Essential Workers Statement

Determination of Critical Infrastructure Workers and Essential Employees Performing Necessary Government Activities

As you are likely aware, Governor Whitmer issued the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order earlier today in response to COVID-19 for residents to “Shelter at their Place of Residence,” effective at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The order outlines several exceptions to sheltering in place for “workers who are necessary to conduct minimum basic operations.” Under item 4b. of the order, it requires the employer “to determine which of their workers are necessary to conduct minimum basic operations and inform such workers of that designation.” The order states that the employer must make such designations in writing.

Kent ISD staff who have been identified as necessary to conduct minimum basic operations and/or critical infrastructure workers are the following:

• All Kent ISD administrators: “to maintain the value of inventory and equipment, … ensure security, process transactions” (4b)
• All Business Office staff: “to process transactions (including payroll and employee benefits)” (4b)
• All Operations & Facilities staff: “to maintain the value of inventory and equipment, care for animals, ensure security …” (4b)
• Information and Instructional Technology staff: to “facilitate the ability of other workers to work remotely” and to protect the security of our technology infrastructure (4b & 8h)
• School News Network Reporters: Communications, including news media (8h)
• Manager of Academic Partnerships/Homelessness (Casey Gordon) – “Workers for operations that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency …” (9d)

Please be assured that staff in the above categories will only be required to report to work if deemed necessary. In many cases, we anticipate staff in the above areas will be able to complete a substantial portion of tasks remotely. In some cases, though, the work simply must be done on site, in which case social distancing practices should be strictly adhered to. In the case of our Operations & Facilities staff, it is my understanding that a staffing rotation has been arranged, which is why all are designated even though only a few will likely report each day.

Essential staff in the above categories should receive communication from their direct supervisor when they are expected to report during this executive order. That communication, along with this letter, can be used as proof of your essential service if you are asked to demonstrate the need for leaving your residence for work purposes. If you have any questions about this letter, please contact your direct supervisor or me.

It is important to note that the circumstance we find ourselves in is rapidly changing. As such, I must inform you that the above categories of employees may change based on how the situation evolves. I will let you know if that is the case in a future communication.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Kent ISD. I look forward to the day when all of us can return to work – healthy and ready to go!