Teachers plan pickets and rallies Wednesday in Sharon and Lawrence to draw attention to COVID-related workplace issues.
The Sharon Teachers Association (STA) will hold a 4:30 p.m. informational picket to urge the community to opt for remote learning. The STA says school buildings do not meet minimum standards for safe air quality and is demanding that the school committee halt its hybrid learning plan.
According to the STA, its members refuse to work inside schools during professional development days prior to the return of students. The district’s HVAC contractor "evaluated the HVAC systems in Sharon schools and found that none of the schools met minimum standards for maintaining air quality sufficient to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Of particular concern, the nurses' offices all recirculate indoor air to the administrative suites,” according to the STA, which plans a picket in Sharon Town Center.
This browser does not support the video element.
At 5 p.m. the Lawrence Teachers Union hosts educators for an outdoor protest and car caravan prior to a Lawrence Alliance for Education meeting. The union says it “is calling for health and safety criteria to be met before educators return to the classroom, as the Lawrence Public Schools attempt to force educators to teach from unsafe buildings five days a week.” That protest is scheduled to be held outside the Parthum Complex, 255 E Haverhill St., Lawrence.
Related:
Lowell teachers, parents confront school committee with concerns
Andover educators stage safety sit-out; School officials say teachers violated the law
Boston Teachers Union calls for verification of adequate ventilation in schools
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