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AFT-WV Follow Up Statement on Jan. 19 In-Person Learning Mandate Regardless of COVID Infection Rate

1)            A copy of the letter signed by all 55 County Superintendents asking to return to in-school or face-to-face instruction for elementary and middle school.

2)            All data, documentation, and information collected regarding confirmed school related COVID-19 cases and outbreaks.

3)            All school

URGENT! All AFT-WV members are encouraged to complete the survey linked below. Please respond before 11:59 PM Wednesday, January 6.

Thank you! 

January 4, 2021 Survey on In-Person Learning

As part of AFT-WV's ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of staff and students, President Fred Albert sent this letter, outlining the measures needed for safe in-person learning, to Governor Justice, Superintendent Burch and all 55 county school superintendents. 

After a meeting this morning with our attorney, AFT-WV intends to file injunctive action against the WV Board of Education, the West Virginia Department of Education and several county boards of education in order to protect the health and safety of school employees.

The union applauds the Berkeley County Board of Education for their bold leadership and encourages other boards to follow suit and exercise their legal right to make decisions for their counties.

Additionally, AFT-WV will file an amicus brief in support of any county board of education that continues to assert their legal right to

AFT-WV responded to the decision rendered today by Judge Carrie Webster in Kanawha County Circuit Court regarding the union’s efforts to protect the health and safety of school employees until they could have been fully vaccinated:

“Obviously, we are disappointed by the judge’s decision to deny the temporary restraining order; we were hoping to secure time for our members to become fully vaccinated and protected during in-person instruction. However, we are respectful of the process and the opportunity to have the concerns of our members heard before the court.  AFT-WV still believes these

Today, AFT-WV filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and the community in West Virginia.
    

Specifically, AFT-WV seeks a temporary restraining order and/or injunctive relief to enjoin in-person teaching in Kanawha County until all education employees have the opportunity to have the second vaccine which is scheduled to be provided in the first and second week of February.  

AFT-WV also seeks to protect and affirm the important role of local boards of education in protecting the health and safety of the community and their