Help set the record straight: Do your legislators believe your district is saving money during the pandemic crisis? PSBA has learned that some misconceptions are surfacing among legislators that school districts are in the position now to save money while their buildings are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The theory is that with no students in the buildings, district responsibilities and expenses are lessened. You know that nothing could be further from the truth. Since buildings were first closed on March 16, and with the governor's subsequent order for all schools to be closed indefinitely, districts have been putting in countless hours to provide for the needs of their students and staff. PSBA is asking you to contact your legislators now - this is critical as legislators are hearing from numerous constituencies on a host of budget-related issues as this crisis continues. Tell them about the great things the district is doing provide education and services. Explain that this crisis has brought a new set of challenges and costs to your district, even as you are still required to meet the financial obligations normally incurred with regards to salaries, pensions and charter school payments, to name a few. With school district budget deadlines rapidly approaching, school leaders need some certainty from the state on matters of funding so they can plan appropriately. This morning PSBA CEO Nathan Mains and Chief Advocacy Officer John Callahan spoke about the misconceptions and what school leaders can do to educate their legislators. Watch this special Video EDition episode to learn more.  There is an urgent need for school leaders to reach out as soon as possible to their members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Make a phone call, send an email or text and tell your stories of success and challenges.   What legislators need to understand Use these talking points to help you tell your legislators what's happening in your district. Add the positive stories and successes; talk about the challenges you face.   Key points School districts are facing numerous expenses they did not plan for in the 2019-20 school year. The work of public schools has not lessened, and the costs incurred have not decreased. On the contrary, the closure of schools has brought a host of unexpected expenses while the existing responsibilities for operations continue. The good news is that even though schools are closed, districts are moving in the right direction and students are receiving instruction. The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the role and importance of our public schools to students, families and communities. New and unexpected obligations and expenses Helping hungry students: One of the first challenges tackled by districts was to create a delivery system to ensure that students were receiving meals. Technology expenses and obstacles: Quickly purchasing and delivering devices for students to receive instruction, such as laptops, iPads, tablets, WiFi hotspot devices etc. Teacher needs: Ensuring that educators have the technology (including devices, software and platforms) necessary to convert coursework to online instruction. Internet access: Taking various steps to provide Internet access to students and staff; this has been especially challenging and expensive for many districts. Sanitizing buildings: Ensuring that deep cleaning is conducted for all buildings and ensuring that all employees engaged in this work have appropriate cleaning materials and protective clothing and gear as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Acting in transparency: School boards are taking steps to conduct public meetings and regular business through virtual platforms. This requires technology and access abilities. The costs that continue Mandated expenses continue: The biggest financial obligations of school districts didn't go away when schools closed. Under the new Act 13 of 2020, the Legislature required school districts to continue paying all of their normal expenses. Employee salaries and more: Districts must still pay for the salaries, social security, pension and other benefits for teachers and other employees. Charter school payments: Act 13 also makes clear that school districts remain responsible for payments to charter schools. Special education: School districts must work to meet the needs of all students, with particular attention to free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. This includes making efforts to meet federal and state IDEA timelines for evaluations, IEP meetings and reporting when possible through virtual means. ESL students: School districts also must provide English as a second language (ESL) services for English learners.   Please contact your members of Senate and House. Thank you for your advocacy efforts!