Days before New York City schools were to reopen for in-person learning, Mayor Bill de Blasio delayed classes for elementary schoolers until Sept. 29 and for middle- and high-school students until Oct. 1.
Learning will begin remotely Sept. 21 for all but pre-kindergarten pupils and those with who need severe developmental disabilities.
“We’re giving schools more staff, more time, and more support,” Education Chancellor Richard Carranza said at a press briefing Thursday.
New York, which has the largest school system in the U.S., is one of few cities to plan in-person learning this month. The city had faced pressure from teachers’ unions to delay reopening until all schools met safety standards, including additional protective equipment and COVID-19 testing for staff and students. The Sept. 21 reopening was part of an earlier agreement that pushed the date from Sept. 10.
“This is an unprecedented challenge,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City. “If we’re going to do this, we must make sure we get this right.”
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