School principals to meet with union reps to explain why COVID-19 at-risk teachers can’t work remotely

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Principals at all Broward County public schools must meet with union representatives to explain the reasoning behind the denial of remote work extensions to vulnerable teachers, an arbitrator ruled.

Arbitrator Roger I. Abrams issued a supplemental ruling on Wednesday that applies to 226 schools, departments, and centers in the BCPS system.

The principals exercised their right to grant or deny remote assignments, and the meetings between principals and union representatives are meant to make sure that the remote work assignments were not granted or denied “in an arbitrary and capricious manner.”

Anna Fusco, the BTU president, has accused Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie of not doing enough to protect teachers who are at risk of dying of COVID-19.

“The less than 10% of educators who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 must be protected,” Fusco said. “With only about 27% of students back in the buildings, there is no reason this can’t be accomplished.”