Aug. 22, 2020 12:30p
(WGTD)---A union that represents teachers and others in the Kenosha Unified School District is asking for a new vote by the school board on just how the district should proceed this fall in light of the pandemic.
An attorney for the Wisconsin Education Association Council alleges that Tuesday night's surprise vote to reverse course and offer an in-person learning option in addition to virtual instruction was improper.
The unanimous vote canceled a July 28th decision to stay all-virtual.
The notice for Tuesday night's special board meeting included no hint of what was to come, and an email to staff sent earlier in the day from Superintendent Sue Savaglio-Jarvis indicated that a plan for virtual-only instruction would be presented to the school board for discussion and possible approval.
In a letter addressed to School Board President Tom Duncan, WEAC attorney Joey Roeth said the notice was misleading. "Citizens, individual employees and labor unions have the right to address public officials," Roeth said. "The improper notice deprived employees of their right to be heard," he said.
Only one Kenosha Education Association representative spoke Tuesday night. Most of the public comment came from parents and students who blasted the board for not allowing kids back into school buildings.
A spokesperson for the district said Saturday that the district is aware of the WEAC letter and is working with legal counsel on the next steps.
As things stand at the moment, the district is scheduled to begin the new year Sept. 14th with in-person and virtual options.
The regular monthly meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday.
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