News | AFT West Virginia

Update from WVDE: March 24

The WVDE released the information below today:

COVID-19 SCHOOL CLOSURE FINANCE FAQ 3.24.2020

Note: These responses from the WVDE are based on the COVID-19 health emergency status as of today’s date and are subject to change as this health emergency evolves. This guidance is general in nature and exceptions may be appropriate based on each county’s unique circumstances.

Q1. How should county boards handle paying their spring sport coaches given shortened/canceled seasons?

A1. Spring sports and practices were underway prior to the health emergency closure of schools. Even if the

Absentee Ballot Information

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the WV Secretary of State has extended absentee ballot voting to include anyone who is concerned that voting in person during the May 12 primary could affect their health.

The process is fairly simple and another way we can help flatten the curve in our state to protect the health of ourselves and fellow citizens and also reduce the burden on our health care system and its workers.

To request an absentee ballot, simply print and complete the application at the link below:

https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/AbsenteeVotingInformation.aspx

Under section 4 on the

Audio from AFT-WV Teletown Hall (3-21-20)

If you missed AFT-WV's Teletown Hall on Saturday, March 21st, you can listen to the audio at this link.

**Please note the State Superintendent has issued new guidance information for reporting requirements since this call.

Update from WV Supt. of Schools (3-22-20)

WV Superintedent of Schools issues updated guidance to county superintendents on 3-22. Click here to read.

US Senate passes Families First Coronavius Response Act

The US Senate passed the Bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click here to read what the law will provide to workers and families.

Update: New information from WVDE (3-19-20)

‼️Additional guidance information from the WVDE Finance Department‼️

COVID-19 SCHOOL CLOSURE FINANCE FAQ 3.18.2020

Q1. Will the days that are canceled due to the COVID-19 health emergency be required to be made up?
A1. No, these days will not be made up since county boards of education will be providing a variety of distance learning options to students during the time off. Since these days will count as instructional days towards the required 180 days of instruction, the days also count as employment days towards the 200 day employment contract.

Q2. Will regular full-time employees be paid for

AFT National asks from Congress on COVID-19

AFT has asked Congress to implement a number of measures to protect the health and safety of our members, students, first responders, health professionals and the community. Additionally, AFT believes bold steps must be taken to ensure the economic health of our country. Click to read AFT's request to Congress.

AFT-WV Staff Contact Information

AFT-WV Staff Contact information

Fred Albert, AFT-WV President falbert@aftwv.org

Chris Barr, AFT-WV Staff Representative cbarr@aftwv.org

Sidney Fragale, AFT-WV Staff Representative sfragale@aftwv.org

Neil Heard, AFT-WV Staff Representative nheard@aftwv.org

Rosemary Jenkins, AFT-WV Director of Field Services rjenkins@aftwv.org

Joy Jenkins, AFT-WV Staff Representative jjenkins@aftwv.org

Kimberly Levy, AFT-WV Attorney klevy@aftwv.org

Kris Mallory, AFT-WV Political Director kmallory@aftwv.org

Ryan Michael, AFT-WV Staff Representative rmichael

Pandemic Update: 3-16-20

PLease watch this brief message from AFT-WV President Fred Albert.

http://wv.aft.org/pandemic-update-3-16-20

AFT-WV Survey: School Calendar

The school calendar has been a hot topic of discussion at the Legislature this year and could reappear before the session is complete. AFT-WV wants to know your thoughts on the topic!

Click to take AFT-WV's brief survey on the school calendar.