Safety must be the priority when it comes to reopening schools

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, many parents are fearful for their kids and their families as they may be forced to return to in-person school in just a few weeks. We all want our kids back in the classrooms, but schools must be open safely and with health precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Over the past few months, Major League Baseball has taken extensive precautions to have the baseball season begin. The MLB implemented new standards of cleaning of training facilities, increased testing, and a variety of other safety measures. Yet, 84 players and 15 staff members have tested positive for the virus within the last month as the season kicked off.

The MLB is a multi-billion dollar corporation with endless resources and connections -- and even they weren't able to safely prevent the spread of COVID-19. How do we expect our under-funded schools to follow the appropriate guidelines from public health experts and keep children safe this fall?

Our children face major risks by returning to school and there are still so many unknowns:

• If a teacher is or student is sick, would the whole class of students quarantine?
• Are schools cleaning classrooms between every period change?
• Are classrooms large enough to adhere to social distancing rules?

And it was only last week that the CDC issued new guidelines for the reopening of schools, urging in-person learning above all else.

With so many questions up in the air, how can we expect a safe return in the fall? Many Americans have the same concerns.

A new AP-NORC poll shows that only 8% of Americans believe that K-12 schools should open for normal instruction, 14% think there should be minor adjustments, and 46% think major adjustments are needed. Additionally, 31% believe instruction should not occur in person this fall.

We need to keep our children safe. Our schools aren't ready to reopen without proper plans, funding, and safety measures in place. Sign the petition now.