Masking in Seattle Schools to End on Monday, March 14th

Update (from the Seattle Education Association Facebook page, bold mine):

You may have received notice from SPS that they are making masks optional starting Monday, March 14. SPS unilaterally implemented this change in masking policy. We are deeply disappointed that SPS has violated our collective agreement to bargain the change. This causes chaos and confusion for staff and families. Bargaining was scheduled to start Friday.

Second post:

A statement by Jennifer Matter, President of SEA, and Uti Hawkins, Bargaining Chair of SEA:

SEA Response to SPS Announcing Masks Optional

We are deeply disappointed by Seattle Public Schools’ masking announcement today which is completely contrary to its prior statements and commitments to its educators and the community and it is in violation of our contractual MOU with the District. The public and SEA members believed the District when it announced, "Future decisions on mask use within the district will be made in partnership with public health, and its implementation will be established after consultation and mutually agreed upon guidelines that are reached through bargaining with our labor partners." The District cannot unilaterally ignore an agreed-upon MOU, and now is leaving educators scrambling with just days before lifting the mask mandate. It is particularly frustrating given that we had scheduled to bargain masks all day on Friday, March 11. Clearly, SPS misled us.

One of the most important things we can do to support our students, families, and educators is to provide stability and predictability and to build trust with clear and consistent communication. Making a commitment to the public and then going back on that commitment, providing no time to prepare for such an important transition, is deeply harmful to our school community and SEA's relationship with the District. Making announcements without answers to common questions and without consultation with those having to implement changes erodes SPS’ credibility. This type of chaos, confusion and distrust directly leads to educator burnout and to educators leaving the District and the profession.

The City of Seattle is continuing masking for its employees and visitors through April 4. SPS did not have to make a rash decision.

We had hoped for a better start to Dr. Jones' permanent tenure. He was lauded for the stability he created and his ability to work with labor and others, but today he failed. SEA was making progress in our relationship but we now have serious concerns about his leadership. Sadly, our trust has been shaken and we have gone backwards. This does not bode well for future negotiations.

We will be reaching out to our members to determine next steps.

Oh my.

end of update

 In what appears to be quite a turnaround, the district today announced (partial):

Seattle Public Schools will lift its current mask requirements beginning Monday, March 14.  

In alignment with Gov. Jay Inslee’s updated health guidance, the Washington State Department of Health, and Public Health – Seattle & King County, masks will become optional both indoors and outdoors at SPS buildings and on school buses (yellow buses). Please note: masks will continue to be required for students who ride King County Metro public transit. 

Until March 14, current masking protocols will remain in place. Masks will continue to be required for all students, staff, and visitors on all SPS campuses and school buses through March 13. 

Visit our website for more information. 

If you have questions or comments, please use our Let’s Talk form. 

I had read that the SEA contract gave the SEA some leeway over the mask mandate and teachers wanted it until May 1. That puzzled me because no other large city seemed to have that issue and most, including NYC and Chicago and LA, have lifted theirs.  

I did see this via Twitter but a couple of readers sent it to me; thanks for helping me keep up with the news from SPS.

The Superintendent also made these important points:

We also understand that there are different beliefs, opinions, reasons, and comfort levels around masking, yet it is important to be patient and respect the personal choices of others. Some of our staff may have vulnerable household members, who have health conditions or are not yet eligible for vaccination. We will continue to foster a climate of empathy and equity. Our school community have been through a challenging – and in some ways traumatic – two years, yet our outlook is hopeful. We are grateful that brighter and healthier days are ahead of us.

I note that the Kent superintendent used stronger language in saying that NO bullying behavior will be tolerated against those who want to continue to wear masks. I hope SPS principals are making that clear to students. 

Some food for thought from The Atlantic on where we are today as a nation with (somewhat) dwindling COVID rates and yet have over 950,000 people dead. 

The United States reported more deaths from COVID-19 last Friday than deaths from Hurricane Katrina, more on any two recent weekdays than deaths during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, more last month than deaths from flu in a bad season, and more in two years than deaths from HIV during the four decades of the AIDS epidemic. At least 953,000 Americans have died from COVID, and the true toll is likely even higher because many deaths went uncounted. COVID is now the third leading cause of death in the U.S., after only heart disease and cancer, which are both catchall terms for many distinct diseases. The sheer scale of the tragedy strains the moral imagination.

In a study of 29 high-income countries, the U.S. experienced the largest decline in life expectancy in 2020 and, unlike much of Europe, did not bounce back in 2021. It was also the only country whose lowered life span was driven mainly by deaths among people under 60.