Some teachers here in Washoe County are concerned about the risks of returning to in-person learning and the Washoe Education Association (WEA) has filed a request for an investigation through OSHA.

Schools in Washoe County are scheduled to open back up in just under two weeks, but teachers are concerned over how to keep both themselves and their students safe.

"It is fulfilling, we love the kids, we want to be back with them, but I don't want to attend a colleague's funeral, I don't want to attend one of my students funerals, that's not how I want to come back." said Rachel Fisher, a first grade teacher.

Because of the hundreds of emails and messages sent to the WEA from teachers, they decided to file a request for an OSHA investigation of the Washoe County School District (WCSD).

In a statement, the WEA said:

"We know some of our members would prefer to return to teach in-person, however, we continue to feel strongly that an injury to one WEA member is an injury to all WEA members. The WEA cannot sit back and wait for in-person classes to resume on August 17, and for members to get sick with COVID-19."

 

One of their complaint was with the school district's response to the health district's recommendation.

"While my recommendation from a public health perspective and where we're at with the elevated disease transmission that's occurring within Washoe County would be not to open." said Kevin Dick with the Washoe County Health District.

WCSD is allowing hybrid learning, reducing class sizes, social distancing, mask wearing and improvement to cleaning standards -- but some teachers say that's just not enough, and social distancing cannot be done with class sizes. The options for distance learning in regards to teaching is also limited.

"The choices that we have at this moment for a distance learning position, you have to have a documented disability under the ADA, which a lot of the high risk conditions don't necessarily qualify under that category, but still put you at very high risk for complications, including death." Fisher said.

The Washoe County School District released this statement on Tuesday: 

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) is dedicated to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for our students, families, and educators. Families and staff members have expressed a strong desire to return to classrooms this fall. Medical recommendations and scientific research confirm that in person education, to the extent practical and following all safety and health protocols, provides educational, emotional, and social supports that are integral to students’ health, well-being, and development.
 
The Reopening Task Force worked closely with our staff members and community members to create plans for reopening our schools and resume learning with our 64,000 students. Employee association leadership played a key role on our Reopening Task Force and received every opportunity to express their members’ concerns during those meetings. The District responded with solutions to each concern raised by the Association and continues to work in conjunction with our administrators and employees in addressing concerns and finding solutions to those concerns.
 
While the WCSD has still yet to receive a copy of the Washoe Education Association (WEA) OSHA complaint, based on the comments by WEA leadership in the media, their complaint is not supported by facts. The District’s reopening plan meets or exceeds all directives established by Gov. Sisolak, to include:
 

  • Physical distancing and face covering requirements consistent with or exceeding Governor’s Directive 028
  • The Board of Trustees deliberated for nearly 20 hours in two separate meetings regarding the re-opening plan, during which members of the community had the opportunity to provide input and express their opinions. Based on the information received and contemplated by the Board, in the best interests of students and our community, it adopted a plan consistent with medical advice, the Governor’s directives, science, family concerns, student health concerns, and staff concerns
  • Spending approximately $460,000 on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff members including teachers and working with various community partners to procure additional PPE for staff and teachers
  • Adopting plans and training to ensure correct use of PPE, and
  • Options available for families who would prefer that their students learn at home with support from teachers at school sites

 
We further believe the WEA’s potential complaint is inappropriate and unfortunate, as District leadership has continually worked to establish a trusting relationship with all of our associations.
 
The District will address the potential complaint with state authorities as it continues the important work of opening our schools and welcoming our students back to learning for the 2020-2021 school year.