between their lives and livelihood you are forcing them into homelessness.'

I didn't this about this, but absofuckinglutely they are.
Testimony from a former OCVS student with ADHD to support the mom who called about her kids a few tweets up. https://twitter.com/imnotyri/status/1283142459485229059?s=20
Next caller, calls out the state for underfunding education. Same caller calls out board members and Dr. Jenkins for not coming back to the meeting from the break with their masks.
Next caller, has connections to the POCstories and LGBTQstories on IG that holds Ts and schools in OCPS accountable for injustice happening in schools.

This comment is for the 17.01 resolution that was brought up at the beginning of the meeting. https://twitter.com/rxybtr/status/1283087051240472576?s=20
Honestly their resolution makes no sense and doesn't have any tangible backing. Like what are we gonna do in situation that are racist and discriminatory?

17.01 is performative imo
Next caller, talks about how many people their family knows has gotten Covid.

'I have to urge you (deep sigh) no I have to beg you. Don't reopen these schools.'

/yikes yep that's how it's feeling really
Caller says that parents aren't willingly putting their kids in danger by sending them back to school, but some parents will have to send their kids back.

Those people are working class people, frontline workers, Black people, and people of color.
'I'm on my knees begging as a mother I am begging, please keep our schools closed. Please keep our schools closed.'

...I'm so tired ya'll I'm just... sigh
Next caller, former OCPS student brings up how there were no in person graduation this summer because it wasn't safe.

'I wasn't able to have my school ending last year. The class of 2021 won't have their beginning but at least they could have their ending.'
I was the last caller. I meant every word.

'We are people. Please see us that way.

Refuse the state mandate.

Stop asking us to be your martyrs.'
@p_konstanze was incredible and tweeted what I said during my call. Ugh love you to pieces <3 https://twitter.com/p_konstanze/status/1283147399138025472?s=20
New caller, brings up the case that no medical stakeholders were at the meeting last week.

Brings up concerns about wearing masks and PPE and how will that be safely enforced. Caller mentioned they emailed all their concerns to the board.
New caller, follow CDC guideline and keep schools closed. Ensuring that teachers start the new year digitally and that ICU beds have capacity left.

Brings up that we are not in Phase 2 now and that going back would be like entering a burning building.
New caller, 4th grade teacher and new mom.

Dr. Pino asked to define what 'safety' is, which caller brings up is concerning (I 10000% agree with this, that was super uncomfortable when I heard it last week).

The plans looks good on the surface but if you dig deeper..
..you realize they are not adequate.

You are asking us to choose between our lives and our jobs.

We need leaders who are willing to stand up to those who are acting unjustly.
New caller, bringing up statistics about Covid-19 disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities.

Orange County is a high risk community!!! Let's go caller come on yes.

OCPS faculty and staff have been left out of this decision making process /AGREED
'You aren't in the classroom, we are.'

'I will do anything to keep our community safe. If that means sacrificing some F2F instruction for the lives of students I am willing to do that.'
Next caller, stating they are standing behind callers today and calling for board to vote to not reopen.

Asks if the innovative LaunchED OCPS option is accessible for students with IEPs. Will LaunchED be open for the whole school year?
Caller says that reopening is for political gain. Says that they are fortunate to have devices and internet. Asks the board if there is a plan for those families with no access to devices and resources. What will happen to those families. The board needs to make plans for them.
Chairperson Jacobs calls for a 10 minute break. Stating that we are human.

Yup we sure are. You best remember that too.
Annnnnnd we're back.

New caller is a rising senior, calling for schools not to reopen. At WPHS there are 6 homeless students, who if we reopen won't be able to have health insurance.
No where in Central Florida will test people under the age of 18. How can we ensure that we are going to be safe going back if we don't have accurate numbers.
New caller, doesn't speak for themselves but for OCPS teachers.

'We have a moment to actualize accolades, to put something behind the praise and prestige.'

