MADISON, WI (WSAU) - Some of the state's largest teachers unions have sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers asking for an 'online only' start to the school year statewide. The unions say that a virtual education model is the only way to keep teachers and students safe as COVID-19 cases rise across Wisconsin.
The letter to Evers, State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, and DHS Secretary Andrea Palm says "a virtual reopening for public schools is necessary." The unions that signed the letter are: Madison Teachers Incorporated, Green Bay Education Association, Kenosha Education Association, Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association and Racine Educators United. Madison and Milwaukee -- the state's largest school districts -- have already announced virtual classes only to start the school year.
"Our students need safe, equitable, well-resourced classrooms staffed with highly qualified educators, so they can learn. The classroom is where every single educator wants to be this fall, but with no containment of Wisconsin COVID-19 cases, a virtual reopening for public schools is necessary," said the letter.
Department of Public Instruction spokesperson told WKOW-TV in Madison that DPI does not have the authority to require virtual instruction in Wisconsin. "We will continue to work closely with the governor’s office and the Department of Health Services to provide the best information possible and prioritize the health and safety needs of students and staff when planning for the reopening of school buildings."
The state has released detailed school reopining guidelines, allowing individual districts to school virtual, in-person, or hybrid instructions. Many school districts haven't finalized their reopening plans, while awaiting new COVID-19 data.