Educators' unions from across Wisconsin are urging Gov. Tony Evers and other state leaders to keep students and teachers safe by ordering a virtual start to the school year.
In a letter to Gov. Evers, State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, and DHS Secretary Andrea Palm the union leaders said "a virtual reopening for public schools is necessary."
The unions speaking out include Madison Teachers Incorporated, Green Bay Education Association, Kenosha Education Association, Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association and Racine Educators United.
"Our students need safe, equitable, well-resourced classrooms staffed with highly qualified educators, so they can learn. The classroom is where every single educator wants to be this fall, but with no containment of Wisconsin COVID-19 cases, a virtual reopening for public schools is necessary," said the letter.
The unions represent 10,000 public education workers from across the state, responsible for educating over 160,000 public school students.
ClickHEREto read the full letter.
In a statement to 27 News, a Department of Public Instruction spokesperson said DPI does not have the authority to require virtual instruction in Wisconsin.
"We will continue to work closely with the governor’s office and the Department of Health Services to provide the best information possible and prioritize the health and safety needs of students and staff when planning for the reopening of school buildings."
In June,DPI released guidance for school districts as they work to develop reopening plans.
To read more go to WKOW https://wkow.com/2020/07/20/wisconsin-educators-unions-urge-governor-to-order-virtual-start-to-school-year/