SARASOTA – With Sarasota schools delaying the new fall semester, some teachers are left with more questions than answers. They blame lack of leadership from the state.
“There’s no way schools are going to be a healthy place for kids and adults,” said Patricia Gardner.
Back to school is that light at the end of the tunnel that turns out to be a freight train. While students get an extension to summer break.
Gardner, president Sarasota Classified Teachers Association, says teachers are in limbo, uncertain and untrained as they anticipate a return to the classrooms amid COVID-19.
“You can’t get anywhere without getting your temperature taken, some stores only a couple of people can go in at a time,” said Gardner. “But we’re going to cram 15 kids in a classroom with a teacher and say good luck, good luck everybody.”
Gardner is thankful teachers are have time to prepare, but without any clear guidance from Florida’s Department of Education Commissioner, Richard Corcoran and Gov. Ron DeSantis teachers and administrators are on their own.
“When they had their discussion on the plan that they’re suppose to come up with that there was not any mention of how to keep staff safe,” said Gardner.
Gardner is skeptical teacher safety is getting a solid look. She says some educators are electing to retire early. Another issue? Will there be enough substitute teachers? Fiona Long a substitute teacher says keeping her family safe and herself healthy is a top priority. One shared by many subs.
“I just don’t think we know enough to know comfortably the level of risks,” said Long. “How can we be creative? We have a lot of resources here.”
Though the school board will enforce students to wear masks while on campus and desk barriers are to be installed Gardner say its not a matter of if someone gets sick it’s a matter of when.
Gardner says they teachers union will now discuss dates for payroll as the delay in the school year might push back their first paycheck by three weeks.
