August 19, 2020

Dear Elaine:
Thank you for bringing your concerns to us about returning to in-person instruc?on at Saint
Francis Xavier School during the COVID-19 pandemic. During our conversa?on, you noted that
you are physically able to return to in-person instruc?on but that due to your age (63), and the
fact that your husband is a cancer survivor, you are not willing to accept any risk of poten?al
infec?on. For that reason, you informed us that you would only return to teaching at our school
if there was a remote teaching opportunity available.
We understand your concerns. The safety of teachers, students, staff, and families has guided
every step of the prepara?on to return to school. We have worked closely with medical experts
to ensure our re-opening plan creates a safe environment for our students and staff by reducing
the likelihood that COVID-19 is introduced into our learning environment, as well as reducing
the likelihood of spread if it is introduced, but no plan can eliminate the possibility of
contrac?ng COVID-19. Saint Francis Xavier School understands and respects your personal life
choice not to take any health risk for that reason.
We also understand your personal disagreement with our decision to re-open with in-person
instruc?on. Unfortunately, some?mes serving the needs of many precludes the ability to meet
the needs of others, especially in ?mes like these. In this case, a fully remote program would
compromise the academic, spiritual, and emo?onal well-being of our children. As we are
returning to in-person instruc?on, it is cri?cal that our teachers be available to teach in-person
for classes that are in-person. While Saint Francis Xavier School is providing a remote learning
op?on, only a small number of students have opted for remote learning requiring only one
teacher who has already been assigned. We therefore regret to inform you that Saint Francis
Xavier School is not able to accommodate your request for remote learning. Moreover, based
upon the facts that you have shared, you do not qualify for a leave of absence per our leave
policies.
As we are not able to provide a remote learning opportunity to you, you are released from your
contract effec?ve as of August 19, 2020. We have been made aware that other schools within
the Archdiocese may have remote learning opportuni?es available, so we strongly encourage
you to monitor the Archdiocesan webpage and apply for any vacancies. Of course, it goes
without saying that we would also welcome you back to teach at our school. If there is a ?me
that you feel safe returning to in-person instruc?on, or our school’s needs have changed such
that virtual instruc?on opportuni?es are available, we hope you will indicate your interest by
applying for such vacancies, if any. COVID-19 has forced difficult choices on many people in
rela?on to work, childcare, and educa?on. We grieve the separa?on of any member of our
community, especially those who have provided dedicated service to our school.
Thank you for your service to Saint Francis Xavier School. We wish you and your family the very
best during this difficult ?me, and we pray for your health, safety, and well-being.
Regards,

Joseph D’Arco Colleen Barre[

Opera?ons Director Principal

Cc: Fr. Wayne Wa[s