I am here today to speak on behalf of the East Aurora Council AFT 

Local 604. I would like to thank all of our members, the members of the 

other unions, administration, our superintendent and board members who 

have and are working tirelessly to put a return to school plan together that 

is safe for our students and staff, by following the guidelines that have been 

issued by the State and County. With that said, I would just like to make it 

known that our membership participated in a union survey asking what the 

safest way is to return in the fall. A majority (55%) made it known that they 

want remote learning. The other half was split between (32%) wanting 

hybrid learning and (13%) wanting full return. I am bringing the voices of the 

membership to you today because we are all concerned about the district’s 

ability to maintain the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff, 

and our families. And over half of our membership is so deeply concerned 

about health and safety that they do not believe it is safe to return. There is 

a lot of anxiety about entering into an environment that can potentially lead 

to severe health consequences for themselves and their families. So, I am 

asking today that our district stay committed to the focus on the health of 

our students and staff when considering any plan, policies, or procedures 

for the upcoming school year. When we eventually return to school, it has 

to be done with a profound commitment to the highest standards of 

cleanliness, and an openness and receptiveness to receiving feedback 

regarding areas of needed improvement. Our lives and the health of those 

most precious to us are at stake. 

The stress and anxiety of our membership is being increased by 

speculation and all the unknowns, as well as the inability to begin planning 

for the semester. If possible, expedite the release of the district’s plans so 

that our members can begin the process of preparation, which will help to 

some degree alleviate some of the fears, stress, and anxiety that has been 

building over the summer. 

Today IFT release their statement that they support full remote 

learning as the safest way to return to class in the Fall. They also stated 

that each district has their own circumstances. One of the things they wrote 

is: “Black and Brown students (who make up more than 43% of our P-12 

student statewide population) […] and their families face healthcare 

disparities that have made them more likely to suffer ill effects from the new 

coronavirus.” I looked up our zip code 60505 and we have 2,119 cases, 

that is way more than all surrounding districts. Our community is at higher 

risk, and the district needs to factor this reality into their decision on the 

type of return we implement. E-learning is the safest option. 

Thank you. And to all the members and community stakeholders, we 

stand with you.