We have the highest active case load since late August. September is projected to have more COVID deaths than July and August had combined. Framingham is going in the wrong direction, and city wants to bring students back who are in the highest risk category.

Today, Monday, September 21st, Inna London, the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources of the Framingham Public Schools sent a letter to all employees entitled “Big Picture”.

What is your take? Is Framingham moving too fast, or are the metrics of infection supportive of some students returning to full-time in-person instruction?

Dear Staff:

Please note we anticipate having the highest special needs students return to full-time in-person instruction on October 5, 2020. This decision is being made in collaboration with the Framingham Department of Public Health and by utilizing community infection rate metrics and additional guidance as provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Dr. Tremblay, Superintendent of Schools, consulted with Dr. Sam Wong today, Monday, September 21, 2020, who provided support for the return of our highest needs students on October 5, 2020.

The highest special needs students are students with autism and severe special needs who attend programs in Blocks, Barbieri, Brophy, Dunning, King, Cameron, Fuller, and FHS.

Consequently, per the FTA MOA teleworking provisions, this communication will also serve as a formal ten day notice to all educators, paraprofessionals, and secretarial staff whose jobs necessitate a return to in-person instruction, as a result of the students’ anticipated return. In terms of educators, this includes but is not limited to, classroom teachers, special educators, occupational therapists, adaptive physical education teachers, speech and language therapists, specials teachers, ESL teachers, nurses, and all others who provide instruction and support to students with autism and severe special needs in our specialized programs. Building-based secretarial staff should consult with building principals to determine whether the return of the students noted above necessitates in-person presence. Although some Unit T members are identified as working with this population, and will therefore, as noted above, be required to return to in-person instruction on October 5, 2020 other Unit T members may be asked to return in their place should the need arise.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to your building principal.

Inna London
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources