Budget
Question: How can we provide increased safety measures with a reduced budget?
Answer: The District received additional federal Cares Act funding which is being used to purchase the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as help offset additional costs incurred due to COVID-19.

Question: What has been the overall financial impact of COVID-19 on the District?
Answer: The District is anticipating a $35 million reduction in funding for the current school year 2019-2020, and $41 million reductions in funding in the next two years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 due to the economic downturn caused by the COVID19 pandemic.

Supplies and Protective Equipment
Question: What protective equipment will be provided to staff, students, central office, and at what frequency will it be provided? Will the district run out of equipment?
Answer: The District is committed to providing supplies of personal protective equipment to students and staff members. The District will procure and distribute these items to school and office locations. Students and staff will each receive a set of reusable masks, and instructional staff will receive clear face shields to use for instruction. Surgical masks will be available at each location in the event staff or student masks are lost, damaged or need replacement. Additional items such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided to each classroom on a regular basis throughout the year. Employees with specific duties that require additional equipment such as gloves or KN95 masks will have those provided to them. Staff and students may also wear their own face coverings, if desired. The District will monitor the usage of these materials and make decisions about additional purchases should the need arise.

Question: What kind of materials (e.g. plexiglass) will be installed or used to maintain safety in high traffic areas like front desks?
Answer: The District plans to provide staff with a supply of disinfectant wipes, and mobile hand sanitizer dispensers throughout buildings. The District is also working to install plexiglass barriers at frequently visited spaces (e.g. office counters).

Response to Infection
Question: Should a positive COVID-19 test occur, what will the closure procedure look like for each location?
Answer: If a student or staff member has a confirmed case of COVID-10, we will follow the CDCs and Health Authority’s protocols. This includes alerting students and staff who came in close contact with the individual, advising them to selfquarantine for 14 days and seek medical attention if they have COVID-19 symptoms. We will continue to update the protocol as directed by health officials.

Question: How will students and staff be held accountable for wearing PPE throughout the day and will PPE be replaced throughout the day if it is lost or damaged?
Answer: The District will ensure that everyone entering a building attests to not having any COVID-19 related symptoms. During the arrival process and when inside buildings, staff, students, and guests will be required to wear face coverings. All school staff will monitor students throughout the day to ensure they are wearing their masks when they are indoors or near other students. Staff will review expectations daily and encourage students to respond appropriately. The Student Code of Conduct may also be updated to include COVID-19 specific guidelines.

Temperature Taking
Question: How will temperatures be taken when entering buildings?
Answer: The District is working to install contactless walk-up devices that will scan for higher-than normal temperatures at entries and may also rely on trained staff with forehead-style thermometers to check temperatures upon entry.

Question: What is the range of temperatures that are too high and will send staff and student home?
Answer: The Centers for Disease Control identifies a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater as feverish and a possible symptom of COVID-19.

Visitors in DPSCD Buildings
Question: Will visitors be required to wear masks when entering buildings?
Answer: Yes, it is expected that all visitors will wear their own face coverings when visiting buildings throughout the District, based on the requirement that anyone in Michigan should wear a face covering when leaving their house.

Monitoring and Accountability for the Reopening Plan
Question: Due to the size of District, how can we ensure that these protocols will be followed consistently District-wide?
Answer: It is expected that District guidelines around reopening are followed consistently at all locations. Non-adherence to the guidelines in the plan by employees may lead to disciplinary action. Non-adherence to the guidelines by students will be addressed at the school level. A hotline and email address have been established to ensure individuals can report safety issues and those issues will be followed up on regularly by the administration and regular reports will be shared with the Board. Questions specifically related to operations (including necessary supplies or restocking soap in bathrooms) can be reported at 313-578-7018. General questions or concerns related to reopening can be shared via email at info.reopen@detroitk12.org.

Fall (Phase 4) School Schedules
Question: Will staggered scheduling (such as varied start time and transitional times) be implemented to decrease the amount of people in hallways?
Answer: No. However, schools will identify additional entry points to encourage distancing as students are entering school. Schools may modify traditional schedules to limit transitions and hallway movement.

Question: What will specials/elective classes and recess look like in the upcoming school year?
Answer: All classes will practice social distancing to the extent possible as recommended by the CDC. Daily, staff will review distancing and cleanliness protocols that support the safety of all students and staff. Classroom teachers will oversee recess and daily, will also review expectations. It will be imperative for adults to talk with young people about why certain actions are being taken and to do so in a manner that expresses care and concern — rather than fear.

Question: What support staff will be utilized to oversee the "isolation area" and lunch to ensure teachers still receive a duty-free lunch?
Answer: The District will negotiate with labor unions to identify if any employee’s duties and responsibilities may vary for the fall in accordance with our reopening plan.

Question: How will schools with large populations of students be accommodated in phase 4?
Answer: We are working to use a combination of online learning and flexible learning space to limit the number of students in one physical room to 20 at one time. This may mean smaller groups are in other locations like cafeterias or auditoriums with support staff or other teachers.

