BREAKING: Los Angeles school district and teachers' union reach tentative agreement to return to in-person learning

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) have reached a tentative agreement Tuesday night on returning to in-person learning. UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz and LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner issued a joint statement revealing the plan to returning students to the classrooms.

The announcement comes the day after Los Angeles teachers were advised on a private Facebook group not share their spring break vacation pics on social media. "Friendly reminder: If you are planning any trips for Spring Break, please keep that off of Social Media. It is hard to argue that it is unsafe for in-person instruction, if parents and the public see vacation photos and international travel."

The agreement also comes on the heels of black parents in south Los Angeles expressing outrage at UTLA president Myart-Cruz for her viral comments that  white, wealthy parents were "driving the push behind a rushed return."

According to the agreement, pre-school and elementary school classes are scheduled to resume mid-April and secondary schools will return to classes by the end of April.

Additionally, the two parties tentatively agreed to safety measures including, a hybrid morning/afternoon model, while maintaining the option for students to remain in online-only instruction. Secondary students will continue with online instruction, but have the opportunity to return to campus for peer interaction, social-emotional learning and lessons for college and career exploration.

The parties have tentatively agreed on, full-day, in-person instruction for preschool students and maintaining current teacher assignments whenever possible. Additionally, meals will be provided for students at schools, whether they are receiving in-person or online instruction.

All students, faculty and staff will be tested for COVID-19 prior to their return to campus, and have weekly COVID testing which will be provided. Masks and social distancing will be required for students, staff and visitors. According to the statement, LAUSD has already invested more than $120 million to upgrade air-filtration systems, procure adequate stocks of personal protective equipment and add extra custodial staff.

There will also be social-emotional supports for all students as well as Additional professional development for teachers.

The statement added that the agreement is subject to the approval by the Los Angeles Unified Board of  Education and ratification by the UTLA membership. If approved by both parties, the contract will be in effect through June 30, 2021.