Where can I find workplace health and safety information?
The HCPSS Return to the Workplace Health and Safety Guide is available online. It is updated as needed.
What measures are being taken to protect staff who often work in close proximity to one another?
Plexiglass dividers have been installed in areas of schools and offices where staff members work in close proximity to each other, and desks were rearranged as needed to ensure social distancing. Custodial staff will clean and disinfect high traffic areas and restrooms frequently used during the day.
If I select the retirement preference on the return to workplace commitment form, am I obligated to begin my paperwork immediately?
Staff who are planning to retire are encouraged to begin the appropriate paperwork as soon as possible. The Office of Human Resources will work to process paperwork as quickly and efficiently as possible. If paperwork is not received in a timely manner, HCPSS cannot guarantee your retirement will be processed in time to retire March 1.
How will staff manage if there are multiple employees who will need to access an area reserved for nursing mothers at the same time?
Impacted staff should share your concerns and questions with your supervisor who can work with other applicable staff to develop a schedule and/or make additional arrangements.
If staff experience commonly reported side effects from the vaccine, are they expected to quarantine? How long after the symptoms subside can staff return to work in person?
Staff do not need to quarantine if they are experiencing side effect symptoms from either dose. (See below for side effects for each vaccine). As always, if a staff member has a fever they must stay home until fever free without the use of medication and feeling better.
Please note: If the staff member has had an exposure to a person with COVID-19 or someone with COVID-like illness, the staff member should quarantine. In addition, if the symptoms are different than what is listed below, the staff member should contact their health care provider.
What provisions are being made for substitutes and other temporary staff to get vaccinated?
Substitutes and other active temporary staff are part of the vaccine distribution process. Most are in HCPSS Tier 3: All other school-based staff, including but not limited to teachers, paraeducators, substitute teachers, and contracted bus drivers and bus assistants.
Can HCPSS help secure vaccines for high-risk individuals of HCPSS employees (e.g. spouses, dependent children)
No, HCPSS is only able to secure vaccines for employees and affiliated staff such as bus drivers. Spouses, dependents, etc. are not defined as part of Maryland’s 1B category for vaccination.
Will resignation be an option for next school year if the hybrid model is still in place? Is there a cut-off date for making that decision?
If a hybrid model continues into the 2021-2022 school year, HCPSS will continue to allow staff to resign without prejudice for as long as the hybrid model continues.
How are my pay, insurance and other benefits affected by approved leave of absence?
Staff who are approved for a temporary leave of absence (LOA) under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can use available leave (e.g. sick, personal or annual) to stay in a paid status and cover their retirement and benefit contributions.
What is the deadline for submitting leave of absence requests?
Staff may submit leave of absence requests on an ongoing basis. Staff are encouraged to submit paperwork as soon as possible so HCPSS can process the documentation and issue a determination.