Online Learning
Question: How will online learning be implemented and enforced and what guidelines and rubrics should teachers be using to track grades, attendance, performance?
Answer: The District will rely on its new Learning Management System (LMS), which integrates with the Student Information System, to post assignments, grades, etc. Staff will receive more information and training on the LMS this summer.

Question: If students or teachers are sent home upon temperature checks, will they be able to host or participate in online learning for the rest of the day?
Answer: The District is procuring Swivl cameras for all core teachers to give teachers the ability to live stream or record lessons for students who may be participating in a lesson in another location. Some students, either due to illness or other extenuating  circumstances may not be able to come physically to school and will benefit from access to instruction that is asynchronous or synchronous. Additionally, the District will be partnering with Schoology to have online course structures to engage in instruction, content, and assignments online.

Question: How are teachers going to be able to manage an in-person classroom and digital classroom at the same time?
Answer: The District is procuring Swivl cameras for all core teachers to give teachers the ability to live stream or record lessons for students who may be participating in the lesson in another location. The District aspires to have full-time online students served by a dedicated teacher and instruction for students who are reporting to school by a different teacher. That said, some students, either due to illness or other extenuating circumstances may not be able to come physically to school and will benefit from access to instruction that is asynchronous or synchronous.

Social Distancing in Schools
Question: How will entry and exit of the buildings be handled in order to maintain socially distant guidelines?
Answer: Multiple entry and exit points may be established at larger schools to allow for social distancing during arrival and dismissal. Signage will also reiterate the need to stay six feet apart while waiting to enter the building.

Question: What is the procedure for buses and how will social distancing be enforced on buses?
Answer: The number of students on one bus at a time will be limited to allow for as much social distancing as possible. Students will sit apart from each other and only one student will be allowed per seat. Masks will be required for everyone riding
a bus, including adults.

Question: How do we support our young students (pk-2) who may not adhere to social distancing practices during school and have trouble wearing masks?
Answer: Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will not be required to wear masks in accordance with the MI Safe Schools Roadmap. No student in the early grades will be penalized for not adhering to mask wearing guidelines. All classes
will practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC. Daily, teachers will review distancing and cleanliness protocols that support the safety of all. It will be imperative for adults to talk with young people about why certain actions are being
taken and to do so in a manner that expresses care and concern — rather than fear.

Question: How will the district successfully enforce social distancing inside and outside of the schools throughout the day?
Answer: No large group congregating will be allowed unless social distancing can be maintained, students will be limited to 20 in one physical room at a time (unless in a large room that allows for more space), and each school will utilize outside facilities
and large gathering areas (gyms, cafeterias) where possible.

School Operations
Question: Will school buildings be provided with hot or warm water in all restrooms and at all hand washing stations?
Answer: According to public health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control, hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds in cold or warm water to prevent the spread of germs. Hot water is not required to maintain safety and water
temperatures in schools are tempered to prevent scalding of students.

School Staffing
Question: What is the need for additional staffing to cover sick teachers, where will the additional staff come from, and what is the budget for the additional staff?
Answer: Each year, the District examines the needs for substitutes teachers based on the staffing levels across the District. We know the fall may require a different level of substitutes but will make those hiring decisions later in the summer as we know more about our needs. We will continue to have substitutes available to cover absences as needed. Substitutes will undergo the same screenings as other employees.

Question: What will happen to teachers who do not yet feel comfortable coming back to school and are at high risk?
Answer: We hope all staff feels safe and comfortable enough to return and will assess these circumstances on an individual basis. The expectation is for all staff to return to work in the fall, however if individuals have underlying health conditions or are otherwise at risk, we encourage them to reach out to Employee Health Services at dps.ehs@detroitk12.org.

Question: Will there be a nurse at every school in the fall?
Answer: The District will expand the coverage of contracted nurses across the District for the 2020-2021 school year, however, due to the shortage of nurses as a result of the pandemic, it may not be possible to have a nurse in every building every day.

Health and Safety
Question: What will be the procedure when a student develops symptoms at school or becomes ill later in the day?
Answer: Guidance will be shared with families to reiterate that if students are ill or have been near someone who is sick, they should not attend school. If students do arrive at school and exhibit symptoms, they will remain in a designated “isolation area” until a parent/guardian can pick the child up from school. This protocol is similar to existing practices when students become ill at school.

Question: Who will help students who need to be sent home after temperature checks and how can the district ensure it does not interfere with instruction time?
Answer: Students or staff who exhibit symptoms will be directed home to self-isolate and seek medical attention as necessary. Schools will establish an “isolation area” where students can wait until they are picked up.

Question: Will students be required to get tested for COVID prior to returning to school?
Answer: No. Negative COVID-19 tests for employees is one of many strategies we are using to ensure we maintain a “COVIDfree environment.” As an employer DPSCD can require its employees to obtain a negative viral test but cannot necessarily require the same of students. Students will not be required to get tested before returning to school, however, we encourage students and families to be tested as well.

