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.
- Mitigation & Safety: Implementing timely closures based on public health guidance and establishing protocols for safe reopening with infection control measures.
- Continuity of Learning: Transitioning effectively to remote instruction.
- Essential Services: Maintaining access to critical services such as school meals, counseling, and healthcare.
- Communication: Ensuring clear and timely communication with all stakeholders, including families, educators, and community partners.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
- NYCPS & Office of School Health (OSH): Serve as the lead agencies. NYCPS manages remote learning, staff reassignments, and family communications. OSH oversees disease surveillance, public health guidance, and interagency collaboration.
- DOHMH: Supports disease monitoring, advises on infection prevention, and assists with student medication management.
- NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM): Facilitates interagency coordination and resource allocation.
- 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.
4. Response Procedures
- Activation & Assessment: OSH and DOHMH assess transmission risks and recommend closures at the appropriate level.
- Implementation: NYCPS implements the closure, notifying stakeholders through established channels.
- Remote Learning: Activated immediately via digital platforms, with devices and technical support provided to students.
- Continuity of Services: Essential services, such as meal distribution and counseling, continue where feasible.
- Facilities & Staffing: School facilities undergo thorough cleaning. Staff unable to work remotely may be reassigned. If repurposed for emergency response, NYCPS coordinates access with relevant agencies.
5. Communication Plan
Clear and timely communication is critical during school closures.
- Channels: NYCPS uses emails, robocalls, text alerts and social media to inform families and staff.
- Accessibility: Multilingual resources ensure accessibility for all communities.
- Coordination: Labor unions are engaged to keep staff informed. The Mayor’s Office and NYCEM provide citywide updates to ensure consistent information.
- Feedback: Virtual town halls and FAQs address concerns, and feedback mechanisms allow families and staff to report challenges in real time.
6. Relocation and Resources
To minimize disruption, critical resources remain available during closures.
- Meals: Students receive grab-and-go options or delivery services where possible.
- Medical: DOHMH helps facilitate the redistribution of student medications stored in schools.
- Childcare: DYCD collaborates with community organizations to provide childcare for essential workers.
- Facilities: If school buildings are used for emergency operations, NYCPS grants access while ensuring minimal interference with reopening plans.
- Staff: Reassigned to support remote instruction, administrative tasks, or emergency response efforts.
7. Training and Preparedness
Preparedness is essential for an effective response.
- Training: Annual training for staff on remote learning platforms, emergency protocols, and infection control measures.
- Exercises: Tabletop exercises simulate outbreak scenarios to refine coordination.
- Resources: Families receive guides on accessing online learning tools and support services.
- Infrastructure: Schools maintain updated contact lists, and IT departments ensure digital infrastructure can handle increased remote usage.
8. After-Action Review
Following closure, a comprehensive review is conducted within 30 days.
- Assessment: Key areas include the effectiveness of remote learning, compliance with health protocols, communication reach, and resource allocation.
- Feedback: Collected from families, staff, and partners through surveys and debrief sessions.
- Implementation: Lessons learned are documented and incorporated into plan revisions. The updated EOP is redistributed to all relevant agencies, with additional training provided if new protocols are introduced.