Statement by Alliance/AFT President Rena Honea on the announcement by the Dallas Independent School District, and local, state and federal health officials that five Dallas ISD students may have contact with the individual in Dallas currently being treated for the Ebola virus at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital here.
“For Dallas teachers and school staff, the first priority is always the health and safety of the children in our schools and classrooms. So we are alarmed by today’s announcement, but encouraged by the assurances of health and school officials that none of the students involved has demonstrated any symptoms of Ebola infection—and that it is unlikely that any of them will. We know that these young people are getting the best medical attention possible. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families as they face this period of heightened monitoring.
“Alliance/AFT members appreciate the steps that Dallas ISD leaders have taken today to provide as much information as possible about the situation to employees, parents, students and the community at large. I have consulted directly today with school district officials about next steps in these difficult circumstances. The assignment of additional nurses and custodial staff to the impacted schools is a good move that will help ensure that all student and staff concerns are addressed.
“As a staff, Dallas ISD employees are concerned, but not panicked. They feel that their concerns are being addressed by school and health officials. Alliance/AFT members have expressed their intention to be in their classrooms with their students as usual in the coming days unless there is a change in the recommendations by public health authorities or in cases where staff members already have personal illnesses themselves.”
