Letter to the Editor: Says it’s time for New Kent students to return to buildings
As a school board member, the question I am asked the most is, “When are schools going to open for in-person learning for all students?” This question has not left my mind for the past 10 months.
I believe we received some good news recently and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The governor moved teachers and other school employees up in vaccine priority so that in-person learning could occur as soon as possible. On Jan. 23, all teachers and staff that work in New Kent County Public Schools had the opportunity to receive the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic-hosted site at New Kent High School. The second dose of the vaccine is scheduled to be distributed on Feb. 20.
Superintendent Brian Nichols and his team have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and were instrumental in helping coordinate the vaccination clinic along with New Kent County and the Chickahominy Health District. Principals, teachers, bus drivers, school nutrition staff, and other employees have done everything in their power to support students and their families through both virtual and in-person learning the last few months. Their hard work and dedication is appreciated.
The time has come to reopen our schools for all students in New Kent County. The pandemic has impacted the most vulnerable among us, including our youth. I am calling for a plan to have all New Kent County Public Schools open for in-person learning by Monday, Mar. 1. This provides enough opportunity (10 days post inoculation) for all teachers and staff that wanted to receive the vaccine to be fully vaccinated. It also provides the entire month of February to plan for this effort.
I still continue to favor bringing back elementary schools for in-person learning in February as voted on. I will continue to work with the superintendent and my fellow school board members to make this happen.
This will not be easy. There will be logistical hurdles and hiccups, as well as starts and stops. But, the time has come to have our students return to the classroom. We owe it to our most vulnerable citizens and the next generation.
Kristin Swynford
District 2 School Board Representative
New Kent