Concerns Grow Over Rising Number Of TPS Team Member COVID-19 Cases

The support staff for Tulsa Public Schools said they’re concerned for their health due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

More than 40 staff members have quit over the past couple weeks and three of them have died after testing positive for the virus.

Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools Says Support Professional, Bus Driver Die

The district said it’s currently seeing an increase in cases among team members across the district.

Support staff said they're worried for their own health and for the health of their co-workers as they continue to go into school buildings.

"I worry about them every day and I lose sleep every night. scared for every one of them,” said Nancy Leonard, American Federation of Teachers President for Local Chapter 6049. 

Leonard represents support staff at Tulsa Public Schools and negotiates their contract every year. She said she's nervous for the workers' safety. 

"They're just scared, and I am scared for them,” said Leonard.

The district said both employees tested positive for COVID-19 but emphasized it does not have confirmation of the official causes of death for either person.

Related Story: TPS Team Member Dies From COVID-19 Complications, District Says

"We are scared for them, we are scared for us, not knowing is it going to be my turn to get sick,” said Leonard.

The district said they currently have 49 confirmed COVID-19 cases. 42 of those confirmed cases are team members.

"We do have a meaningful number of vacancies in plant operation roles including custodians, bus drivers and child nutrition. we have doubled down our efforts in those roles specifically,” said Chief Operations Officer for Tulsa Public Schools, Jorge Robles.

Board Members also suggested teachers who are able, teach from home to limit the number of people in the buildings. The district said some teachers are working from home, depending on their circumstances

"It depends on their position and whether or not they are able to work remotely," said TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist. "There’s plenty of space for people to be able to be spaced out to be able to do their work and not need to have interaction with others."

Monday night’s school board agenda lists 40 support professionals were listed as separating from their employment with the district in the past few weeks.

"We feel replaceable, not important,” said Leonard.

Tulsa Public Schools officials said it "has COVID-19 safety protocols in place at all school buildings and district sites. The district’s practices include a self-administered health questionnaire, temperature screening for all adults, and requiring face coverings in all common areas and/or when in the presence of other people."

Officials also stated it "provides personal protective equipment free of charge to all employees if needed."

"In addition to the district’s efforts to manage and monitor positive cases and exposures, Tulsa Public Schools is working closely with the Tulsa Health Department to launch a pilot COVID-19 rapid testing program this month for staff," officials said. 

Pre-K through 3rd grade students returned to distance learning last week. All students are expected to return to the classroom in person on January 4th.

The board will host a special meeting next Monday, December 14th.