Princeton Teachers, Admin Clash Over Work-From-Home Requests

PRINCETON, NJ — Some Princeton Public Schools teachers are expressing concerns after their work-from-home leave requests were denied by the district. But district officials say all state and federal laws are being followed regarding leave requests, as it prepares for a return to hybrid learning in October.

Teachers who are at high risk for coronavirus say they requested in July to be permitted to work from home, due to underlying conditions that make them susceptible to COVID-19. The district said in a denial letter that granting the requests "would not allow us to operate our schools without putting an undue burden on the district."

Superintendent Barry Galasso said that if it were to grant all requests, schools would not open in the foreseeable future. He also expressed concern for vulnerable students.

“If the board were to grant every accommodation, we won’t open in the foreseeable future and all our students will be remote, including our most vulnerable, our special needs kids and youngest learners,” he said.

Galasso also pointed out that an overwhelming number of parents in the district have voted for in-person classes to resume, making it difficult for the board to grant accommodations to teachers.

“In one particular school we have only 11 or 12 percent parents who opted for all remote. So, we have to work with 88 percent parents and children who want live instruction,” he said.

But teachers who contacted Patch to tell their side of the story expressed outrage that the district rejected their requests.

"I belong to the vulnerable, at risk category as described by the CDC. I deal with 350 students a week. All it takes is an asymptomatic person. I'm not being presented with any options," said an elementary school teacher who asked to remain anonymous.

Galasso, however, denies this claim. “People are saying we are asking them to either come to work or go home. That’s inaccurate. The board has offered them the opportunity to go on a year’s leave of absence that is not contractual, and return next year, if they feel that uncomfortable,” Galasso told Patch.

Teachers said they are hesitant to take a leave of absence due to financial reasons. "I feel so vulnerable right now. I can't take a leave of absence because I won't be paid and neither can I collect unemployment," said a high school teacher.

"I have a pre-condition and I can't maintain my medical benefits if I take a leave of absence. That's a huge financial burden on me and the family," said another elementary school teacher on conditions of anonymity.

The district did not provide Patch with the number of requests it received, saying it hasn't taken a complete count yet.

Read More Here: Princeton Schools To Start Year Remote

The Board met on Thursday morning to discuss the current situation. In the coming days, they will be conducting more meetings with teachers and staff to explain the options they have.

Galasso said that even if the district wanted to go all remote, that option is not available because the governor’s reopening plan calls for both – remote and hybrid options for students.

Gov. Phil Murphy has cleared schools and colleges to reopen for the academic year. He said school districts can choose to go all-remote, but in-person instruction can begin immediately.

Read More Here: NJ In-Person School Instruction To Start; Districts Can Go Remote

The district said it will offer some faculty remote teaching opportunities when the number of students requesting remote or hybrid option is finalized.

"I just left the meeting, there are half a dozen people that we will be reaching out to, to offer them remote working,” said Galasso.

Read More Here: Princeton Schools Staring Hybrid Learning In October

Meanwhile, the teachers have received support from their students. A few seniors from the district are circulating a letter among themselves, showing support to staff and teachers.

The petition asks all students to opt for remote learning in October.

“This is not an attack on the district, nor is it a petition calling for PPS to change its decision. We are simply urging students and their families to stay at home so that teachers can do the same” read the letter.

“We all want to go back to school... but it is the right thing to do so that we can protect the teachers,” the letter said.

When asked about the letter, Galasso highlighted the steps taken by the district to ensure safe reopening, including installation of plexiglass dividers, HVAC upgrades, PPEs for teacher, isolation zone and other precautionary measures.

“When we shift to the hybrid model, instead of having 20 children, teachers will have eight to 10 in a classroom. So that’s an accommodation. We have reduced class size by 50 percent,” he said .

The district said teachers are also given the flexibility to teach outdoors and some schools will have tents for outdoor classes.

“When we can offer a remote opportunity administratively, we will,” said Galasso.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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