MA Teacher Association calls for proactive approach on covid-19, flexibility for temp. remote learning

Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy has harsh words for Governor Charlie Baker and state Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley.

Najimy released a statement concerning the handling of COVID-19 in Massachusetts schools, particularly testing.

“The sharp spike in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious omicron variant is extremely concerning. It demands that the state take a more systematic, inclusive and comprehensive approach to protecting public health. The last-minute scramble by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide 200,000 test kits to educators is anything but that, jeopardizing our attempts to maintain safe in-person learning as schools reopen after the holiday break.”

Najimy criticized the planning in distributing the tests to schools without allowing input or sufficient time.

“This decision, made without consultation with educators’ unions and local stakeholders, is one more example of the failure of the Baker administration to get it right. Plans for testing of this magnitude should have been communicated well in advance of schools closing for the winter break.”

“Instead, Governor Charlie Baker and state Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley have created a logistical nightmare all the way from distribution to testing oversight, placing the burden on school staff — particularly school nurses, who are already stretched beyond their capacity.”

“If testing is going to be successful, the Baker administration must immediately create a much broader distribution mechanism and provide the proper staffing to ensure that the tests are being used. There also needs to be a comprehensive plan — meaning consideration must be given to staffing and distribution — around ongoing access to testing for students, school staff and others who routinely have reason to be in public schools and thus pose a transmission risk.”

Najimy was also critical of the planning, or lack thereof, if a bigger COVID outbreak were to take place

“The commissioner’s incompetence leaves school districts no time to develop a contingency plan if there is a local outbreak. This may be particularly problematic in cities that serve many students of color — communities that continue to be the hardest hit by the pandemic.”

Najimy seemed to infer that a remote option should be available to schools if COVID spread is too great.

“In this moment, there may be further instances when in-person learning is temporarily deemed too risky, and it is time for the department to show flexibility and leadership in this area.”

The MTA President concluded her statement with more criticism over planning and input.

“We are tired of Band-Aid approaches from Baker and Riley when it comes to facing the biggest public health threat of our time.”

“We believe that, as always, key decisions will be most effective when made in concert with educators, locally elected officials and other community members. Proactive planning for the difficult months ahead is imperative — and there is no time to waste in meeting the needs of students, educators and our communities.”

Najimy released another statement this morning asking for schools to be closed Monday to allow for virus testing and analyzing data.