The Board of Education of Frederick County approved a memorandum of understanding with three FCPS unions representing Frederick County Public Schools employees at its Wednesday, February 3, meeting.
The MOU was reached with the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE), Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) and the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA).
The MOU represents a collaborative effort between the Board, FASSE, FCTA and FCASA leadership to address unique challenges presented in the current school year due to COVID-19 and addresses important health and safety protocols and expectations for the reopening of schools via a hybrid model of instruction.
“We are pleased to see this agreement was reached and that educators throughout Frederick County are focused on what is best for students,” Board of Education President Jay Mason said. “We know that the hybrid return will greatly benefit students and the community at large.”
The MOU is available online.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban indicated the time spent collaborating with chief negotiators and union leadership was productive and insightful.
“I believe each person in our group had a unique and important perspective to share,” she said. “Key to the success of finalizing the agreement was the willingness of all parties to listen to one another and recognize the challenges we are facing in this unprecedented time we are facing together. I also want to thank the Board for making this a priority and being quick to call specific meetings to discuss and finalize.”
"We are pleased to be able to come to an agreement on this MOU,” FCTA President Missy Dirks said. “It brings much needed clarity to educators on unique health and safety items necessary in a pandemic, such as quarantine protocols."
The Board voted to entrust Alban the authority to make decisions regarding the implementation of the hybrid model of instruction.
Students are scheduled to return to school buildings for the hybrid model beginning February 16. A final decision will be made next week after Dr. Alban consults with Frederick County Health Department Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer.