School starts on Tuesday for more than 300,000 Chicago Public School students and this year the classroom is virtual for at least the first two months of class.
Schools aren’t entirely empty, however — clerks, clinicians, tech coordinators and other staff are still working on site.
The Chicago Teachers Union recently filed grievances over safety concerns for these employees and accused CPS of failing to discuss such matters with the union.
Chicago Public Schools sent WTTW News a statement on Thursday saying “a relatively small number of school-based employees whose roles can only be completed in school buildings will be working in person, this includes clerks,” and adding later that “Most importantly, school buildings are nearly empty and there is ample room for social distancing.”
Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis-Gates joins “Chicago Tonight” to respond to the school district and discuss the virtual reopening of schools Tuesday.