Tentative agreement reached between LAUSD, union representing district's teachers for 2020-21 school year

Tentative agreement reached between LAUSD, union representing district’s teachers for 2020-21 school year

LOS ANGELES - United Teachers Union Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District reached a tentative agreement late Sunday night on what lies ahead for the 2020-21 academic year as students return to school online.

Earlier Monday, LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner revealed finalized plans for the new school year.

The agreement reportedly will provide students with a more predictable learning schedule, similar to a regular school day, even though they will be doing so remotely as campuses remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz, the district’s schools will be in session from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. In addition, Myart-Cruz added that a hybrid model that would allow students to attend class online and in-person is not on the table and pertains to distance learning.

"This bargaining is about the health and safety of everyone…everyone who enters the school building," said Arlene Inouye, who represents UTLA’s Bargaining Team.

Inouye added the school schedule will allow for social and emotional support as some LAUSD parents reported their children appeared to be “sadder than usual,” as a result of distance learning.

Julie Van Winkle, another member of the Bargaining Team added that polices had to abide by Senate Bill 98, which requires daily live interaction between students that ranges from 180 to 240 minutes, depending on the student’s age.

LAUSD working out new instruction model for distance learning

School starts in Los Angeles in just a couple of weeks, and the LAUSD has finally reached a tentative agreement with the teacher's union on how to proceed with distance learning.

The agreement is expected to move to the school board for a vote Tuesday as well as a vote of union members next week. If approved, it will remain in effect through Dec. 31 or until students are back on campuses for in-person instruction.

In early July, the United Teachers Los Angeles urged the district to keep campuses closed amid the pandemic. UTLA said it would not be safe to return to school campuses and that distance learning is the best way to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff.

CNS contributed to this report.