Mark Sommaruga Quoted in CT Mirror on Teacher Accommodations as Schools Reopen

Mark Sommaruga, Pullman & Comley School Law attorney, was quoted in a recent CT Mirror article on how some teachers are opting to stay home due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 even with schools reopening.  There are options for how these educators can stay remote or use paid leave, but it may vary from one person, or district, to another.  The law says that districts should have some flexibility with leave policies, although there is nothing more specific on the state level.

Mark explained there is no requirement for districts to offer a remote teaching position and that being present in the classroom is an essential function of a teacher’s job.  “Now that doesn’t mean the conversation ends,” he said. “It’s supposed to be an interactive process between the employer and the employee. And, you know, obviously, if the person needs [an accommodation], the question becomes what other accommodations can be provided that may be able to make the class safer, or may otherwise deal with the concerns of the teacher?”

Read the full article here.