"They are not medical workers. They are not soldiers drafted to fight a war," he said. "They volunteered for a job in which they educate children in a relatively safe environment, and that environment is gone. We have to restore confidence in that environment."
Trustee Debbie Torok suggested that the district bring teachers back to schools first, before students, to help them acclimate to in-person teaching during a pandemic.
"I believe — and maybe I'm wrong — but as soon as a teacher feels comfortable in their classroom they're going to be willing to embrace more of what is ahead," she said.