It is not easy to be any person in education right now-- we get the stress and the pressure.
Step back and rely on what you know, go based on evidence based science. We teach that in our classes listen to the science. The hospital ICUs, incubators, the fact that we have no immunity, the death -- all of those facts speak science.
Let's live up to what we teach. We don't teach about those who were compliant and silent, but those who changed society and made history.
New caller, the school board has a moral obligation to not reopen. Even with the option to stay home, some people will come to school even if they are sick.

They will then infect and transmit this virus to people in schools. Don't let the Governor and President bully you
New caller, OCPS educator and mom. Concurring and applauding everyone pushing for schools to not reopen.

'Distance learning would never be my first choice, unless lives were at stake.' I want to speak for those families who are not given options...
...OCPS employee families, students without devices.

Caller lists the questions their son asked them. They are too heartbreaking I can't
Please show us that you value our lives more than anything else. Other counties in Florida and the nation have decided to not reopen
Chairperson Jacobs makes note that there are 35-36 callers left on the line
New caller, agrees with what has been said so far. Brings up the lack of support for the hard of hearing and deaf families, from this school board workshop and meeting process.

These students and staff, deserve to have a future. If you stand for nothing, what will you fall for?
New caller, with this pandemic there are so many reasons why opening brick and mortar are not safe.

You can do so many hand washing and mask preparedness. Some students will come to school with Covid and not realize they have it. Explains there will be a domino effect
That schools will end up having to close and we'll have to do digital learning.

We are just numbers. Statistics. Expendable. Pawns in their sick games.
Teachers never get a choice. The parents get a choice. The students get a choice. But teachers never get a choice.
New caller, your innovative plan will rely on teachers teaching in person AND virtually at the same time. (vaaaaaalid points!)

The 3rd innovative plan requires Ts to manage two different spaces. It will fall apart it won't work.
In March we did the right thing and closed schools when cases were much smaller. Now we need to open schools -- why. Caller lets the board know that thousands of people are watching them and their decisions.

If we open, people die. Full stop.
Caller talks to the people watching the livestream. If the board doesn't make the right choice we will.

(HELL YEA OK COLLECTIVE!!)
New caller, teacher in OCPS calling board members to keep schools closed. 'While you make this decision safely at a distance from your colleagues, know that teachers will be the ones impacted the most from your decisions.'

Would you risk your own child for schools to reopen?
Our leadership has failed the American people. It's your turn to not make the same mistakes.

There isn't enough cleaning supplies and PPE in hospitals, how are we to ensure we get. them in schools?
Start digital and save lives. Start digital until we have cases subside.

At least start high school digitally so Elem and Middle can use those building.
New caller, goes down statistics and news of Covid in Florida and other states.

You literally have lives in your hands. I know you have been threatened of removal by the Governor, but be brave and courageous. Remember it's not only the Governor who can remove you -- we can too
Listen to scientists and doctors and do not reopen schools. Someone who is perfectly healthy today will die if we reopen schools.

Think about what you will tell family members if those who die.
New caller, urging the school board to defy the state mandate and federal push to reopen. Even if everyone wears masks and numbers of people are reduced, our poorly ventilated classrooms will perpetuate the virus around the schools.
'We don't make the timeline, the virus makes the timeline.'

I understand DeSantis has threatened to remove board members if they defy the mandate. Defy the mandate anyways. Have him remove you. You will be on the covers of so many newspapers, and he will have to explain himself
Do the job you were elected to do. You chose to run for school board this is your job. Don't be a coward and vote for reopening.
New caller, an OCPS mom and nurse.

Will we have support for school nurses, addt nurses, will be not just clean but sanitize. Caller is concerned about their kid's academics as well
New caller, wishes more people spoke on how they would be teaching digitally instead of leaning on emotional rhetoric (OKAY).

'If I had to make the choice today, yea I would send my kid back to school' Caller talks on how other districts are going back effectively (LMAO A JOKE)
Clearly that caller isn't a teacher is all I have to say. Unbelievable.
'Tell us why you are going to do an amazing job if we start school virtually. Because last quarter was not good learning.'
OKAY I'm gonna take a break from scribing what's happening to respond to this man.

