NAPE President Jerry Earle says their members are very concerned with the possible return to school for the province’s 65 thousand school children in just six weeks.
NAPE represents many of the support staff in schools, and the union is meeting each week with the school board and others to ensure a safe return to the classroom.
Earle says it’s challenging to plan with three possible scenarios and within the different regions.
The union and front-line workers feel current staff numbers won’t be sufficient to help with proper cleaning protocols, says Earle.
They have heard there will be additional resources, he says, however, they are unsure at this time what that may look like.
Earle indicates that the school bus situation will be an extreme challenge, and consultations are ongoing.
He states that if everyone works together collaboratively, he’s confident they can make a plan to ensure the safety of children and staff, as health and safety must be paramount.