Schools reopen: Biden pushes to reopen most schools in 100 days

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Teacher union leaders say they are pleased with Biden’s sense of urgency and focus, but warn that the 100-day pledge must be a goal rather than a fixed one.

Biden is expected to sign several executive actions on Thursday, his second day in office, to help support the goal of reopening and establish a national strategy to bring the coronavirus under control, but the measures do not require schools to reopen within a given time frame.

An executive order will order the education and health and social services departments to provide reopening advice to schools with a focus on masking, testing and cleaning. A separate presidential memorandum will offer reimbursement to schools for the purchase of personal protective equipment through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Biden’s reopening policy stands in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s threats to deny federal funding for school relief if they don’t reopen for in-person learning, which neither Trump nor Congress ever have. implemented.

In a call with reporters on Wednesday, Carole Johnson, Biden’s Covid testing coordinator, acknowledged that the reopening schedule may need to be extended.

“The health and safety of students, educators, staff and families is paramount. The administration will always be honest about the challenges we face, including examining how and if changes in the pandemic may impact the reopening of schools or the ability of schools to reopen. Johnson said.

Union leaders question 100-day deadline

While many districts across the country are open, around half of Kindergarten to Grade 12 students currently attend virtual-only schools. Teachers have resisted plans to reopen in major cities like Washington and Chicago.

Union leaders describe having a close working relationship with Biden’s team, but argue that the 100-day goal is a big challenge.

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten said the target may need to be reassessed depending on the spread of the coronavirus in the coming months. Experts have warned that more transmissible variants, including the a first sight in the United Kingdom, could trace the cases.

“I agree with the goal, but I am very concerned about this new variant. None of this is done in isolation,” Weingarten said.

National Education Association President Becky Pringle said the 100-day pledge sends a strong message that reopening schools is a top priority for Biden, but that “it’s not a matter of days, but the urgency he puts on the issue “.

“It’s an aggressive plan, no doubt,” added Pringle, noting that there is “nothing educators want to do more than be safe back in person with their children.”

Congress urged to provide the necessary resources to reopen

Teacher unions and Democrats have long argued that the ability to open schools also depends on available resources. Biden is pushing Congress to approve an additional $ 170 billion for K-12 schools, colleges and universities to help them operate safely in person or facilitate distance learning. Congress approved $ 82 billion in aid for schools in December, which Biden said he saw as a “down payment.”

The new funding would be part of a massive $ 1.9 trillion relief package that would also include increased unemployment benefits and direct stimulus checks. Congress, where Democrats now control both the House and the Senate, could pass the bill as early as next week. But it will take time for that money to reach school districts, even if it is approved.

The American Federation of Teachers is calling for five specific things schools will need to reopen: tools like masks and cleaning supplies to mitigate the spread of the virus in buildings, testing and research of contracts, accommodation for them. at-risk teachers, prompt vaccinations for teachers, and honesty and transparency of advice.

Bechara Choucair, Biden’s choice to lead vaccine coordination, said on Wednesday that the administration would call on states to open up vaccine eligibility to teachers, as well as first responders, grocery store workers and people over. 65 years old.

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