Are you in support of reopening the schools?

I want to start by naming that it is challenging to have a firm position on the re-opening of schools, given the ever-changing guidance, information, and circumstances surrounding this pandemic. I also want to acknowledge how terribly difficult this has been for everyone, and recognize every family's circumstances are unique and personal as we move through this process.

From the beginning, I have recognized that the first priority of the district has always been about education, but the priority of the district during a pandemic has to also be public health and ensuring that our students and staff and their families, while learning and working, are not put at-risk. Now that Alameda County has moved into the "orange zone" the board has the mighty task of weighing the greater good in these unprecedented times.

At this time, and given the data I have read, I am in support of a phased re-opening plan that prioritizes our students who are falling furthest behind: our SpEd population, at-risk youth, foster kids, homeless and our youngest grades. All populations who stand to lose the most in this process. I am trusting that between the district and the union, and the watchful eye of families and the board, safety precautions will be central and of the utmost importance in all decision-making.

And while I absolutely hold physical safety in the highest regard, from the start I have also emphasized the dual importance of the mental health toll that isolation, anxiety and fear are having on social-emotional well-being. Children are experiencing depression, suicidal ideation, learning loss and regression, risk of dropping out, increased risk of violence and more. And many children are living in unsafe circumstances where in-person school was their only routinely “safe” place to be.

All of this must be factored in when weighing the risks/benefits of being in-person. All this to say, as I stated at the start of my response, families need/should be the ultimate decider in whether or not to send their children back to in-person school. As a mom, I am also struggling with this and trying to find a balance that I can live with.

I also know that large portion of remote students and parents are struggling and don’t want to return to school just yet – my hope is that remote and in-class students will be able to participate in the in-classroom via technology. Harnessing this moment for technology and virtual learning for key classes could really benefit student across the whole island.