Will schools open in September?
This simple question has become one of the most contested issues in NYC this summer. Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio released plans for schools to reopen as scheduled on Sept 10 with blended learning, a mix of remote and in-person instruction. Governor Andrew Cuomo responded with an update on the academic year by outlining the state's "data-driven guidance for reopening schools."
Now, some NYC officials are considering a delayed start to the new year.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams just proposed that schools push back opening until October for elementary school, and January for middle and high school. He addresses issues that currently remain uncertain, including:
• Setting a budget to make possible any necessary infrastructure changes
• Conducting a childcare survey to gauge needs
• Engaging a reopening task force driven by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
By framing school reopening a health issue, rather than primarily an economic or political issue, Williams echoes City Council member and Education Chair Mark Treyger, who tweeted that the "school year should begin later in the fall to allow for DOE & schools to fully plan and program a safe reopening."
THREAD: Here’s the 411 on my School Reopening Plan:
— Mark Treyger (@MarkTreyger718) July 25, 2020
- School year should begin later in the fall to allow for DOE & schools to fully plan and program a safe reopening
- Prioritize access to in-person instruction for younger students, students w/IEPs, MLLs, kids in temp. housing
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