Lawrence teachers rally, call for safer classroom conditions

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Lawrence teachers rallied on Wednesday calling for ongoing negotiations to focus on their safety and of their students before returning to the classroom.

Teachers turned up in cars and in person to put the spotlight on safety for teachers and for students.

Teachers say they are worried about air quality in the twenty schools across the city of Lawrence. They say that only half of them have HVAC systems, and they are concerned they and students might get sick.

“We’re arguing that’s it’s much safer to work from home until it’s determined safe," said Beth Kontos, President of The American Federation of Teachers for Massachusetts.

Secondly, they say while all schools are set to start remotely, teachers and support staff are required to show up in person on September 16th.

“We are trying to protect our members and we are looking at those members that have according to CDC are in a high risk category,” said Mindy Richardson, member of the Lawrence Teacher’s Union.

Teachers in Lawrence are well aware that their counterparts in neighboring Andover were forced to go back to work by a Labor Relations Board ruling issued on Wednesday. They say Lawrence has no plan for a work stoppage.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV