Sharon Teachers Refuse To Report To Schools For Hybrid Training

SHARON, MA — Sharon School Committee Chair Judith Crosby is calling the refusal of Sharon teachers to work inside the schools ahead of reopening next week an illegal strike in a district where a hybrid learning model is in place for the start of the school year.

The Sharon Teachers Association said on Tuesday they refuse to work inside the buildings during the period of professional development in advance of the first day of school. The STA, which says it is negotiating a solution with the Sharon School Committee, voted three weeks ago to teach remotely to start the year due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus health crisis in conflict with the district's decision.

The teachers plan an informational picket on Wednesday.

"Students are scheduled to start classes in person next week under a hybrid plan approved by the Sharon School Committee and it is vital for their educational and emotional health that they be in school with their classmates and their teachers," Crosby said in a statement. "Teachers were required to report in person (on Tuesday) for professional development regarding hybrid learning and to prepare their classrooms for the new school year. Specific questions about our health and safety plan, and the technology that supports hybrid teaching, can only be answered by being inside the building."

The STA said said the buildings' HVAC systems and "many other health items" remain unresolved and that they will not report to the buildings until they are.

"The STA is disappointed that the school committee and superintendent were not thorough in their planning for a hybrid learning model," said STA President Bernadette Murphy in a statement. "Educators remain committed to working with the administration to ensure that students have a successful year — academically, socially and emotionally. Because of the school committee and superintendent’s inaction, that work will have to begin remotely."

The STA said it plans to demonstrate in Sharon Town Center on Wednesday starting at 4:30 p.m. with hopes of urging the town to opt for remote learning until they deem the school buildings are safe for use.

"Today's decision by the Sharon Teachers Association to refuse to work from their classrooms is an illegal job action," Crosby countered. "We have filed a petition with the Massachusetts Labor Relations Board to declare this action a strike, which is illegal under Massachusetts law. Our buildings are safe for teachers, staff and our students. Sharon has virtually no instances of the COVID-19 virus and our 14-day case count is zero."

More Patch Coverage: Sharon Teachers Say They Won't Return To School In Hybrid Model