On Monday morning, a half dozen people showed up at the Monroe County health department’s temporary location in the Showers building on Morton Street.
They held signs with slogans like, “Shut it down, now! Start over! Do it right!” They were advocating for a stronger statement from health officials on the question of re-opening schools.
They’re concerned about a start to the school year amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the area, and across the state.
News reporters narrowly outnumbered demonstrators. Organizer Debbie Fish, a former teacher and educational professional, said she expects a stronger continent at a rally planned for Tuesday at the district’s education resource center on Miller Drive.
That’s where the board will be meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, partly in-person and partly by videoconference.
Fish said she is concerned that if schools start up now, and teachers have to go back into the classroom, some will take the semester off. There may be some who will just quit the profession of teaching, Fish fears.
Early in the meeting, the agenda for Tuesday includes a re-entry plan overview by superintendent Judith DeMuth and a board discussion with possible modifications. A resolution on adopting a plan for re-opening schools is the final point of business, after a dozen other business items.
The meeting will be live-streamed at www.mccsc.edu/boardmeeting
The board’s Tuesday decision is expected to be based on potential additional information presented by the teachers union and the county health health department. Continue reading “MCCSC board expected to finalize school re-opening plan at Tuesday night’s board meeting”