Buffalo, N.Y. WBEN - New York educators and families have been waiting for over five weeks for a decision on school distancing.
It was February 25 that State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker told state lawmakers at a hearing, that he was examining the 6-feet distancing school policy. "I know there is discussion on three feet, and if there will be barriers," Dr. Zucker said. "We want to get these children back to school so I hope we can get this done." He added, it was a high priority on his agenda.
The CDC came out with revised physical distancing guidelines on March 19.
The recommendations reflect 3 feet of distancing between students in classrooms.
Fast forward to Monday of this week. Governor Andrew Cuomo was asked about the hold-up in the decision. The governor turned to Commissioner Zucker and Special Counsel Beth Garvey.
"Every school is a little different on this," said Zucker. "We need to work with local school districts because as I mentioned once before, we need to look at the environment of each classroom to make sure there's no potential for spread in that community."
Garvey, the governor's counsel, chimed in. "We have been consulting with local districts, Superintendents, the State Education Department
and we are finalizing our review. It should be done shortly." Cuomo weighed-in and asked her to define the word shortly. "I would say sometime
in the next 24 to 48 hours," she said.
Cuomo then clarified, saying he wouldn't rush, and added it would be out sometime in the next week.
"The reason this is taking time is because it's so controversial," said Cuomo. "Some superintendents like it. Many superintendents don't like it.
Some parents like it. Many parents don't like it. Some teachers like it. Many teachers don't like it."
Jimmy Vielkind of the Wall Street Journal called it a great example of the governor's management style of late. "His style is very centralized
around his close circle of aides. When an issue doesn't have his attention, it just sort of languishes."
Vielkind said it's clear that the governor is worried about the state budget and other issues. "He's worried about investigations into his workplace behavior as well as the state's handling of Covid-19 in nursing homes. I don't think this [the distancing issue in schools] has gotten a lot of attention."
Vielkind said when he heard the responses from Cuomo's top officials Monday, they clearly were not on the same page and they did not have a clear plan.
