Teacher Union Claims Brevard Public Schools Reopening Plan Does Not Adequately Protect Students and Staff
By Brevard Federation of Teachers // July 10, 2020
Brevard Federation of Teachers calling on the School Board to bolster up its reopening plan
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard Federation of Teachers says educators want to get back to school, but school buildings should only reopen when it is safe for students and teachers to return to the classroom.
“The Brevard Federation of Teachers believes that the Brevard Public Schools’ plan for reopening schools does not do enough to protect students and staff from COVID 19,” said Brevard Federation of Teachers officials in a release.
“Science tells us that social distancing, proper hygiene measures, testing and tracing, and wearing masks prevent the spread of this disease.”
Brevard Federation of Teachers officials said the district’s plan fails to adequately address these items, leaving many unanswered questions including the following:
▪ How will BPS ensure that symptomatic students and staff are COVID free before returning to school?
▪ Will employees be notified if someone with whom they have had contact tests positive for COVID-19?
▪ How large will class sizes be and how far apart will students be seated in classrooms?
▪ How will BPS ensure the safety of vulnerable employees? What are their options?
▪ How will BPS guarantee a nurse will be on each campus every day?
▪ How will BPS limit students from congregating in large groups at dismissal and arrival times?
▪ How will BPS ensure schools are cleaned when custodians are absent?
▪ When a positive case is found, how will the length of the school closure be determined?
▪ How many students will be present in the lunchrooms?
▪ How will the public be assured that schools who are left to their own devices to develop their own procedures are following the guidelines of the CDC?
“A plan to return students and staff to school buildings during this pandemic must be one that spares no precautions and leaves no question unanswered. A failure to have such a plan is likely a deadly mistake,” said BFT President Anthony Colucci.
“The Brevard Federation of Teachers is calling on the School Board to bolster up its reopening plan before sending students, faculty, and staff back to brick and mortar buildings.”
Related Story:Brevard Public Schools Announce Plans and Protocols for Graduation Ceremonies Beginning July 18
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