Today Denver Mayor Hancock issued an Executive Order for Denver residents to “Stay at Home.” We anticipate more counties and municipalities will follow and will keep you posted as we learn more.
This order does not exempt Education Support Professionals aka “classified” staff who live in Denver from attending work.
For the purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any “Essential Businesses,” which includes Educational institutions-including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that physical distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
For purposes of this Order, personnel working for or to support Essential Businesses are categorically exempt from this Order and nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions,” which means all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and departments, and provide for the health, safety, transportation, and welfare of the public.
Thus, most ESPs who are currently working are performing an essential governmental function for an essential business. You may leave your residence in Denver to attend work in Jeffco, but you should seek the advice of your administrator as to whether you are providing an essential function and whether you should come to work or remain home.
JESPA leadership will be working with the district to further clarify essential functions as we move forward. Please reach out with questions or concerns.