PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — Monday evening, Papillion-La Vista Community School board members got together one last time to discuss any changes to the reopening plan... but not without some push back from the teacher's union.
At the last school board meeting before school starts, Papillon-La Vista educators with the teachers union stood right outside district offices and demanded schools not to reopen at 100% capacity.
"A survey conducted independently by the PLCS teacher’s union said that 70% of them were not comfortable returning to schools," one parent and educator said during public comment.
Although their voices were heard by Superintendent Dr. Andrew Rikli, the district has still decided to move forward with their full capacity return plan.
"I think it shows our community, it shows this school district, it shows this board how passionate our teachers are and they care about kids. They're worried, we're all worried," said Dr. Rikli. "You may not always agree with the decision we make, but they will always be grounded in science, they will always be grounded in thoughtful deliberation and we will always do what we think in our hearts is the best for our kids, our staff and our community."
Parents and teachers during Monday meeting's public comment stated they're just not comfortable returning with everyone in the buildings, especially after seeing districts like Omaha Public Schools move to fully remote.
"Allowing students to come back at 100% is in no way being a responsible citizen or keeping our students safe," one parent said during public comment.
"Contrary to how some people believe, there's not an invisible barrier separating Douglas and Sarpy counties," another teacher and parent said.
No board members opposed the decision, finalizing the re-opening plans for Tuesday.
Tuesday will be a half-day and Wednesday will be the first full day. Ten percent of students signed up for remote learning, that will begin next week.
