Brown says reopening schools will be a local decision, beginning Jan. 1

The state's largest teachers union called the decision "abrupt."

Metrics for school to reopen will now be advisory--not mandatory.

Thank you for joining us--i'm matt templeman.

Renee mccullough has the night off.

Kezi nine news reporter connor mccarthy joins us live in eugene and tell us when the governor would like to see students back in the classroom.

Matt-- governor kate brown announced today she wants to see at least elementary students here in oregon--back in the clasroom by feburary 15th.

She says washington state already shifted their metrics to advisory.

The decision to reopen schools would be left up to school districts-- like 4-j behind me.

The governor says monday's special session allocated 50 million dollars to help schools transition back to in-person learning.

She says she is directing the oregon department of educaition and the oregon health authority to work with school districts to help them decide if it's safe to open their campuses back up.

But the final deicision lands on districts--and not the state.

What also will help get students back in the classroom---is teachers and staff are a priority to get the vaccine.

There's also plans for rapid covid-19 tests in school.

But the oregon educaiton association disagrees with this new plan.

Today's annoucement from governor brown will not help return students safely to oregon's classrooms it woll simply continue what has already been months of confusion and uncertainty for oregon's students and educators.

Matt-- this new guidance from the governor goes into effect on januaray fisrt.

I did reach out to both eugene and springfield's teacher unions about their repsonse to her decision--- but i didn't hear back.

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