Thomas Breen File Photo
City Community Services Administrator Dalal: “The research supports that elementary school kids can return to school safely.”
Over 30 parents and teachers asked why some public schools are reopening during the peak of the Covid-19 second wave, when vaccines are right around the corner.
City health officials answered that the district is reopening only for young students, who will not affect transmission levels, according to a large body of research. This rationale convinced a majority of the New Haven Board of Education that they did not need to stop the opening.
“Why now? What has changed since November? We’ve gotten more evidence. What we’ve learned over the last two months is that it would be safe for this specific group,” said New Haven Community Services Administrator Mehul Dalal.
Read more about that research here.
Monday night was the first Board of Education meeting since Superintendent Iline Tracey announced that public schools would reopen for young students, students with severe cognitive disabilities and a few English learners.
The virtual meeting was at capacity. Over 40 parents and teachers spoke over the course of one and a half hours. The vast majority urged the school board to reconsider reopening in-person classes.
“I don’t feel the school system should be sending any of our students back to school when there is Covid-19 uptick. Vaccination is around corner and that will begin to make students and teachers safe,” said parent Sean Reeves. “We can wait a few more months. It’s not going to harm us as much as it already has.”
Christopher Peak Pre-Pandemic File Photo
Teacher’s union prez Dave Cicarella: Teachers oppose reopening.
New Haven Federation of Teachers President Dave Cicarella said that his union members overwhelmingly oppose reopening school.
“Our biggest concern is the reliance on data, which is raw and still evolving,” Cicarella said. “We recognize that this was not a callous decision, but no reasons separately or collectively outweigh the safety of students or staff.”
However, the Board of Education ultimately decided, on a 4 – 3 vote, not to vote on reopening. Those in favor of a vote were Darnell Goldson, Tamiko Jackson-McArthur and Larry Conaway.
Jackson-McArthur asked why the district could not postpone reopening for another six weeks, to give teachers time to get vaccinated in the next phase of vaccines.
Mayor Justin Elicker and City Health Director Maritza Bond explained that many people are included in Phase 1B and that New Haven is already running out of each shipment of the vaccine early in the much smaller first phase.
Board member Matt Wilcox clarified that this meant it could be months before teachers and other school staff members get their vaccine, even if they make an appointment as soon as their link to sign up goes live. He also clarified that half of New Haven families still want to sign their child up for in-person school.
“I deeply respect our organized parent groups. I also respect the number of parents willing to make that decision,” Wilcox said. “If things aren’t ready for Jan. 19, if local conditions change, Dr. Tracey or Director Bond, will you use authority to push off the date?”
Yes, absolutely, Bond responded.
Watch the meeting below.