Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an update to the school curriculum Thursday, saying the Department of Education has come to an agreement with the United Federation of Teachers.
Still, some students, advocates, and teachers argue the school plan is too last minute and unrealistic.
Mayor de Blasio says some buildings already passed their inspection, but some teachers want to know how that could be possible.
"We had situations where our schools did not have soap in the bathrooms and were being told there will be hand sanitizer in every room, which seems unlikely,” says Jabari Brisport, a teacher in Crown Heights.
Some are calling the Department of Education's push to get students back in the classroom unrealistic.
However, Mayor de Blasio says they're pushing for in person classes because it offers hands-on learning remote learning does not provide.
“Some kids who need extra help and need some support who are dealing with tremendous challenges only get that help in school. They cannot get that same learning,” says Mayor de Blasio.
Mayor de Blasio says 370 school buildings have been inspected in two days, and 99 final reports have been completed, which say 92% of rooms in buildings have adequate air flow and social distance learning for in person.
Parents and students worry that the rush to get students back in school could cause another uptick and need to plan accordingly.
"It's really important that we strengthen our remote learning process so that all students are able to learn safely,” says Karla Naravaez, an upcoming junior.
Mayor de Blasio says if some classrooms during their inspections are not adequate, they will fix them.