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First graders to return to all-remote learning in Monroe

MONROE, Wash. — First graders will return to remote learning after the Monroe School District and educators reached an agreement, according to Julie Popper, with the Washington Education Association.

It comes as the district had prepared to begin hybrid in-person learning for the first graders who were supposed to start learning on Tuesday and despite the fact that 39 kindergartners were in quarantine.

Educators had raised health and safety concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and refused to return to the classrooms.

The teachers union stated educators were warned Monday by the superintendent they could be fired for not showing up to their classroom this week.

KIRO 7 had obtained a copy of the superintendent’s letter that cites their collective bargaining agreement in directing teachers to return to in-person learning as required. “Failure to comply with this directive may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination,” the superintendent’s letter states.

On Wednesday evening, the Monroe Education Association stated it wanted to collaborate and problem-solve with the district to make learning as safe as possible.

“We are proud that by coming together, we were able to return to online learning to be safer for our students, our staff and our community,” said Robyn Hayashi, president of the Monroe Education Association. “We thank our families and community members who supported us as we stood up for health and safety. We will continue fighting at the table to get health and safety protocols in place as fast as possible for our front-line colleagues still in the buildings.”