Last quarter was NOT under any circumstance digital learning. Last quarter was survival mode. We found out we were not returning back to school *while we were on spring break*!!
If I would have know even 2 days, 1 DAY prior to break starting I would have come up with something better. I would have given my students books, created a project, held an emergency PLC meeting SOMETHING. I was at the house on my couch in the middle of my break when I found out
Quarter 4 was survival - that's it. The state and nation was closed, we reached the *highest* level of unemployment, families faced (& continue to face) eviction, Florida had the worst response to unemployment.

Do not compare digital learning in the fall to what was survival
I gave all my students As because I felt as though they shouldn't need to have the added stress of my class during such uncertain and frustrating times.

That being said-- fall would be different. We can create modules, virtual classrooms, host video calls, and chats
I need people who are not educators to stop undermining educators and our abilities. You look like a whole clown.
New caller, discussing how our numbers are skewed. Kids are not getting tested.

People are walking around contagious but don't know that they are contagious.
New caller, for PreK and Kindergarten we need more teachers to make their classes smaller. (An idea sure, but we have a teacher shortage and who wants to be a teacher now?)

Bringing up Q4 digital learning, the accessibility for ELL students...
Concerns raised over if we don't go back, students will have a gap in learning. We need to be more active and helpful with parents in order to support them.

I'm not gonna agree or disagree w. Ts about not going back (???)
New caller, parent and OCPS T. Worried about her daughter's health and her health as she herself is at risk.

It is scary that the state wants to reopen schools. IN LESS THAN A WEEK OUR TEACHERS MADE DIGITAL LEARNING HAPPEN !!!!!!!
I want to reemphasize how stressful that week was and we did that in a few days and kids were okay.
Many of you are parents and I need you to be empathic and real-- would you be sending your kids back to these schools. Let's think about their wellbeing and welfare.

How can you assure that schools will follow 6ft social distance protocol
I should not lay awake at night worried that I will bring this virus back to my family.

Digital teaching is not ideal, but is in the best interests of our students and school.
New caller, a teacher, mentions face masks will be difficult for Ss and Ts, suggests face shields.

Mans is talking about his EOC scores. He disagrees with the fear of going back to schools. Mans brings up statistics of young people dying from the flu
'We are going back to school because the kids are the most resilient. We are good the kids need to be in school.'

Mans brings up a good point about school being their refuge, abusive homes, and the affects on student mental health.
Lemme respond to this man right quick.

First of all leave it to a man to be bragadocious (his words) about his stellar EOC test scores. First of all, time and place. Testing and scores should not be on the forefront of decision making of schools reopening.
Abolish standardized testing, they're classist, racist, and sexits. I'm js
Man had a good point about school being a safe haven to some and that kids might be living in abusive homes. While he's correct, the answer, I don't think, is to reopen schools.

Instead have deans and counselors do wellness checks, frequent calls to students and parents
Have bus drivers deliver meals at student bus stops during normal times. This way students can have access to food (without worry of transpo also) and drivers and see how they are doing also.
New caller, ends the call with 'keep talk of the economy out of the dialogue about saving lives.'
New caller, brings up a laundry list of questions that OCPS's plan does not cover.

What happens to Ts who have to quarantine, do they take off from sick leave? Will it be paid? How will reopening affect staff morale? How will we get enough subs t cover sick Ts
I need people to be respectful about other people's names. You can't crack a joke after messing up a name of a person on live air. That's a damn shame. Name's are vital to identity. Anyways new caller,
New caller, @/mans with the face shield comment, this virus is airborne and only face shields won't work you need masks.

We need more time to learn about this virus and see how it works. By parents keeping kids home they are keeping them safe.
(I think? they were a doctor) either way, they pushed for schools to *not reopen and for us to keep Ss and Ts safe so we can learn more about this virus (which yah makes total sense I agree)
New caller, OCPS teacher w an OCPS partner and OCPS student. Explains that the board's decision will heavily impact OCPS families. Caller doesn't feel safe going back to work and sending their S to school.

