Dear Woodland Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees, WJUSD Cabinet, and the Members of the Communities served by our District,
On July 17, Governor Newsom announced that schools located in counties on the COVID-19 watchlist, including Yolo County, would start the upcoming school year with fully remote instruction to limit viral transmission. Woodland Educators and community members are therefore concerned about the recent directions from WJUSD that all teachers and educators are to facilitate distance learning while working from in-person district work sites.
Woodland Teachers and Educators stand united because we believe our students deserve safety and stability in our schools. To ensure this, Woodland Education Association demands professional choice on whether to work from campus or work from our homes during distance learning. The current district decision to not allow teachers and educators the choice to work from home or from campus undermines safety and stability in our schools.
Many staff members have health and safety concerns both for themselves and for the members of their households, and want the choice to work from home or from campus until it has been determined that it is safe for students to return. Teachers and educators have worked diligently to support our students throughout the COVID crisis, and are committed to continuing this work as we open the coming school year under a remote learning model. If we are able to serve students while working remotely, we should be permitted to do so. As professionals, teachers and educators must be given the individual flexibility to make the decision to work from the location that will best serve our students.
Collectively, the members of the Woodland Education Association, along with supportive families, community members, and local leaders, urge WJUSD to prioritize the safety and stability of our students’ learning environments by allowing teachers and educators the choice to work from home or from campus while facilitating remote learning.
Sincerely,
The Members of the Woodland Education Association,
along with supportive members of the communities we serve
(Available below is an initial list of the signatures gathered in support of this letter. Additional signatures are being added, representing members of WEA, other staff at WJUSD, and more members of our community.)