Franklin Educators File Grievances, District Responds

FRANKLIN,WI— Following complaints from educators and a surge in coronavirus cases, the Franklin School District addressed the concerns Tuesday afternoon.

"Our goal as we approached the 2020-21 school year has always been to provide the highest quality educational opportunities while getting kids safely back into school," the statement read.

When given the chance to chose, 80 percent of students opted for in-person learning despite the pandemic.

But not all educators feel as though the situation is safe. On September 10, a grievance was filed on behalf of 77 employees, roughly 1o percent of the staff.

The district told Patch that in order to ensure the best and safest possible learning environment for the 3,700 in-person students and more than 700 staff, they put in place a comprehensive list of health and sanitation protocols to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in the district's eight buildings. These protocols can be reviewed in the July 28 and August 14 district newsletters.

"All of our planning was done in collaboration with the Franklin Health Department, which has been an invaluable partner during these uncertain times,"according to the school district statement. "We have done our best to meet the needs of the Franklin community throughout the entirety of our planning process."

The district spokesman said the district continues to monitor key metrics to determine if the district should scale back their plans.

"Our students and staff have followed all safety protocols and for the last 8 weeks. Disinfecting and sanitation occur at high levels throughout the day and all ventilation complies with state codes for safety standards," Dr. Judy Mueller, FPS District Administrator, wrote in a statement.