AFTNM President Stephanie Ly

AFTNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE — American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFTNM) President Stephanie Ly and Executive Vice President Kathy Chavez released the following statement: 

“Since the mid-March educational closures, our union has consistently advocated for a safe re-opening and on-going collaboration with local school and higher education administrations.

“Re-opening means implementing safeguards for educational staff, students, families, and the surrounding community which are reasoned and based on the best scientific data available. We are deeply concerned about the numerous recent reports of positive COVID-19 cases and additional potential exposures at school sites and higher education institutions across New Mexico. 

“Our reentry guide is a culmination of educator feedback from those working in New Mexico public schools and higher education institutions, successful practices from other states and districts/institutions, guidance from the New Mexico Department of Health and other state health departments, guidance from the New Mexico Public Education Department, and guidance from the Office of the Governor.  

“While the goals are numerous, they unfortunately aren’t exhaustive. As we collectively learn more about COVID-19 and how it will act within our places of learning, we must be ready to continue to find local solutions and safeguards which are based on local needs and local decision-making, while honoring the directives of the current Public Health Orders which stress safety of students and staff as paramount. To date, many school districts and higher education institutions have yet to institute minimum safety and cleaning practices, lack adequate personal protective equipment for students and educators, and have inadequate ventilation and air quality protocols.

“To be clear, educators working in every capacity in our public education system want to be back in our classrooms and work sites, however, we should not jeopardize the health and safety of our educational community to do so. Unnecessary exposure of educators and students to COVID-19 will create greater risk for our wider community, and we renew our calls to local school districts and higher education institutions to continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to value the knowledge, experiences, and needs of all involved.”