Buffalo Schools on track to begin return to class beginning Feb. 1

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's been nearly a year since Buffalo Schools students have been in the classroom due to the COVID pandemic. That will all begin to change February 1 after the school board Wednesday voted unanimously to allow for restricted return to class in all schools.

The resolution adopted by the board will allow a return to class for pre-k through grade 2 in all schools and for all high school seniors to return as well. Families and students are being surveyed and have the right to choose to remain in full remote learning as opposed to returning to class. The return to class is a hybrid formula with both in-school and remote instruction days.

The board is also leaving the door open to returning additional grades to in-person learning, authorizing the Superintendent to do so to the extent he, in conjunction with medical professionals, and staff, determine it is safe and operationally possible to do so.

During a lengthy session Wednesday, board members questioned Superintendent Kriner Cash on when and how other students will be allowed to return. "We'll know more after we start," Cash told the board in explaining that the initial return to class will provide helpful evidence in making further return to class decisions.

Additional return to school decisions will be made in two-week intervals and will likely follow grade levels.

Board member Larry Scott spoke out in favor of the decision, admitting it was a challenging one. "The hybrid implementation is very challenging," said Scott but added it can be done.

Students returning to class would follow a hybrid plan with both in-school and remote learning days. Some of the students deemed the most in need of in-person learning could be returned to full in-person instruction.

The Buffalo Teachers Federation is not convinced the buildings are safe. President Phil Rumore tells WBEN the issue will be addressed Thursday night at a meeting of building representatives, or Council of Delegates. "There are significant health and safety issues that need to be addressed before kids come back," he said.

Rumore cites lack of adequate air filters and PPE supplies. The same issues were raised last Summer when the decision was made for a fully remote opening to the school year.

"The bottom line is we want to be back. The teachers want to be back. But we want to make sure there's no risk of danger," said Rumore.

How will the schools begin to make up for lost learning over the past year? "You would be surprised at how fast kids catch up. I don't think it will take that long," said Rumore, a former special ed teacher.

The BTF President is not ruling out a legal challenge to the reopening of schools. "If, indeed, the district is having kids come back in unsafe conditions, we might be forced to take legal action. I hope it doesn't come to that," he said.

Following is the resolution passed by the school board as well as a reopening q and a sheet produced by the district.