Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As many area school districts, and districts across the state, are returning to classrooms, one Buffalo lawmaker is looking to hear from the leader of the Buffalo Schools on his decision to remain in remote-only learning mode through at least the beginning of February.
Buffalo Common Councilmember Chris Scanlon says he hopes to hear from Buffalo's top educator during a committee meeting Tuesday to discuss plans to reopen schools to students in February. Scanlon says he wrote a letter inviting Superintendent Kriner Cash to speak.
"I am hearing from a lot of parents who want their kids back in school, and I couldn't agree with them more," says Scanlon, who wasn't satisfied with Cash's plan last Thursday to bring children back to school no earlier than February.
Cash was adamant about the delay in a phased-in return until February 1 due to the size of the region's largest school district and because the majority of students are minorities and may be disproportionally affected by the virus.
Scanlon says it doesn't appear the district has a plan, and he wants to hear from Cash or a district representative about a long term plan to reopen.
"Everyone under the sun anticipated a spike in COVID cases this winter, so they could have planned accordingly. Also, you've seen data that show spread through schools is not happening at that high a rate, and it's something that can be curtailed with the proper distancing and other measures you can take," says Scanlon.
Scanlon says the extended closure will have an effect on children, and he's seeing that firsthand.
"I'm a parent of two school-aged children, and I saw how they were changing socially, not being around their friends, and you can't tell me they're not going to be impacted scholastically not being in front of their teachers," explains Scanlon. He says there are other effects. "We have students who rely on the schools for meals. Teachers and others who come into contact with students are the first lines of defense against neglect, and they're not able to keep their eyes on the situation. It's imperative they return to school immediately," notes Scanlon.
Scanlon says he's not terribly optimistic he'll hear from Cash about any plan.
"Maybe I'm wrong, and they're holding on to it, and that would be disheartening. But it is my belief they don't have a plan to bring kids back to school," says Scanlon. "It's my opinion that come February, they're going to say they'll test it out for a few weeks, and then you're going into March or April, and then they'll wait until September. That's not even remotely acceptable."
Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore has fired-off a memo regarding the Scanlon letter.
Your letter is an insult to all," states Rumore as he points to safety concerns that, he says, make the decision to keep schools remote-only, the correct call.
