Teacher union president: Goal is to get kids back to school

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — The head of a national teachers union is visiting New Mexico as part of a nationwide campaign to encourage parents to send their kids back to public school. The effort comes as more parents are voicing concerns over mask mandates. Randi Weingarten is the president of the American Federation of Teachers. She said Thursday that she believes masks are among the precautions school districts can take to ensure students can safely return to in-person learning. New Mexico health officials say nearly 40% of 12 to 17 year olds in the state have been fully vaccinated. The state also reported Thursday the highest daily total of confirmed COVID-19 infections since March.