Almost an entire calendar year later and some Buffalo Public Schools students are finally heading back to in-person classes. Monday, students who are Pre-K through second grade, seniors, and highest-need learners will return to school buildings. That’s 12,000 people when you combine returning students with district staff.
It's the first phase of getting all Buffalo students back in class before the end of this school year.
Not everyone wants this to happen. The Buffalo Teachers Federation is seeking a restraining order against the district, arguing it’s not safe for teachers to return.
“Unfortunately, we would have to go to court to prevent what would believe serious and irreparable harm to our staff, our students, and our parents,” said Phil Rumore the President of the BTF.
Despite the legal challenge, school will start Monday. Superintendent Kriner Cash aimed to assure everyone at a meeting Wednesday that schools are safe.
“Schools are looking in really, really great condition. I've done walk throughs, talk to the personnel that will be charged with giving the best care for our students and everyone is ready to go,” said Cash.
One thing both sides agree on - the need for vaccines. Dr. Cash is calling for more vaccines to be provided to the district in order to get all staff vaccinated as soon as possible.
With the return of in person class, comes the return of school zones, and active school speed cameras. Fifteen additional cameras will be reactivated Monday, bringing the total to 20 15-mile-per-hour speed zones throughout the city. There will be a one-month warning period for drivers in all 20 zones. Even the zones that were activated January 4th.
