BUFFALO (WBEN) - On Wednesday evening, the Buffalo School Board conducted a meeting to discuss a myriad of topics, but of course, one of the main concerns on the minds of city residents is about the implementation of in-school learning come fall.
"Certainly we want to involve as many parents in our reopening work as we possibly can," said Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash, who encouraged parents to fill out the survey so the district has a better handle on the reasons they may want to return to a traditional brick and mortar structure.
During the open session of the meeting, one parent voiced the opinion that the district should bring kids back to school come fall, and board member Larry Scott said he's heard other parents say the same thing.
Parent Matt Peters pleaded with the board to allow parents the option to send their children back to school if they deem it safe and appropriate for their children. Peters says this would also allow for the option for parents uncomfortable with a return to choose to keep their kids at home and in distance learning.
"The social, emotional, educational, financial trauma that we’re putting our families through potentially by preventing kids from being back in schools with their peers should not be outweighed by an attempt to protect them from a virus that poses to young, healthy people almost no threat," said Peters to the board.
The school district hasn't been open to students since mid-March due to the coronavirus, and there are a host of concerns regarding equality of education and grading, but Cash emphasized the need to look at the positives, saying teachers and staff were put in extenuating circumstances.
Another important item of note, the meal program will continue throughout the summer, and as of now, the district will stick with the same days, times and locations.