On Sunday, KQED published a story about the leader of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers sending his toddler to a private, in-person preschool while at the same time advocating that Berkeley public schools should only reopen to in-person learning when teachers are vaccinated, among other criteria.
The story was prompted by a group of anonymous activist parents who filmed the BFT head taking his toddler to school, and posted the video on Twitter. The group posted a statement online saying, “the only thing keeping our schools closed is cowardice and union donations to politicians,” and it promised to “out” the men “responsible.”
A mass COVID-19 vaccination site is operating in the north parking lot of Golden Gate Fields. Feb. 4, 2021. Photo: Pete Rosos
Berkeley teachers would be prepared to return to school if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the Berkeley Federation of Teachers told the Berkeley Unified School District on Tuesday amid ongoing negotiations.
The counterproposal from the Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT) was made during labor talks about school reopenings in a hybrid model, and, if both parties agree, it could considerably speed up bringing kids back into classrooms.
But how fast is another question. Vaccine supply continues to be limited, and, although teachers are now eligible to be inoculated in Alameda County, residents aged 65 years and above are being prioritized for scarce slots.
City of Berkeley, UC Berkeley, BUSD to host Black History Month events
Nada Lamie/Staff
Last Updated February 4, 2021
The city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley and Berkeley Unified School District, or BUSD, have several virtual events planned to celebrate Black History Month, allowing community members to educate themselves on Black history.
Despite the challenges COVID-19 has created for Black History Month programming, campus will host events such as speaker series, film screenings and conversations. Berkeley Unified School District will be teaching students about the Black Lives Matter movement this week.
UC Berkeley’s African American studies department is hosting a “Critical Conversations” speaker series that will celebrate the life of department founder and writer Barbara Christian and explore “abolition democracy.” The African American Student Development, or AASD, office will also moderate a conversation with Me Too movement founder Tarana Burke Thursday.
Then, an idea emerged.
Cagan, who had been apprehensive of attending regular rallies because of the COVID-19 pandemic, proceeded to organize a series of socially distanced vigils to support the Black Lives Matter, or BLM, movement.
“It seemed very clear from the beginning that there were a lot of people who were thinking the same way we were,” Cagan said.
In response to the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among many others, Berkeley residents from every walk of life took action. While some attended vigils, others organized and marched in the streets, calling for an end to police violence.
Berkeley Unified School District, or BUSD, educators at alternative high schools and special education programs have adapted their teaching methods due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which also rendered key services inaccessible for students.
Berkeley Technology Academy, or BTA, and Berkeley Independent Study, or BIS, are two different programs within BUSD that serve students who need greater flexibility and teacher attention. Dissimilar to BIS, which has the same graduation requirements as Berkeley High School, BTA is a continuation school for credit recovery for students ages 16 and older.
The school district’s special education program provides students with services related to special education, according to BUSD spokesperson Trish McDermott in an email. These services are determined by an individualized education plan, or IEP, team that is based on a student’s specific needs.