Heights Teachers Union Demands Remote-Only Learning To Start Year

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Cleveland Heights Teachers Union is demanding the district abandon its current reopening plan and reopen with online-only education in the fall.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools had announced plans to reopen with some face-to-face classes in the fall.

Union President Karen Rego issued a statement Thursday saying the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools should delay implementation of the current reopening plan. She said staff are concerned school buildings will not be safe in the fall.

“Our teachers and support staff most certainly want to be with their students. However, beyond the fact COVID 19 cases are spreading at an alarming rate throughout the county and the state, my members have serious concerns about the capacity of the school district to guarantee a safe teaching and learning environment for students and staff," Rego said in a statement.

Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby said she takes seriously the concerns of teachers. She said district officials are working to create a safe reopening plan for students and staff.

"This draft plan has been informed by various committees of teachers, support staff, administrators, and community partners, as well as the current (and ever-changing) status of COVID-19 in Cuyahoga County. This means, of course, that what our school reopening looks like on September 2 could very well differ from what our draft plans call for today," Kirby said.

Rego specifically cited the following health and safety concerns:

• The district is unable to provide adequate protective equipment for students and staff, she argued
• Mandating all students wear masks is "impossible and impractical"
• Social distancing would be nearly impossible in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, bathrooms and other areas
• Staff do not trust building will be properly cleaned
• There will be inadequate quarantine spaces and protocols for students and staff
• Immunocompromised students and staff face high risk

Rego told Patch she held several meetings with teachers and staff before issuing this demand.

Here's the full response statement from Kirby:

The CH-UH City School District leadership recognizes and takes seriously the concerns expressed by the Cleveland Heights Teachers Union. District leaders are working to create a reopening plan that, above all else, is safe for all students and staff. This draft plan has been informed by various committees of teachers, support staff, administrators, and community partners, as well as the current (and ever-changing) status of COVID-19 in Cuyahoga County. This means, of course, that what our school reopening looks like on September 2 could very well differ from what our draft plans call for today.

We sincerely thank the CHTU for this feedback. We will continue our discussions with all of our collective bargaining units and work together to create the safest, most comprehensive plan possible for the 2020-2021 school year.