From parent pov, LaunchED is what they will choose for their kid
But stresses that there are not options for Ts in order to stay safe and be in a safe environment.

Caller brings up that Ts have 2-3 weeks to make plans for the upcoming school year. It's not about politics but the safety of the community.
New caller, 'never would I have imagined I would have to plead with people to not let my mother die by opening schools.'

You've all told me your hands are tied. That's bullshit. Quit your jobs. Do not lead these people to slaughter.
People are begging you to not let people die. And you're sitting there saying you don't know what decision to make. These kids will know who will be at fault if their teachers, and nurses, and principals die.
New caller, everyone has an opinion on opening schools, but how many of them are actually in the classroom.

OCPS teachers are overworked and underpaid. We're asking Ts to be teachers and parents. Ts have the stress of teaching and also needing to consider safety
It's not fair to put our Ss, Ts anyone out there. I'm not only looking out for my child but the wellbeing of everyone.

I pray that you make the right decisions. Take into consideration everything. You're putting a lot of people's life at risk.
New caller, OCPS teacher and pregnant. Caller talks about how they did everything to connect and support teachers. I'm more than happy to livestream daily.

I'll work 8 hours, 10 hours, 24 hours daily at the same pay. !!!!!B DO YOU HEAR THIS
A pregnant teacher would rather work 24 hours a day, at the same sad rate, instead of going back in the classroom. They are nervous about bringing Covid back home to their unborn child
New caller, '...appalled at the leadership happening right now. Dr. Pino called in person graduation unsafe a few months ago, but now it's safe to reopen. Make it make sense'
Washing hands before and after lunch won't do anything when Ss touch literally everything.

Masks won't be able to be enforced. They aren't enforced at this current board meeting (members didn't wear masks at the beginning) how would it be enforced with kids
Reopening is a war on low income communities !!! YUP it absolutely is & on Black communities, communities of color, and the different abled community
New caller, a student at DPHS.

'It really upsets me that adults are willing to risk our lives over political gain'
What good is a high school diploma if I'm not here to reap the rewards? I know my younger brother won't keep on a mask, and I don't know what his teacher can teach him about wearing a mask that he didn't learn the last few months
New caller, 6 months down the line what will be the results of Covid? They're in enclosed spaces and they are touching everything.

I beg you guys to take a more detailed look at what's happening. FL's cases are skyrocketing beyond belief.
Having kids at the forefront in schools is irresponsible. This thing is killing us. If you get these kids back into the classroom that is a death sentence.

I beg you guys to make the right decision.
Chairperson Jacobs calls the 2 hour mark, and there are about 6-7 people on the line.
Back and forth between Dr. Gordon and Chairperson Jacobs. 👀👀

Just kidding no break, moving on with call in speakers.
New caller, I need schools to be open for my children. Single mom who has 3 kids and has to work. Mom currently pays a sitter but the sitter has to go back to school. Kids need to go back to school. Mom is for also for optional masks
Caller says that we take risks every day and we need to take risks and this is another risk. This is the next step into hopefully getting some normalcy. Caller said we need the choice of opening schools.
(I will unpack this caller's statement later. I literally cannot bring myself to do it right now. It's just a lot.)
New caller, Ts have been cursed out, paid for lunches, poured money into classes, and we continue to show up.

As educators we constantly put ourselves on the front lines. We are constantly asked to become martyrs.
'Black student lives matter. Latinx student lives matter. ESE student lives matter. Black teacher lives matter. Latinx teacher lives matter. Every student life matter.'

Shortly after caller brings up that Covid disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities.
Next caller, bringing up how a their friends left a statement about 17.01 resolution. Speaker runs the ocpsLGBTQstories IG page, discusses the violence Ss and Ts commit towards queer, Black and students of color. Ss and Ts who are violent should be held acceptable...
...Sexual assault should be taken seriously, caller makes not that they are not. Queer history and Black history ought to be taught in schools !!!! yes AGREED to everything
New caller, distance learning was not a walk in the park. But for the safety of my kids and teachers, I'm ready to put my big girl pants on and support this LaunchED program. I'm tired of people dying.

