Around New England

Rhode Island Teachers Unions Don’t Want In-Person Schooling

November 18, 2020

Many public schools in Rhode Island are still holding in-person classes this school year, but the National Education Society of Rhode Island wants that to change.

The group has called on the state’s Democratic governor, Gina Raimondo, to stop in-person learning in the state by Monday, November 23 — at least through the Christmas holiday season, as Yahoo reports.

“Rhode Island is experiencing record high number of cases and an overwhelmed Department of Health, despite their best efforts, is falling behind with the required contact tracing that ensures effective quarantining and overall safety of students and educators,” said Larry Purtill, president of the teachers union, according to Yahoo. “Districts already burdened and stretched thin are not equipped, nor do they have the capacity, to take on this duty.”

The president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals joined with the National Education Society of Rhode Island in calling for calling off school.


Read More