Union leaders representing thousands of Ohio teachers say their members are anxious to get back to school and their students but have concerns about the level of safety precautions amid rising cases of COVID-19.

The CEO of Youngstown schools is planning to continue on-line learning only when classes resume.

Paula Valentini of the Youngstown Education Association said, "WE ACTUALLY APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT OUR CEO HAS PUT THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS THEIR FAMILIES AND THE STAFF AS HIS FIRST PRIORITY."

The 500 member Y.E.A. questions whether in-school safety measures will be sufficient.

"I'M SURE THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE PARENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT SENDING THEIR CHILDREN IN A SITUATION. IF WE'RE NOT ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT WE'VE DONE EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP THEM SAFE IN A CLASSROOM SETTING."

The Ohio Federation of Teachers represents teachers in several valley school districts, and it's leader says a changing level of risk in different areas could cause periodic closings.

Melissa Cropper of the O.F.T. said, "IT COULD BE BACK AND FORTH ALL YEAR LONG SO IT REALLY TAKES A LOT OF PLANNING A LOT OF PREPARATIONS AND A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY."

The 450 member Warren Education Association says the union is working with the district on safety measures for a back to school.

The unions say conditions could cause some districts to not have enough teachers.

"TEACHERS AREN'T EXPENDABLE AND AS TEACHERS WOULD GET SICK WHAT WOULD BE THE PLAN GETTING SUBS HAS ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULT. AND YES, WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING TEACHERS BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO COME BACK TO UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS."

The union leaders say they don't appreciate President Trump's threat to cut off funding for schools that fail to open.

"IT'S VERY DISTURBING THAT THE PRESIDENT IS MAKING THOSE KINDS OF THREATS INSTEAD OF PUSHING FOR WAYS TO PUT MORE RESOURCES IN THE SCHOOLS SO WE CAN OPEN SAFELY."