July 27, 2020

WEAC: Schools should only open when communities are safe

WEAC: Schools should only open when communities are safe Featured Image

State union supports schools opening in-person when safety benchmarks are met

WEAC this week weighed in on the escalating debate over the safe reopening of schools, sending a letter to Governor Tony Evers, Health Secretary Andrea Palm and State Superintendent Carolyn Stafford Taylor.

“As parents, educators and elected leaders wrestle with the monumental responsibility of keeping students and educators safe, WEAC restates our stance that all decisions must be guided by science, facts, and safety. Wisconsin educators want nothing more than to be back at school with their students, and we will be there when all criteria of the Badger Bounce Back Plan are met,” the letter signed by WEAC President Ron “Duff” Martin and WEAC Executive Director Bob Baxter stated.

The benchmarks set forward by the Badger Bounce Back Plan are:

  • Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period.
  • Downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period.
  • Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period.
  • 95% of hospitals affirm that they can treat all patients without crisis standards of care.
  • 95% of all hospitals affirm that they have arranged for testing for all symptomatic clinical staff treating patients at the hospital per CDC guidelines.
  • Downward trend of COVID-19 cases among health care workers calculated weekly.

“Safe school reopening and equity for our communities require decisions based on science and adequate funding,” the letter concludes. “We should not have to put our students and staff in harm’s way.”