From September 14 to at least October 2, students in the Syracuse City School District will be learning at home, behind a screen.
“I think this a very thoughtful way to just say, let’s make sure we’re doing the best by our students and staff,” said Bill Scott, the Syracuse Teachers Association (STA) president.
In a press release from the district, Superintendent Jamie Alicea said the decision was made after a "clear majority" of families, staff and students expressed favor in a remote learning model over the original hybrid plan.
"While the hybrid model we had initially planned would have allowed for a safe and healthy opening, it is imperative that everyone feels comfortable within the learning and work environment, which is why we have decided to begin the school year virtually,” said Alicea. "We will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to address concerns and questions as they come up."
The district approved the superintendent’s recommendation at a board meeting Monday evening.
The STA pushed for remote learning until November 9, but Scott says this new schedule will still give faculty time to prepare.
“If we identify any concerns, we’ll bring those to the district’s attention so we can work together to eliminate those barriers,” said Scott.
Scott says he already submitted about 170 questions to the district to address some of the staff members’ concerns, such as maintaining social distancing, school bus protocols and proper ventilation.
“That’s our number one priority: to make sure the building is ready and safe for students,” said Scott.
Students will have the option to return to class on October 5, when the hybrid model is expected to start.
“That’s going to be a very interesting day,” said Scott. “I hope we have lots of time to practice and drill about what it’s going to look like to greet the students and get them in and screened and off to their classrooms.”
Scott says they’ve been included in the planning process, and the superintendent will present the schedule at the board meeting on Wednesday.