After much back-and-forth, the union representing San Francisco’s teachers and the San Francisco Unified School District have reached a tentative agreement on a path to reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The goal is the safe reopening of classrooms, and after months of bargaining the two sides have agreed on baseline safety standards, officials announced Sunday.
In person instruction can resume if educators are vaccinated, have PPE, including masks for students and staff, and have socially distanced classrooms and work spaces, said Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco.
"So, everybody who would be in school district buildings would go back in the red tier as long as they’re vaccinated," she told KCBS Radio.
However, it’s hard to know when exactly that will be.
Solomon said the city can help by prioritizing educators now for COVID-19 vaccines.
She noted that each individual school campus stands at the ready.
"The buildings are either already readied or close to it," Solomon said. "Then, United Educators of San Francisco will continue to focus on finalizing our agreements around classroom instruction and schedule."
The reopening agreement also includes regular and reliable testing for students and staff.
In an email to KCBS Radio, district Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews thanked all of the district employees who have been working to get schools ready for months.
"I’m looking forward to opening our school doors for more staff to begin preparations to welcome students back," he said.
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