'This plan is going to kill people': Teachers, families push for distance learning

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Concern is growing over the possibility of returning to school buildings in August.

During a virtual Council on Elementary and Secondary Education meeting, a group of teachers, parents and students said they believe distance learning is the safest option.

"I am afraid for my health, for the health of my students and the families of my students," Providence public school teacher Elisheva Stark said.

Adam Cable, who identified himself as a clinical social worker married to a Providence teacher, echoed the remarks.

"At the end of the day, it's the money that matters. If you really care about kids, if you care about teachers, you won't do this," Cable said. "I can't believe this is even being discussed right now. The blood of anyone who dies is on your hands."

"I demand that you discard this plan and develop one in line with current science and until you can do that, provide distance learning for every student that we've got," said Anna Snyder, a Providence resident who said she is currently training for certification to teach in the city. "This plan is going to kill people."

More than 60 local education agencies submitted plans for four reopening scenarios to the Rhode Island Department of Education. RIDE will review the plans and give feedback to LEAs by July 28. Final plans must be made public by July 31 and during the first or second week of August, the Department of Health will determine which scenario is appropriate. RIDOH will follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines

"We'll have some time to talk about our reopening plans," Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said. "I know this is very concerning. We worry. We all worry,"

Teachers also expressed concern over classroom layouts and mask wearing.

"30 kids in a classroom, that doesn't allow for social distancing. The kids are going to come into contact with more than 30 people, even in their stable groups," Providence ESL teacher Melissa Babcock said. "It's an issue for not just their classmates, but the community at large."

Under current RIDE guidelines, masks are required in common spaces, such as hallways, but not in the classroom, if students are within stable groups.

"It alarms me that we could allow a district to be flexible on whether or not to wear a mask," council member Jo Eva Gaines said.

Teachers also raised concern about the impact on certain student populations returning to school, citing the data showing Black and brown populations as the hardest hit.

"I do not understand how any school system could allow to even consider opening when the testing is where it is right now," said Kathleen Sanders, a critical care nurse with two students in Barrington Public Schools. She said her daughter has been in isolation for nine days while waiting on results.

RIDOH will work on a "playbook" on protocol should a student or staff member test positive for COVID-19. It has committed to ensuring rapid testing with results in 24 to 48 hours, the commissioner said.

"This is something I think all year we are going to have to continue to evolve, watch the science and make decisions," Board of Education chair Barbara Cottam said.

As for staffing, Infante-Green said RIDE is looking to hire between 150 and 250 substitute teachers over the next month and a half.

Infante-Green also addressed concerns over regression in special education. As NBC 10 reported, families, legislators and attorneys called for the resumption of in-person Extended School Year services. Infante-Green said she sent a letter to school districts last week reminding them in-person services are allowed.

Michelet Brand, a rising senior at the Metropolitan Regional Career And Technical Center, said students are seeking more mental health resources.

"Even before COVID, students struggled to access such support," Brand said.

Teachers, students and parents plan to share their message in the form of a car rally on the afternoon of July 27. Details will be released Wednesday, organizer Nicole Casey said.

Casey, who is a teacher in Bellingham and former Johnston Public Schools teacher, is choosing to keep her daughter home in the fall. She would normally be attending kindergarten in Lincoln.

"To just rush into it is completely irresponsible," Casey said.

Casey created a Facebook group R.I. Parents/Educators for Safe Schools on July 9 to communicate with others about reopening plans. The group currently has more than 9,200 members.

Casey fears the worst for teachers should schools reopen.

"They're being forced to choose between their jobs or in many cases their lives, the lives of loved ones," Casey said.

Supporters of school buildings reopening refer to mental health impacts of lack of socialization and financial stress on families due to the need for childcare. Casey said the state should provide funding for struggling families and more mental health services. She said she understands distance learning cannot replace true in-person learning, but students will not be returning to school as they knew it.

"What school will look like will cause more anxiety, more mental health issues," she said. "The trauma that could be inflicted on kids going back, the risk of that is much greater than the risk of staying home."

Watch the full Council on Elementary and Secondary Education meeting, including public comment, here.