Press Advisory: FCFT Will Hold Car Parade to Call for Answers to School Reopening Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Press advisory: October 13, 2020

Communications contact: Tiffany Finck-Haynes, 571-253-2321, tfinck-haynes@fcft.org

Fairfax County Federation of Teachers Will Hold Car Parade to Call on FCPS to Provide Answers to School Reopening Plan

Fairfax County, VA-Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) will hold a socially distanced car parade to call on Fairfax County Public Schools to provide detailed answers to questions that have remained unanswered for months regarding its return to school plan. FCFT has repeatedly emailed, called and met with FCPS leadership and School Board members asking for answers to critical elements of the plan, but have yet to receive answers. FCPS employees and parents will hold a car parade to highlight the most common questions that remain unanswered and are essential to a safe reopening.

What: Car parade to urge FCPS to answer questions and commit to a safe reopening.

When: Wednesday, October 14th at 5:00pm

Where: The parade will start at Luther Jackson Middle School. Participants will circle the Gate House Administration building in cars. The car parade will also be webcast at https://www.facebook.com/ FCFTcares

Who: Members of Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, concerned parents and community members.

Visuals: Signs displaying frequently asked questions that FCPS continues to ignore.

Why: FCPS has started bringing students and staff back to school buildings in October, but its return to school plan still lacks details to ensure everyone will be safe. For example: Why do different schools have different rules? What are the specific metrics FCPS will use to determine it is safe for students and staff to return to face-to-face instruction or close schools? Why is FCPS not approving employee ADA requests? How will student and staff quarantines be determined? How will FCPS notify the community about staff and student COVID-19 exposure or confirmed cases? Why is FCPS only cleaning high touch areas and deferring other daily cleaning activities?

Background: Late last week Governor Northam announced FCPS will receive $31 million in additional CARES Act funding to support COVID-19 preparedness. FCPS’ plan still lacks details and safety mechanisms to keep all students and staff safe. Until there is a clear plan in place, FCFT is urging FCPS to delay in person learning and adopt FCFT’s 11 Pillars of a Safe Reopening.

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