Palo Alto Unified School District is calling on parents to help classrooms stay open as schools struggle to find healthy teachers.
In a campaign launched on Sunday, Palo Alto Unified asked parents to volunteer on campuses to cover staff shortages amid surging COVID-19 cases. "1 Palo Alto is a call to action to our community and parent volunteers so that 'Together, Schools Stay Open,'" district officials said.
Just hours after the plea was posted, hundreds of parents stepped up to the plate, volunteering to assist at public schools across the Peninsula.
"Unless we're compelled by an outside agency with authority, PAUSD will remain open," the district said. "1 Palo Alto will make this happen."
So far, over 700 parents have signed up to help the district. Volunteers are required to be vaccinated and will be eligible to get tested for COVID-19 at school testing clinics.
"Didn't hesitate for a second before signing up to volunteer! Least we can do to keep our kids in school and our Palo Alto Unified teachers and staff supported," one parent said in a Twitter post.
The district also asked that any families who can create or coordinate carpools would be appreciated as schools struggle to address transportation issues amid bus driver shortages.
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