Guidance and Suggested Questions for School Reopening Meetings

Is your school district ready to reopen?

The New York State Department of Health has mandated that school districts and/or schools hold a series of community meetings during the period of August 7 - 21 to discuss concerns and questions about their school reopening plans. It is essential that teachers and other school employees participate in these meetings to make sure that the key questions are asked and that proper plans are in place to reopen schools!

Every school district and/or school is required to host at least three public meetings (and five in the state’s five largest districts) with parents, community members, and stakeholders; and they are also required to host one additional meeting with attendance limited exclusively to teachers and staff of the district or school.

Meetings can be held in an online and/or telephone town hall format, and participants must be given multiple options for asking questions. In addition, an ongoing opportunity must be provided for the submission of community questions (i.e., dedicated and monitored email address) apart from the forums.

NYSUT has prepared a series of questions for parents and teachers to use at these meetings to help ensure that critical issues are addressed and that schools are ready!

It is up to us to be vigilant and ensure that local school districts and schools are taking all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of teachers, staff, and students as we get ready to head back to school!

Please participate in these important meetings and get the answers you deserve!