Watertown Teachers Defend Remote Model, 'Dismayed' With State

WATERTOWN, MA — The Watertown Education Association defended the school district's decision to pursue remote learning after State Education Commissioner Jeff Riley and Governor Charlie Baker called out the district and 15 others for their plan amid its low COVID-19 transmission rates.

Riley wrote to officials in Watertown and 15 other school districts, asking for the plans on transitioning to in-person learning. He cited a "stark discrepancy" between their reopening models and local public health metrics.

The Watertown Education Association said in a statement that it supports the decision to begin the school year with a robust remote learning plan and a strategic return to in-person learning using sensible health and safety protocols.

"Educators are dismayed by Commissioner Jeff Riley and Governor Charlie Baker’s threatening directive to recklessly force students and educators back into school buildings," the union's statement reads.

The union stressed that reopening plans are a local decision arrived at democratically. The union said teachers would like to be back in the classroom with students but the risk of COVID-19 is too great and district buildings present health and safety issues.

"Educators, students, and families are working together to meet the incredible challenges of creating a successful learning environment. Commissioner Riley and Governor Baker should not undermine this work with baseless threats, especially as the state reports significant numbers of new COVID-19 cases daily -- and, sadly, persistent daily deaths attributed to the disease.

Watertown fulfilled its obligation to the state many weeks ago in presenting education plans for different school reopening scenarios. The state must now respect Watertown’s local decision," the statement reads.

Riley wrote to districts on Friday and asked for more information about their fall reopening plans and gave them 10 calendar days to respond.

Watertown has had a total of 502 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 461 community members have recovered from the virus. Seven Town employees have had confirmed cases. Watertown has recorded 24 COVID-19 fatalities.