Remote Option For NYC Schools Could Be Near

NEW YORK CITY — A remote option for New York City's public schools looks increasingly likely.

Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday he'd support a temporary measure giving students the choice to stay home — an apparent reversal from his stance that children should remain in schools.

He said he'd negotiate with United Federation Teachers leaders to hash out the details.

“I’m willing to sit down and entertain, with the UFT, if there is a way to do a temporary remote option,” he said.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew said in a statement Thursday officials have spoken directly to Adams about a remote option.

Talk of a remote option built steam as the omicron coronavirus variant fueled a massive surge in infections. Public schools reopened amid this staggering spike with 67 percent attendance and numerous staff calling off.

Many educators and lawmakers pressed Adams to offer at least a temporary remote option, but he held firm: "Children need to get in school. We don't have any more days to waste," he said.

But Adams acknowledged Thursday that the lack of a remote option could also set children back.

"We do have to be honest that there's a substantial number of children, for whatever reason, that parents are not bringing them to school," he said. "I have to make sure children are educated."