Keystone Oaks students return to classes this week as teachers' strike ends

Classes in Keystone Oaks School District will resume Wednesday following a teachers’ strike, the district announced.

The date when students and teachers must return was revised after the state Department of Education reviewed the district’s calendar. The department determined that the Keystone Oaks Education Association strike can last up to seven days.

“We have not received any communication from the Keystone Oaks Education Association that they plan to conclude the work stoppage early,” district spokeswoman Sarah Welch said Monday.

A union spokesman could not be reached for comment.

All classes will be online when they resume Wednesday, the district’s notice states.

The strike started Feb. 1 after the union and school board were unable to agree on a new contract. The last contract expired on June 30.

Changes to the district’s schedule include that Friday will be a full day of school, while Feb. 15 also will be a full day with in-person learning for “Cohort Golden,” or students with last names A-L.

“There will be additional changes to the school year calendar, and the district will release those as soon as classes resume,” the district said.

The school board is holding its monthly work session at 7 p.m. Tuesday. In anticipation of increased interest, the district has detailed options for public participation on its website. The meeting agenda is available online.

The Zoom meeting will be broadcast on the district’s YouTube channel. In-person seating in the board room will be limited to 12 community members, with no congregating in the lobby outside the board room permitted.