Andover Teachers Union Calls For Phased-In Reopening

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover teachers union called for a phased-in beginning to the school year Monday, in a letter reiterating questions and concerns about the district's plan for a hybrid reopening.

"Until our questions and concerns are sufficiently addressed, there is no safe path for return, nor a way for parents to make an informed decision," the letter from the Andover Education Association concludes.

The Andover School Committee voted Aug. 10 to reopen the schools with a hybrid model where students spend part of their time learning in person and part of their time remote. The district submitted its final plan to the state, Friday.

Since the vote, the union and the administration have met to negotiate on the fall reopening, with the union asking for schools to not reopen in person until a number of health metrics are met at the town, county and state level. In the letter, the union cited a recent Boston Globe article that says some infectious disease experts believe "hybrid schooling could be a public health disaster."

In the letter, the union raised questions about personal protective equipment, disinfecting and ventillation, hallway movement, quarantine protocols and substitute teachers.

The teachers ask the School Committee to reconsider its decision on reopening.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.