MA Coronavirus: Teachers Press Baker On School Decision

BOSTON — The head of the union that represents public school teachers in Massachusetts is pressing Gov. Charlie Baker to show "decisive leadership" and make a decision on whether schools can reopen this year.

"The state must reach a decision soon on whether to keep schools closed for the remainder of this academic year so that students, their families and our communities can plan accordingly," Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy said. "Governor Charlie Baker’s delay in taking action to initially close all schools —and the lack of guidelines early in the process for remote learning — both point to the necessity for clear direction and mutual understanding of everyone’s needs. This is a time for decisive leadership to protect the public health and the common good."

While Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said earlier this week he's "not too confident" Massachusetts schools will reopen before fall, Baker has not committed to keeping schools closed or reopening them. Baker closed all Massachusetts schools March 16 through at least May 4 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees said it expected Baker to discuss school reopening plans during his daily press briefing, which is scheduled for noon. At least 27 states have said they will keep schools closed through the end of the academic year.

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Najimy also said Tuesday it's seeming less and less likely schools will reopen this year.

"Before the state reopens public schools, there needs to be every assurance, based on medical analyses, that the health of our students and their families — and of educators — will not be jeopardized," Najimy said. "Understanding that Massachusetts remains a COVID-19 hotspot, it seems unlikely that definitive assurances will be possible to allow for a reopening before the end of this school year."

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• MA Is Now A Coronavirus 'Hot Spot': Here's What That Means
• MA Self-Employed, Gig Economy Workers Can Now File For Unemployment Benefits

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).