Approximately 3,000 Americans are dying every day of COVID-19 with thousands more becoming infected. Despite skyrocketing COVID-19 infection and death rates in Washington State, the Governor and Department of Health leadership are entertaining lowering safety standards, which will result in public school students and employees being forced back into unsafe school environments.

Educators and students should not be asked to choose between their lives and learning. As students, educators, school staff, parents, and community members, we call on Governor Inslee, OSPI Superintendent Reykdal, Dr. Wiesman of the Washington State Department of Health, House Speaker Jinkins, and Majority Leader Senator Billig to lead on the following issues:

• Washington State Department of Health staff and elected officials will not change safe COVID-19 infection levels to reopen school buildings in communities with higher COVID-19 case numbers.

• Educators will have voice through local bargaining to decide how schools reopen or remain open.

• Statewide leaders will coordinate comprehensive testing in schools, effective contact tracing, and supply of appropriate PPE and training for staff to do their jobs safely.

Before clicking the red button to sign, consider sharing your school district name and COVID-19 safety concerns in the "I'm Signing Because..." box and allow your name and comment to be shown publicly. This petition will be shared with state leaders listed above on Monday, December 21st, 2020. To participate in continued Safe Schools organizing led by public school educators, check the box to share your email when you sign which will remain confidential among the organizers of this effort.

We stand in solidarity with our nurses, doctors, EMTs and medical staff who are working day and night under overwhelmed conditions in our community's hospitals. This petition honors their plea for all of us to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. With your help and solidarity, we will succeed!