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CPS Teachers Instruct Students From Outside School Board President's Home, Saying They Want Buildings To Be Safe Before Returning

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Public Schools won't let teachers conduct remote learning from their homes.

So dozens of teachers who are refusing to go back into classrooms yet set up classes in a rather unlikely place. They were outside the Northwest Side home of Miguel del Valle, president of the Chicago Board of Education.

CPS said it docked the pay of least 145 staffers who didn't show up as required for the first day of in-person learning Monday. The teachers said they can't be sure the buildings are safe from COVID.

"I am here, outside in the cold, in the morning, and ready to teach out in the cold for as long as necessary until we have a plan that is actually safe for us," said CPS teacher Quetzalli Castro.

Some teachers said they're worried about giving the coronavirus to older relatives. CPS has repeatedly said school buildings are safe and sanitary.

In-person classes resumed on Monday for pre-kindergarten and some special education programs at CPS. In-person learning for kindergarten through eighth grade students is set to resume on February 1.

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