CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The union representing teachers and staff in Cicero School District 99 is objecting to what it claims is a plan to require them to return for in-person instruction two weeks earlier than scheduled.
Rachel Esposito, President of the Cicero Council of the West Suburban Teachers Union, said an email from the superintendent told teachers and staff they would be asked to return on Oct. 19, while the tentative date for students to return to classrooms is Nov. 4 if the school board approves.
"We are very concerned about sending 1,000 staff members into the building with the scare of the increase in COVID, and then to also then send back students returning back into the classroom, as well," she said.
Esposito said the positivity rate on COVID-19 tests in Cicero is above 12 percent.
"We are asking for in order for us to return to work that we see the COVID rate decrease to at least under 7 percent for seven consecutive days," she said.
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The union is also calling for a clear plan for contact tracing in the schools, as well as an independent evaluation of COVID-19 safety protocols and air ventilation systems in schools.
WBBM Newsradio has contacted District 99 requesting a response.