In March 2020 everyone was sent home from Bedford's public schools and those of us who "work" as substitutes knew our employment was over for the time being. Since returning in September, there has been a need for substitutes as many teachers and staff members are out for extended periods of time. As is right, teachers, aids and other staff are paid when they cannot be in school. They are home to protect the health of their coworkers and the students.
Every substitute knows they are per diem workers, and know their presence makes it possible for classes to meet in these peculiar times. So when one gets sent home to quarantine, because of something that happened at school...where their health has been potentially compromised through no fault of their own, it seems only fair that they are compensated for that lost time, time they would otherwise be in the classroom.
When you are sent home and the law says you must remain sequestered, there is no opportunity for other work, so what you lose in income is lost. No one is asking for insurance or health benefits, just the common curtesy offered to substitutes in some other districts in Westchester County through EPSLA.
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We are all judged by how we treat others, especially in difficult times. Bedford Central Schools is failing that subject.