The following guidance documents were created to help schools as they look at ways to re-open in the future. Metro ECSU, IEA, Inc. and ATC Group Services, LLC collaborated in the development, review and publication of these documents. Many documents were sent to industry leaders for comment and review. Feel free to use these and we welcome any feedback.
Operations Guidance
- Back to School Transportation Planning Consideration – from Osseo Schools
- Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols
- COVID19 Main Coordinator & Building Coordinators Information 2020
- High Touch Surface Audit
- Transportation
- MN State Fire Marshal Occupant Load Determination - Assembly
- MN State Fire Marshal Partitions for COVID-19 Separations
- MN State Fire Marshal School Occupant Loads for COVID-19 Restrictions
Worker Protection Guidance
Drivers Education - Behind the Wheel
Primary COVID-19 Resources
- FDA Hand Sanitizers Consumers Should Not Use
- Fire Drills
- MN Department of Education Planning Guidance for MN Public Schools
- Minnesota Department of Health 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools
- Stay Safe MN
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- United States Environmental Protection (EPA)
- EPA: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
- MN Empoyment and Economic Development (MN DEED)
- Cooperative Purchasing Connection
Collaborating Partners
Other Related Resources
Transportation
- NASDPTS: Coronavirus and Student Transportation
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) has developed an Information Report to answer questions relating to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on student transportation professionals and operations. NASDPTS will update the report as new information is received. - School Bus Use for Delivering Meals/Supplies
Per MN Governor’s Executive Order 20-41 Upon approval by the Executive Council and notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 169.443, subdivision 2, school buses may deploy arm and flashing red signal systems when delivering meals and distance learning materials to students.
If an individual feels that delivery cannot be completed safely without the use of the school bus system, then alternative measures must be sought. Some examples the Minnesota State Patrol suggests are using a smaller vehicle that can get safely off the road, or delivering to a distribution location such as a parking lot and arranging to have families meet there.
Licensures and Certifications
- MDH Refresher Training Waivers
Due to the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is issuing a refresher training waiver. Individuals with asbestos certifications and lead licenses that expire on or after March 16, 2020, will be granted an extension to complete the required MDH approved refresher course to become recertified or relicensed in Minnesota.
Please see the below websites for additional details: - COVID-19 Minnesota hotlines 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Schools, child care, businesses: Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504.
Health questions: Call 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903. - MN Department of Labor and Industry
DLI license exams have been suspended indefinitely. Continuing education deadlines have been extended 90 days for licenses that expire in March, April and May 2020.
Employee Rights
- COVID-19 and school employee rights and protections in the workplace
- Paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave poster
- Recording workplace exposures to COVID-19
OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log.
COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties. However, employers are only responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are met:- The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19);
- The case is work-related, as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5; and
- The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7 (e.g. medical treatment beyond first-aid, days away from work).
Visit OSHA’s Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements page for more information.
School Specific Resources
School and Child Care: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (external site)
Monthly Meetings
Aug 18, 2020
Aug 6, 2020
Workers' Compensation and COVID.pdf
July 23, 2020
July 15, 2020
May 20, 2020
OSHA Consultation and COVID.pdf
Note: Some of the resources listed on this page link to "external websites" which may not be accessible for viewers, screen readers and other assistive technology devices. If you need assistance, please email the "Contact Information" person listed at the bottom of this page.
Contact Information
Bianca Virnig, Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
612/638-1512, bianca.virnig@metroecsu.org
Angela Skrade, Program Coordinator
612/638-1528, angela.skrade@metroecsu.org
Conference Room Rental
We offer state-of-the-art conference room rental services to both members and non-members. For more information go to the Conference Room Rental page.
Administrative Services
Metro ECSU provides administrative services to its members in several areas. For more information go to the Administrative Services page.
Metro ECSU Publications
During the school year Metro ECSU offers the Annual Class Size Study, Composite Calendar for All Metro Districts and edNews. For more information go to the Metro ECSU Publications page.
Metro ECSU Online Registration
View all listings and events offered by Metro ECSU and register at our Event Calendar page.
Cooperative Purchasing Services
A wide variety of products are available with our program, the Cooperative Purchasing Connection. Vendor contracts are established through a formal bid process conducted by Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC).
Metro ECSU Membership
Active membership in Metro ECSU is open to each public school district which has chosen to join the cooperative by paying the appropriate membership fees. With membership districts can participate and vote in the governance of the co-op.
More Information