Local school superintendents want to be part of re-opening discussions
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) "We're not going to be in these hybrid learning models forever. At some point we're going to go back to normal. Who knows when," said Michael Cornell, President of the Erie Niagara School Superintendent's Association.
Cornell shared a letter(above) the Association and other local school Superintendent's sent the new State Education Commissioner, Dr. Betty Rosa. "We want to remind the State Education Department that when they do come to the point of making changes to guidance, that Superintendents have an important voice to offer and would like a seat at the table," said Cornell.
There is a lot of confusion about what is suggested and what is required from the Centers For Disease Control. The CDC suggests 6 feet of distancing in the classroom. The New York State Education Department last July, directed school districts to ensure six feet of appropriate social distancing when on school grounds.
The Erie Niagara Superintendent's Association is also reminding the State Education Department of guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which says, desks should be placed 3 feet apart and that the rule should be 3 feet for child to child interaction, while other protocols, including the wearing of masks are observed.
"We understand that the rule is 6 feet. But as public health experts understand more about how the disease spreads, the thinking may change and we
would like to participate in that dialogue," said Cornell.
This way, Cornell says, districts can support and execute the changes when they happen.
Six feet, or three feet, or how ever many feet is going to be a vital piece in knowing when a district can fully reopen to in-person learning 5 days a week. Cornell says he has no idea right now if those conversations are being held by the State Department of Education. "The purpose of our letter is to be pro-active. I wish I knew, but I have no idea," added Cornell.
