According to a February 2, 2021 report by Jennifer Edwards Baker, Jared Goffinet, and Kody Fisher of Fox 19, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) teachers are heading back to class after an Ohio court dismissed the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers’ (CFT) suit to halt the reopening of CPS’ schools.
Preschool through third-grade students are scheduled to start a blended learning schedule this week. The rest of the students will be phased in over the next two weeks. CPS official said they look forward to welcoming students back into classrooms.
Following dismissal of the suit, CFT officials said it would “examine its legal remedies in light of the court’s decision today.” “The lawsuit was an unfortunate last resort for our union,” CFT president, Julie Sellers said. “We are disappointed the Board of Education and Superintendent (Laura) Mitchell refused to seek input from teachers about when and how to reopen schools safely, even as Hamilton County remains rated ‘red’ on Ohio’s COVID rating. That indicates our community remains in ‘public emergency’ status with ‘very high exposure and spread’ of COVID.”
[Editor’s Note: In February 2021, Legal Clips summarized a story from Fox 19 reporting that the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (CFT) had filed suit against Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. CFT is seeking an injunction barring CPS from implementing plans for a blend of in-person and online learning until an arbitrator can step in and decide if returning would be a health threat for teachers, other school staff, students, and their families.]