The Question of Schools Reopening

In July, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would make a decision about reopening schools between August 1 and August 7. On Monday, he said he would make the determination, based on the infection rate, later this week. Today is August 7, the last day of the work week, and it is expected Cuomo will make the announcement sometime today.

When talking about reopening schools on Monday, Cuomo stressed that just because the infection rate is such that schools can reopen, "It doesn't mean that parents are going to come or teachers are going to come." He spoke in particular about parents' concerns about testing: "How are you going to test? How many tests are you going to take? Do you have enough tests lined up?" He encouraged every school district to set up a virtual discussion room where parents can ask questions and get the information needed to make them feel comfortable about sending their children back to school. Cuomo asserted, "Parents will make the ultimate decision."

Cuomo reiterated his thoughts about schools reopening in a press conference yesterday. "Parents have to be included and believe the plan makes sense. Teachers have to be included and believe the plan makes sense. They are the ultimate determination. If a teacher doesn't show up, you can't open the class. If a parent doesn't send their child there's no child to educate."

The Hudson City School District presented its plan for reopening on July 29. The following day, it was posted on the district website, along with a fairly comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and answers. Parents with further questions were encouraged to submit their questions by email. Because HCSD has not, to Gossips knowledge, set up any kind of discussion room, it is not possible to know what the general feeling is among parents and teachers about reopening the schools on September 14. The next meeting of the HCSD Board of Education takes place on Tuesday, August 18, at 6:30 p.m. 
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