There is a lot of uncertainty and worry right now about how to start a new school year and protect the health and safety of our students, school staff, and our communities. In a video last week, I made it clear: education in the fall must be safe, and educators must be involved in decisions.
That’s why AFT Michigan and our local unions are working hard with school administrators, the Governor’s office, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to address the many challenges of providing the education our students deserve during a pandemic.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a champion of public education and educator unions, is making decisions with our input. She also believes in leading with facts and information. That’s why Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, joined AFT Michigan and the Michigan Education Association for a tele-town hall on Friday, July 31 to provide updates on public health guidance for schools as well as answer our questions.