The Emporia chapter of the National Education Association is pushing for the start of the 2020-21 academic year to be pushed back.
During the public comment portion of the USD 253 Board of Education’s special work session Wednesday an email from Emporia National Education Association President Erica Huggard was presented. The email detailed a petition from the NEA seeking a delay in the reopening of schools this year.
Huggard says the delay would allow the district more sufficient time to properly develop and implement a mitigation plan to protect students and staff.
Huggard feels if the board chooses not to delay the reopening without a definitive plan in motion, there could be a large pushback from district stakeholders.
Huggard’s message also stated there is a feeling that educators and staff have not been “invited to the table” as it pertains to the reopening discussion. However, district staff stated Wednesday night that until the KSDE vote the “ball” was not in the district’s court in terms of rendering a decision on whether or not to delay reopening.
Case says input from stakeholders and district staff is a priority for district administrators.
The board of education is currently considering a delay and could possibly render a decision on the matter as soon as next week.
