Amid a continued COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and teachers are wondering what the 2020-2021 school year will look like and if students should return to classrooms.
Today the North Carolina State Board of Education is meeting to talk through how schools might be able to reopen across the state this coming fall.
According to today’s meeting agenda, a total of 3 reopening scenarios are being discussed for North Carolina;
- A full return to full in-person learning
- Continued remote learning
- Alternating in-class and online learning to allow for social distancing in classrooms.
Here is the livestream of today’s meeting:
Last Thursday, the State School Board released a statement, saying;
“Governor Cooper announced yesterday that we will continue to work on our plan to re-open schools with a decision in the next couple of weeks. The Governor, NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) are focused on bringing as many students safely back to our schools and to take care of teachers and all staff, especially those most vulnerable and those who care for vulnerable family members. As decisions are made about reopening schools, health and safety remains the first priority along with continuing the education of all students. Throughout this process, the SBE has and will continue to engage in a collaborative process with DPI and the Governor’s Office.
Returning students to schools is a priority. While the delay may be inconvenient right now, it allows districts to continue to develop the various plans outlined in Lighting Our Way Forward: North Carolina’s Guidebook for Reopening Public Schools, and provides Governor Cooper, together with the SBE and DHHS, the needed time to make the most appropriate decision based on the best information available to us. By being intentional and collaborative we will have a plan to address the many concerns we have received from students, parents and educators based on the science and guidance provided to us from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.”
This morning the President of The United States threatened to cut off funding from any school system that does not reopen this coming March:
In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
What do you think about the situation?
Do you think North Carolina Schools should reopen this year?