Framingham Teachers Reach Deal Over Back-To-School Training

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Another piece of Framingham's back-to-school puzzle fell into place on Wednesday when teachers and school officials reached a tentative agreement over training before school starts on Sept. 16.

The teachers' union and district leaders had been negotiating in recent weeks over how educators would return to school. Under the deal, teachers would begin professional development on Monday, and would be allowed to teach from a location of their choosing during the remote phase of learning.

A majority of the training will focus on using technology to conduct remote classes. But teachers will also have some in-class training.

"We appreciate the time the FTA, FPS staff, and School Committee colleagues have spent on this, and know we still have much work ahead," School Committee Chair Adam Freudberg said in a statement Wednesday. "Yet tonight is a positive milestone for our community, and especially the students we serve."

Framingham students will attend all-remote classes until at least the end of October. At that point, the district will decide if students can enter a hybrid model based on coronavirus trends.

The coronavirus picture appeared to worsen in Framingham on Wednesday. The state Department of Public Health added the city to a short list of "high risk" communities for virus transmission. City health officials also reported two new deaths, and the number of active cases ticked up to 145 — the highest since early July.

The district's agreement with teachers is still subject to a vote by the teachers' union and the School Committee.