patrick.net

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he's given no consideration to forcing schools to reopen if teachers unions refuse to move ahead with in-person instruction once educators are vaccinated.

During a press conference after unveiling his proposed budget for the new fiscal year, Newsom was asked to respond to growing criticism that his recently announced plan to incentivize districts to reopen gives teachers unions the power to keep schools shuttered until the pandemic is over. He was also asked if he would consider compelling the opening of schools if unions refuse to agree to local reopening plans.
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"Our approach is not to do it top down and mandate," Newsom said Friday. "It's to have a collaborative framework with real incentives that allow for resource allocation to occur when people are committed to promoting the cause of in-person education."

Under Newsom's plan, school districts will receive additional funding if they agree to a firm timetable for reopening schools beginning in mid-February. The proposal will be submitted to the state legislature as an adjustment of the state budget and offers additional funding for schools, up to $450 to $750 per student, if they commit to reopening.

However, many teachers unions in the state have said they will not return to classrooms even if educators are vaccinated.

For example, the California Teachers Association said even if all teachers are vaccinated, schools should not reopen if their counties are in the purple tier of the state's reopening plan. The current stay-at-home order allows for the few schools that have opened to continue instruction.