North Andover Teachers Call For Remote Start To Year

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover teachers demanded a phased-in return to schools in September, beginning fully remote, in a letter endorsed by teachers unions from North Andover and seven other area districts.

The letter from "Merrimack Valley Educators United" is listed on the North Andover School Committee's agenda for their Thursday meeting.

The eight unions call for a remote beginning to the school year and state funds to support eventual in-person reopening.

"Learning must resume by starting school fully remote before moving to hybrid models, only when buildings are safe, and eventually to 100% in-person, including an eventual end to remote learning for all when Covid-19 is considered no longer a substantial public health threat," the teachers wrote. "As educators, we cannot allow ourselves to be complicit in rushing educators or students back into unsafe buildings that will inevitably result in educators, students, or their families becoming ill and dying."

The school committee voted Aug. 10 to reopen North Andover schools with a hybrid model where students spend two days per week learning in person.

According to the letter, teachers "will not return" unless districts get support needed to meet environmental health and safety standards.

"While we continue to urge the State House to take action and provide our communities with the resources they require to make our buildings safe, we demand a remote learning start, designed by our educators, as a bridge to the future," the letter continues. "Even one death is too many."

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