The example should be set at home for wearing masks
We are giving teachers no options in the situation but we're going to give them all of the responsibility?

(Best comment of this meeting goes to this caller right here.)
New caller, mother of a high risk student. Acknowledges privilege of being able to stay home and support kids academically.

Caller brings up inaccessibility for students with IEPs. Board needs to take into consideration that parents have multiple children.
There is no safe way to reopen school buildings yet.
Final caller, fully believes in OCPS. Caller asked her daughter about going back to campus, daughter disagrees about going back as it risks her life.

Reevaluate the proposed LaunchED so it supports working parents.
Chairperson Jacobs calls for a 15 minute break
And were back!

Dr. Jenkins makes note that 123 speakers left public comment today. She will add more questions to the FAQ people had during the public comment.
Dr. Jenkins give assurances for foster care children, ELLs, houseless students and students with varying abilities.

Dr. Jenkins talks about brick and mortar opening very confidently. She is looking for the board's agreement on the 3rd option of LaunchED OCPS.
What this boils down to is parent choice, driving what options are given for teachers.

I absolutely don't like that sound of that. I have no choice in how I'm going to be teaching next year, but it's my fault if anything goes wrong. Okay great
Dr. Jenkins asks the counsel to share what it means to stand up to Tallahassee. The board isn't voting on defying the state mandate

I'm so tired. Wow. Okay.
The counsel person is clarifying the state of the law-- Article 9 Section 2, provision that says the state Board of Education is the governing body for all education systems in Florida.

School board had local control, but the state has control over the who system.
Cites West Palm Beach case and Volusia county cases to reaffirm that the State Board of Education have overall ruling over all the district education systems.
The commissioner has been given emergency powers by the legislature in order to make schools reopen as soon as possible.

School board has to require that all laws are followed. So does the Superintendent.

I. AM.TIRED.
Counsel brings up that consequences happen if school board and superintendent doesn't follow State Board of Education.

1. School board members removed
2. Removal of funding from schools who refuse to open
Citing Lake County who opted out of testing, and the FLDOE removed funding and removal of members.

...i am tired
They are playing with our lives. THEY ARE PLAYING WITH OUR LIVES. They do not care. They are sitting in a safe room.
It's counsel's duty to be aware of the legal issues provided by many callers tonight to defy. the state's mandate.
Member Byrd is stating that the LaunchED option needs more clarification before parents can make a decision.

Byrd is thanking district staff and Dr. Jenkins. Offers proposal to get the LaunchED plan to get approved as it's written. No changes.
Byrd asks to attach a statement, that the Board will reassess the virus locally at the start date and if it's not lower than 7% we don't open F2F. Wants to ground reopening in data.
Byrd wants to reopen incrementally. When Covid rates are between 5-7%, then we can open F2F. If rates fall below that percentage then we make masks optional.
Raises concerns about students whose parents need to work and can't stay home.

Proposes opening elementary schools as learning labs for those parents. Calls for volunteers to work in those learning labs and Kelly Services.
We are not employees of the state, we represent the people who elected us. Byrd is also unsure about sending her own kids to school, so she's uncomfortable with deciding for other kids.
Member Castor Dentel talks about the new start date (August 21st) and the new teacher start date (August 9th). Wants staff members to start with teachers, and teachers to start as formerly set in July. Also for teachers to ensure they get paid because we aren't right now
Castor Dentel calls out Dr. Pino for not giving the board any advice on reopening schools, leaves it only for board to make the call.

Castor Dentel calls for a community based independent team who have a vested interest in the OC community on Covid cases.
CD proposing changes to the current LaunchED plan.

CD wants to push back the start date of F2F, to provide time to reevaluate Covid cases in OCPS.

