The North Dakota United staff have answered some common questions for public employees and educators dealing with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
We are adding new questions and answers as they arise, so please check back for current information.
about school closure:
When does the school closure end?
about public buildings closure:
When will the public building closure end?
Public buildings have been closed to the public until further notice. The governor issued an executive order on March 19 closing all state offices to non-essential personnel. This caused some 3,100 state employees to work from home. Please CLICK HERE to read the executive order.
general employment questions:
Can I be required to take sick leave if I have isolated myself because I am at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or have travelled to an area with community spread of COVID-19?
Congress has passed and President Trump has signed into law additional paid leave for those impacted by COVID-19. Please CLICK HERE for more information. We are researching who is eligible for this leave and will update this answer as we have more concrete information. If you work for a school district your local’s negotiated agreement will take precedence on this issue.
What are my rights as a caregiver for my children or parents and not going to work?
Congress has passed and President Trump has signed into law additional paid leave for those impacted by COVID-19. Please CLICK HERE for more information. We are researching who is eligible for this leave and will update this answer as we have more concrete information. If you work for a school district your local’s negotiated agreement will take precedence on this issue.
If the governor orders staff back and I am in a high-risk group, what can I do?
Congress has passed and President Trump has signed into law additional paid leave for those impacted by COVID-19. Please CLICK HERE for more information. We are researching who is eligible for this leave and will update this answer as we have more concrete information. If you work for a school district your local’s negotiated agreement will take precedence on this issue.
education support professional questions:
Will ESPs continue to be paid throughout the end of the school year?
The governor has waived instructional days through March 31 so that districts will continue to receive foundation aid and guarantee that ALL school employees will continue to be paid through March 31. Starting April 1, if school is not back in session, the district has been charged by the governor to begin distance/virtual delivery of education. Each district will have a unique plan on how to best accomplish this.
Can school districts require staff, including education support professionals, to work when schools are closed?
Yes. The schools are closed to students and the public, but staff can be required to attend work.