Why we need 6 feet in an agreement

November 13, 2020

November 12, 2020

Brookline educators have been coming into the school buildings every day to teach the children of Brookline. We want nothing more than to have more children in our schools and more time with them. Since July, when the Brookline Educators Union requested to start negotiations, we have been working productively with the School Committee to reach an agreement that outlined how we can keep the buildings open safely with children and adults in attendance.

Our efforts to conclude an agreement were derailed when the School Committee refused to commit to having six feet of distance between student chairs. This was foundational to our months of negotiations, since all other safety protocols rest on this.

On Tuesday November 3, Brookline educators engaged in a one-day strike with the overwhelming support of our membership. We did not take this action lightly. We chose an action that would make the urgency clear, while having no impact on students, families and community members.

We need 6-foot distancing (a widely agreed upon measure) so that we can be with our students, something we embrace as the best part of our job. The School Committee says it wants flexibility to be able to change the distancing between students. We have proposed ways to work together to adjust the six feet going forward. We hope that the School Committee will continue in the positive direction it took at the table later last week.

As people on the ground, we, the educators of Brookline, need to be partners in decisions affecting children and educators. Educators are best positioned to know and understand the logistical challenges in implementing safety protocols. For example, the current schedule and use of the buildings means that thousands of children can be expected to routinely remove masks in closed spaces for lunch or snack.

Students, parents, educators and the community as a whole share the same goals and values, we believe, when it comes to providing a high quality public education and maintaining health and safety for all. As we continue to serve the children of Brookline, we and our students need your support.

BEU Letter on the School Committee Task Force on Covid-19 Learning Goals

April 15, 2020

BEU re Task Force

BEU SUPPORTS BROOKLINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

April 15, 2020

The Brookline Educators Union has taken steps to address the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on the community.

First, the BEU donated $5,000 to the Brookline Community Foundation. This money was originally budgeted to cover the cost of meetings that cannot be held, including BEU members’ attendance at the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s Annual Meeting of Delegates. The meeting, scheduled for early May in Springfield, will now be held remotely given the state of emergency that prevents large gatherings.

Second, the BEU endorsed the Massachusetts Building Trades Council’s call to halt work at all non-emergency construction sites, including Brookline High School, until it is safe to resume normal operations.

“We need to take care of one another during this crisis. The health risks and economic instability brought on by the coronavirus affect everyone and call on us all to contribute however we can to ensure the well-being of all,” said BEU President Jessica Wender-Shubow.

The Brookline Community Foundation has seen a surge in requests for help and is responding with food and housing assistance.

Frank Steinfield, interim chief executive officer of the foundation said, “On behalf of the Brookline Community Foundation board and staff, we are thrilled to receive such a generous gift to the Safety Net from the BEU. Thank you all for stepping up in support of neighbors facing sudden hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. Together, we can make a difference as needs continue to grow in our town.”

BEU Vice-President Bob Miller added, “while Brookline High School is undergoing a necessary expansion, it is essential to keep workers and their families safe and to lessen pressures facing the health care system. So, at this time, it is appropriate to temporarily stop the construction work there.”

The BEU further called on the building trades employers to ensure that workers are paid and continue to have access to benefits during this necessary pause in construction.

“Our ability to meet all of our students’ needs during this unprecedented crisis is directly linked to the overall well-being of our communities, and the BEU stands ready help in whatever ways it can,” Wender-Shubow said.