1. Purpose and Scope
This Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) establishes a structured response to communicable disease outbreaks in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), including protocols for temporary closures to reduce transmission while maintaining essential services. The plan applies to all public schools and charter schools operating within NYCPS owned buildings. It outlines procedures for partial or full closures at the classroom, school, district, borough, or citywide levels, ensuring continuity of education through remote learning and support services. The plan is activated when a public health emergency is declared by the Governor’s Office, the New York State Commissioner of Health, or the NYC Commissioner of Health, in coordination with City Hall. The goal is to balance disease mitigation with the social, educational, and economic needs of students, families, and staff.
2. Key Objectives
The primary objectives of this plan are to minimize the spread of communicable diseases while ensuring uninterrupted learning and support for students and staff. Key priorities include implementing timely closures based on public health guidance, transitioning effectively to remote instruction, and maintaining access to critical services such as school meals, counseling, and healthcare. The plan also ensures clear communication with all stakeholders, including families, educators, and community partners. Additionally, it establishes protocols for safe reopening when conditions permit, incorporating infection control measures such as social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and health screenings.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
The NYCPS and the Office of School Health (OSH) serve as the lead agencies, coordinating all closure and reopening efforts. NYCPS manages remote learning, staff reassignments, and family communications, while OSH oversees disease surveillance, public health guidance, and interagency collaboration. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) supports disease monitoring, advises on infection prevention, and assists with student medication management. The NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) facilitates interagency coordination and resource allocation, while the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) helps provide childcare for essential workers. Other partners, including NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) and the Mayor’s Office of Operations, contribute medical expertise and citywide logistical support as needed.
4. Response Procedures
In the event of an outbreak, OSH and DOHMH assess transmission risks and recommend closures at the appropriate level. NYCPS then implements the closure, notifying families, staff, and community partners through established communication channels. Remote learning is activated immediately, with teachers providing instruction via digital platforms and students receiving necessary devices and technical support. Essential services, such as meal distribution and counseling, continue where feasible. Staff unable to work remotely may be reassigned. School facilities undergo thorough cleaning, and if repurposed for emergency response (e.g., testing sites), NYCPS coordinates access with relevant agencies.
5. Communication Plan
Clear and timely communication is critical during school closures. NYCPS uses multiple channels—including emails, robocalls, text alerts, and social media—to inform families about closures, remote learning expectations, and available support services. Multilingual resources ensure accessibility for all communities. School principals will also reinforce messaging through their own communication systems, while labor unions are also engaged to keep staff informed. The Mayor’s Office and NYCEM provide citywide updates to the public, ensuring consistent information across all platforms. Virtual town halls and FAQs can address stakeholder concerns and help provide feedback mechanisms to allow families and staff to report challenges in real time.
6. Relocation and Resources
To minimize disruption, NYCPS and partner agencies ensure that critical resources remain available during closures. Students who rely on school meals receive grab-and-go options or delivery services where possible. DOHMH facilitates the redistribution of student medications stored in schools. DYCD collaborates with community organizations to provide childcare for first responders and essential workers. If school buildings are used for emergency operations (e.g., testing or vaccination sites), NYCPS grants access while ensuring minimal interference with future reopening plans. Staff are reassigned to support remote instruction, administrative tasks, or emergency response efforts as needed.
7. Training and Preparedness
Preparedness is essential for an effective response. NYCPS will conduct annual training for Superintendent EOC designees and school-based staff on remote learning platforms, emergency protocols, and infection control measures. Tabletop exercises simulate outbreak scenarios to refine coordination. Families will receive guides on accessing online learning tools and support services before emergencies arise. Schools must maintain updated contact lists for rapid communication, and IT departments ensure that digital infrastructure can handle increased remote usage. These measures ensure that all stakeholders are ready to transition smoothly during an actual closure.
8. After-Action Review
Following closure, NYCPS and OSH should conduct a comprehensive review within 30 days to evaluate the response. Key areas of assessment include the effectiveness of remote learning, compliance with health protocols, communication reach, and resource allocation. Feedback from families, staff, and community partners should be collected through surveys and debrief sessions. Lessons learned should be documented and incorporated into plan revisions, ensuring continuous improvement. The updated EOP is then redistributed to all relevant agencies, with additional training provided if new protocols are introduced. This iterative process strengthens preparedness for future public health emergencies.