Chicago cancels classes, teachers vote for remote education

Chicago public schools, in the United States, canceled their classes on Wednesday after the teachers union voted to switch to remote teaching due to the latest wave of COVID-19, district authorities announced Tuesday in the night.

The move affecting America’s third-largest school district was taken amid a growing battle over pandemic security protocols in schools. At the moment it is unknown what will happen with the classes the rest of the week. The union’s action, approved by 73% of its members, called for teaching to be online until “cases drop significantly” or union leaders approve an agreement for security protocols with the district.

“This decision has been made with great regret and special attention to the safety of students and the community,” the group said in a statement.

District authorities have insisted on keeping all centers open for face-to-face classes because remote teaching was devastating to students’ learning and mental health. But the union maintains that security protocols are deficient and that both teachers and students are vulnerable.

The most contentious issues in the district, which has about 350,000 students, are the parameters that would cause the centers to close. Authorities have proposed guidelines for individual closures, claiming that measures such as the mandatory use of a mask, the availability of vaccines and improved ventilation make schools one of the safest places for children. But the group has proposed measures to shut down the entire district, citing risks to students and teachers.

Classes resumed on Monday after a two-week hiatus for winter holidays, and COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations reached record levels fueled by the more contagious omicron variant. School districts across the country face the same problem, with most opting to function normally.

Chicago Public Schools Director Pedro Martinez said the buildings will remain open, regardless of union voting, for administrators, staff and “essential services,” but not for teaching. Mayor Lori Lightfoot noted that teachers who do not show up for work will not receive their salary.