BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Four schools in Boston reopened for in-person learning on Monday that serve some of the city's highest-needs students.
The district moved to all-remote learning on Oct. 22, 2020 because of a surge in Covid-19 cases in Boston that drove up the city's virus positivity rate.
But the school district and the Boston Teachers Union reached an agreement for some students to return under a new safety framework approved by the Boston Public Health Commission to limit the spread of the virus.
The Carter School, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, McKinley Schools and Henderson Inclusion School are the schools included in the reopening plan. The return to in-person learning for those schools comes amid a call from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to begin transitioning away from remote learning.
After a tour of the Carlisle Public School last Thursday, Baker said that the data shows that the spread of the virus across the state is not primarily from in-person learning, and that schools across the country have proven that they can still operate safely.
Among the improved safety measures are expanded free Covid-19 testing, a 60-day supply of personal protective equipment and improved ventilation and filtration in buildings.
Boston Teacher's Union President Jessica Tang said this framework announced on Sunday night reflects the "common sense" solutions advocated for by Union educators in order to make learning safer and higher quality for students.
District Superintendent Brenda Casselius said officials are excited to see some of their students return to schools that serve vulnerable learners who face complicated disabilities and challenges.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city will continue to ensure that schools are prepared and protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of students, staff and families.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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