A judge has dismissed a complaint by Cincinnati teachers to delay an in-person start for Cincinnati Public Schools.
Common Pleas Judge Lisa Allen ruled Monday evening that there is no cause for delay, and the school board’s decision to begin blended learning Tuesday stands.
It was a real-time lesson in the battle between teachers and their bosses over when it’s safe to return. That basic and critical health issue fell into the hands of Judge Allen Monday afternoon.
She listened as the teachers union stressed the school board’s decision to phase-in classroom instruction comes at a time of high community spread.
“Your honor, we had nothing in the way of an explanation and we still don’t,” argued Bennett Allen, attorney for the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers.
Counsel for CPS maintained the decision is well within the board’s authority.
“Cincinnati Public Schools has taken extraordinary efforts to meet all of the CDC requirements in terms of mitigation efforts,” countered attorney Evan Priestle.
One parent of three we spoke with Monday told us since his kids are returning on different phased-in schedules, why not pump the brakes a bit?
“And I could certainly see a benefit where, you know, instead of the district all going back this week, we all go back in maybe another two weeks,” Pete Riddle told us in a Zoom interview.
“I think it would be reasonable to wait a couple more weeks to allow most if not all of the staff and teachers to get that second dose and have the effects of it kick in before students are sent back to blended learning.”
The teachers union went to court to ask Judge Allen to enjoin the school board from going forward with Tuesday’s return until an arbitrator can decide if it’s safe to do so.
With the exception of Mike Moroski, school board members believe it’s time and that it’s safe.
Teachers said the alert map around here was still red today, the spread was still high.
“Why mix 3,500 teachers with 36,000 students before a second shot?” they asked.
Some teachers, like Gamble Montessori educator Crystal O’Brien, said they have had it with remote learning.
“You don’t get the same love that you would if you were in person,” she told us.
“So, yeah, I’m kind of ready to go back to school.”
The current plan called for a Tuesday return from pre-school to third-grade and special education students.
Some teachers want to wait till after their second shot.
Others are good to go.
“Scientists are saying everything is safe,” Jennifer Keith said. “You know, school transmission is very low. So, I trust the science.”
According to a CFT survey, an overwhelming number of teachers feel it’s too risky to return now.
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