New York City is delaying the reopening of its schools by 10 days, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced Tuesday, as part of a deal to avert a teachers' strike.
Why it matters: The deal comes after the unions, representing teachers, staff and administrators in the country's largest school district, demanded more time for schools to adequately prepare for in-person learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.
- Teachers' concerns included a lack of PPE and problems with air ventilation systems in aging school buildings.
Details: A hybrid reopening, with some students attending in-person classes, was slated for Sept. 10.
- But now the city's 1.1 million students will not begin in-person instruction until Sept. 21 under a blended learning plan, which will also include remote classes.
- Some students, meanwhile, will begin remote learning on Sept. 16.
Between the lines: De Blasio had been pushing to reopen schools, arguing low-income students need in-person learning due to limited digital access.