Technology
Question: How will the Connected Futures devices be distributed to students?
Answer: Students will receive an email via their DPSCD email account with information about specific deployment windows and procedures. DPSCD will prioritize the first wave of device deployment to high school students whose summer learning options are primarily online in nature. K-8s and students enrolled in ESE Centers will receive their devices throughout the summer. More information about Connected Futures for families can be found at detroitk12.org/connectedfutures

Question: What will happen for Pre-K and K-5 if online learning is not an option and parents are not comfortable with sending their children into school buildings?
Answer: We are exploring all options and scenarios to account for Pre-K and K-5 online learning.

Question: How will the district provide and ensure internet access for families and staff throughout the duration of the school year?
Answer: The Connected Futures initiative entitles participating students to six months of LTE internet services, as well as access to support from human-I-T, a non-profit that provides technical support and low-cost internet sign up services. Through human-I-T, families needing a home broadband connection are provided information about low-cost internet. After searching for availability in your area, human-I-T then assists in signing you up and is with you at every step to support and help troubleshoot any issues. Visit: https://human-i-t.org/internet4cf or text: “INTERNET4CF” to 562-372-6925 to get started. Students who are unable to secure an in-home connection through human-I-T's support, or who face housing insecurity, will be eligible to seek support from the District for a continuation of LTE data services.

Parent and Family Communication
Question: How is the district planning on communicating with parents, families, teachers and community members throughout the different phases and as the plan evolves and details are finalized?
Answer: The District hosted a series of townhalls/Q&A sessions to hear initial concerns and questions and will share updates through regular communications channels (e.g. the website, robocalls, text messages and social media) as the phases advance.

Question: Will PTA members be able to host their own online workshops and meetings to avoid contact at the school buildings?
Answer: Yes, we are continuing to meet online with PTAs. We expect that will continue in the fall. There will be limitations on fundraising and other activities as we are prioritizing the safety of children. Parent Action Leaders will continue to be engaged and details will come forward from the Family and Community Engagement Department as we get closer to reopening schools.

Approved Leave
Question: Will COVID-19 be considered a communicable disease so that staff who test positive will not have to use personal illness days if they must self-quarantine?
Answer: No, currently that is not the case.

Question: What is the process when an employee is exposed to COVID-19 and must quarantine, but the employee does not have enough sick days, will the employee continue to receive pay?
Answer: Each individual situation regarding potential leave related to COVID-19 is unique. Any employee who may need to not attend work and is unable to telecommute based on their role should reach out to Employee Health Services to discuss their options at dps.ehs@detroitk12.org.

Question: If a location must close for a period due to a COVID-19 case, will employees be required to use leave time?
Answer: No. In the event of a District-mandated closure, employees will not be required to use personal leave time. Should a building or area need to close due to a confirmed Case of COVID-19, communication will be shared directly with employees, and students and families, as necessary. If employees can telecommute based on their role, they will be expected to do so during any closures.

Question: What if I am an employee but need to care for a family member who has contracted COVID-19?
Answer: Each individual situation regarding potential leave related to COVID-19 is unique. Any employee who may need to not attend work and is unable to telecommute based on their role should reach out to Employee Health Services to discuss their options at dps.ehs@detroitk12.org.

Question: Will the amount of sick time for employees increase due to COVID-19?
Answer: No, not currently. Please note that leave time is a benefit that must be collectively bargained between the District and each union. Additionally, the District will continue to comply with all local, state and federal laws regarding applicable leave related to COVID-19.

COVID Testing for Staff
Question: How often will staff need to submit a negative COVID test?
Answer: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has determined that employers may require all employees to obtain a viral COVID-19 negative test result in order to return to work. Employees will need to submit a single negative COVID-19 test 1-14 days prior to their return to work date. At this time, there is no plan to require more regular testing of employees after this initial test. This may change if tests provide a more immediate result and are widely available.

Question: What does the timeline for testing look like to return to work?
Answer: In order to return to work for the first time (e.g. 12-month employees in phase 2), staff should submit a negative COVID-19 test dated 1-14 days prior to their return to work date. Results are reviewed in HR and the employee will receive a confirmation they are cleared to report to work.

Telecommuting for Central Office Staff
Question: What will be the policy for telecommuting in each phase of the plan and when will the policy be released to teachers?
Answer: Telecommuting may continue to be used on a limited basis for staff as necessary based on the ability of the District to guarantee a safe location to work and individual extenuating circumstances (such as a lack of childcare due to COVID-19 closures). Any telecommuting must follow the existing Board policy and a log of work must be submitted when telecommuting.

Response to Infection for Central Office Locations
Question: Central office has many shared spaces across departments such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Will these be considered when there is a confirmed case requiring closure?
Answer: Yes. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in central office, it will be determined where and how that person may have interacted with others in their immediate area as well as throughout the DPSCD space. A temporary closure of an entire floor may be required based and staff will be informed if these closures are necessary.