As the first day of class for city students gets closer, more teachers are speaking out against in person instruction.

Some teachers at P.S. 139 in Flatbush sat outside the building Monday morning, stating they don't believe it is safe to go in after one of their colleagues tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the UFT, it is the second case in this district in the past week.

The teachers have released a formal letter to the mayor, chancellor of schools and their union president. They have concerns that there isn't an adequate budget for custodial staffing to properly disinfect the building. They have concerns with ventilation inside as well.

The staff also reports that there was sanitizer, but it was unopened and unused.
Teachers say they want more transparency from the city before they step foot inside.

The demonstration is happening as the United Federation of Teachers is holding its day of action today. It is encouraging teachers to sign a joint letter detailing the safety problems at their school. Those letters will be shared with elected officials and families.

The teachers at P.S. 139 say they are doing exactly that and that they won't be going inside until the building is inspected and until they feel safe.

The teacher’s union is inspecting the building and they're hoping it'll be sanitized today so that teachers can go back inside Tuesday.