MONROE, Snohomish County — The Monroe School District (MSD) announced late Saturday night that first-grade students will return to an in-person hybrid learning model on Tuesday, Nov. 17, one day later than originally planned.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Board has directed district staff to spend the days leading up to Tuesday ensuring the robust district safety plans are being implemented in our schools as intended," said MSD in a statement.
The update came hours after teachers in the MSD said "will not risk student safety by adding new in-person classes on Monday."
The teacher's vote came after a preliminary agreement was made with Superintendent Justin Blasko to delay bringing first-graders back into the classroom, according to a statement from the Monroe Education Association (MEA).
The MEA said in its statement the meeting was called because, "the district had prematurely informed parents that in-person classes for first-graders would begin Monday, even though COVID-19 infections are spiking and no agreement has been reached for teachers to return to school."
The MEA said teachers are working to have an agreement in place that outlines health and safety protocols and supports needed before bringing students back.
Currently, kindergarteners and some special needs students are already attending classes at school.
In a letter to parents on Thursday, the Monroe School District warned families that some students may have had close contact with one person at Frank Wagner Elementary who received a positive COVID-19 test.
The district did not reveal who the person was but said they had not been at the school since Monday, Nov. 9.
In total, the district said 39 students and three staff members were identified as being at risk of exposure.
In a statement to KING 5, the district said it worked with the Snohomish County Health District who advised parents to quarantine their children for 14 days and to contact a healthcare provider if any COVID-19 symptoms occur.