'We shouldn't endanger our employees because of child care needs.' Calls for OCPS to work with after school care workers....
...and groups. CD also pushing for OCPS to call parents to choose on the 3rd, LaunchED option.
Member Gallo, maskless I'll add, states that teachers are scared of returning. She has more questions about LaunchED than she does answers.

They need to provide a safe place for teachers to work. Gallo calls for everyone to work together.
'Can we promise Ts and Ss a safe environment.' Gallo is not comfortable on making a statement to say that she can keep us safe.

Gallo talks on pairing teachers for PD for LaunchED, some talk on Ts getting paid during this time? Jenkins could speak on this
Brings up that digital distance learning during Q4 was great for some but not good for others.

Let me remind you that Q4 digital learning was scrapped together in less than a week and was survival learning. If i was given time this summer, digital learning wouldve been amazing
Gallo wants to know what is her authority so the will of her constituents are known.
Member Lopez thanks the parents and teachers who reached out with concerns.

If we push the start date, what are our options for Ts and staffs so they don't face financial hardships.

Brings up Miami Dade and Broward superintendents refusing the FLDOE mandate.
Wants to know what OCPS school board can do to follow the same way. Lopez says she understands we have to follow the mandate, however doesn't trust going back with COvid cases on the rise in the central florida community.
'If I have to lose my seat for my community I will lose my seat for my community.' Member Johanna Lopez, the only Latinx member and teacher with 19 years, is the only one willing to dissent and defy the state mandate.

White women who are the most protected never sacrifice
Member Lopez brings up questions on recess and specials and fine arts classes.
Chairperson Jacobs reiterates that she cares for the safety of Ts and Ss. Reiterates that FLDOE has the authority over district funding and pulling SB seats.

States we don't have the funding for LaunchED.

If we don't follow FLDOE we risk laying off teachers.

IM SO TIRED
Chairperson Jacobs brings up that there is so much funding hanging in the balance, that is SB defied reopening they won't get money for LaunchED.

Agrees with Castor Dentel for the learning lab for young kids who need supervision.
Chairperson states that OCPS SB doesn't agree with F2F, and that the 4th largest district in the state doesn't agree with F2F.

Also lets parents know OCPS doesn't agree with F2F
Member Kobert reviews closing that happened in March, Orlando was a lower rate than it is now.

Discusses that CDC will provide guidance if city is at a specific level. Dr. Pino's only suggestion was that transmission will happen.
Kobert suggests that LaunchED should be bumped from third option for first option. Second option should be OCVS/FLVS. Third option, should be a F2F only if per CDC guidelines we are at less than 5% cases.
It's critical we approve a plan tonight that can be approved by the state, with the LaunchED is the first and focus.
Member Gould, Covid is not the only threat we are facing. People are facing furlough to layoffs, loss of insurance, foreclosure. Approves of pushing and delaying school starts, but then says that staff can't afford longer without getting paid.

Gould talks about asking if ...
...can apply for unemployment, to which OCPS staff do not meet requirements.

That alone tells me school staff and teachers need to get paid more. Education keeps getting underfunded in every which way
Dr. Jenkins is answering questions. Honestly I exited the conversation a bit ago after Gould went up. I'll pop back in later
Chairperson Jacobs brings up that the board will be making a decision in a moment (about LaunchED) without a member present. (I think Dr. Gordon isn't connected in?)

Raises concerns about moving forward with a decision.
Orange County School Board is having technical difficulties. You have to laugh, when people are here judging teachers and how we lead digital learning in Q4
Chairperson Jacobs brings calls for a motion to table the meeting until Friday @ 9:00am.

Dr. Gordon refuses this motion and wants to bring up her presentation and give her side on reopening.
Gould talks about meeting on Friday, and that not all board members should physically show up on Friday. Gould things they need to figure out a way to have a tight and fluid conversation where webx (digital program Gould and Gordon are using remotely) isn't a problem
Dr. Gordon is ready to have more discussion and vote, but will wait until Friday. Gordon is not in favor of the motion, but will be with the rest of the board where ever they are.

Voting to table the meeting until Friday: 7 yes 1 no.
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