BOSTON (WHDH) - Boston Public Schools are hoping to delay the start of the fall semester to Sept. 21 as districts statewide continue to formulate their plans for returning students to the classroom amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan was confirmed by a school spokesman Thursday and officials are still working to determine whether they will be implementing in-person or remote learning.
“The Boston Public Schools (BPS) continues to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff and families in our preparations for the new school year. BPS is developing plans for both hybrid and all-remote learning options and has not made a final decision regarding our instruction model for the fall,” the statement read. “However, understanding the need to provide sufficient training for educators and staff, BPS is in the process of requesting a waiver to delay the start of the school year to Monday, September 21. We will formally notify the BPS community of any changes to the calendar once the start date for the school year is confirmed.”
Cities and towns are required to submit their reopening plan by the end of the week.
The Boston Teachers Union said the tentative plan to begin remote learning Sept. 21 with students in class two days per week is unsafe.
“We know that the BTU plan provides for a safe restart and a quality education while the school district’s plan is untenable and will exacerbate the inequalities that are rampant in our school system,” the union’s Executive Vice President said.
They held a rally outside City Hall Thursday and said that forcing them back into classrooms during a pandemic could amount to a death sentence.
“In our BTU survey, a huge number, I think 60 percent of BTU said they live or care for someone who is at high risk for COVID,” Channing Elementary School Teacher Katie Mallon said.
The union is calling for a remote start to the year, followed by a phased-in hybrid approach with the school population dramatically reduced.
But first, they want a vaccine or safer buildings.
“Until there is medicine or our schools are completely renovated, whatever comes first — and I think we both know what will come first,” Teacher Sarah Grimmett said.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)