Arbitrator’s Opinion and Award: The School District of Broward County May Require Teachers to Return to Classrooms to Meet Operational Needs

January 25, 2021

Arbitration proceedings between the School District of Broward County and the Broward Teachers Union resulted in the Arbitrator’s Opinion and Award in favor the School District. The School District may require teachers to return to their classrooms to meet the operational needs of schools.

The Arbitrator stated that, “the men and women of the Broward School District – both teachers and administrators – are an impressive group… and if the parties act in good faith – as partners in this important project – they will get through this period of time and secure the best interests of the students, the teachers and the people of Broward.”

“This is a win for our students,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We recognize the health concerns of our teachers and will continue to balance their needs with the needs of students who are struggling and must be back in a safe and healthy school for face-to-face learning.” 

The District has currently granted remote work assignments to more than 600 teachers and staff with medical concerns and continues to implement health and safety protocols in schools.

A copy of the Arbitrator’s Opinion and Award is attached.

View Arbitrator’s Opinion and Award

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS  

“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”    

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. The District is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962 and has nearly 261,000 pre-K-12th grade students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers, and technical colleges, and 92 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app. 

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