Prince William County Public Schools face a difficult decision on July 15, 2020 on whether to proceed with Phase 3 reopening plans. It is our belief that schools should not move forward with Phase 3 for fall 2020-21. Our concerns lay first with our students, teachers, support staff, and parents. At PW Perspective, we have reviewed the holes in Phase 3 and some possible solutions. Currently, Phase 3 plans include:

• A 50% model, most students attend in-person classes 2 days/week.
• Specific subgroups would attend 4 days/week
• Learning will take place 3 days/week, 5th day would be a virtual workday
• An all-virtual option would be available for students and guardians who choose.
• 1st day of school moved to Sept. 8th.
• Required face coverings for all staff and students aged 10 or older
• Required daily health questionaires and temperature checks for parents, students, and staff prior to reporting to school.
• School transportation would place students in every other seat.

The CDC has stated:

“Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.”

However, children who are asymptomatic can pose a threat to adults, the elderly, and those with preexisiting conditions. Even with the daily health questionaires, an asymptomatic child could infect a teacher or staff member. Because of this, we would caution against a Phase 3 reopening.

From an Initial School Based Staff Survey Report conducted by Prince William County Public Schools, 40-42% of teachers, specialists, and support staff reported having school aged children. These educators would run the risk of spreading or contracting the virus while with their own children or with students.

Out of the 5,919 completed responses, when examining Comfort Factors for In-person Instruction, 75.8% stated that student and staff physical health/safety as a concern. 41% answer concern for possible exposure of vulnerable family. 50.9% stated they would NOT be able to return to school buildings due to underlying health conditions and 54.4% shared they have vulnerable family members.

These responses suggest that many teachers are not ready to return to in-person instruction. Though education this year will look very different, the risk of infecting our educators and their families cannot be a price to pay.

The Initial Parent/Family Survey Report received input from 16,708 (2,676 partial responses) parents/guardians.

Of those responses, Digital Content was not a major issue. 77.4% primarily use family owned devices. Only 8.7% primarily use PWCS-provided devices. 12.3% used a combination of both. 97.5% of respondents have reliable broadband internet access. Based on these answers, it would suggest that many would have reliable access to on-line courses. 

Considering these survey results, Prince William County Public Schools should funnel financial aid for technology and digital access to students in need. Aid should also be devoted to improving instructional programs and accessibility technologies for special needs students. Special needs students, due to their specific needs, could attend in-person or hybrid classes while still requiring the daily health and temperature questionaires. Bus staff could continue to be paid by delivering breakfasts/lunches to lower income students and bussing special needs students to in-person instruction. 

58.7% of parents/guardians expressed concerns over their child(ren)’s social needs. But there are creative solutions to social isolation. Teachers and parents could encourage students to host their own Zoom meetings or utilize a casual group chat. They can collaborate on homework, integrate monthly “show and tells,” host “Most Inventive Baker” contests, suggest safe at-home science experiements, etc. These socializing solutions are unique and not without challenges, but with inventive, collaborative solutions, our students can continue to learn and thrive.

The health and safety of our students and teachers should transcend political pressure and ensure everyone is learning as well as working in a safe environment.

The final vote to approve Phase 3 reopening is Wednesday July 15, 2020. That evening, a Closed Session begins at 6 PM, followed by an Open Meeting at 7 PM at the Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Road, Manassas VA). This event is open to the public and limited to 250 people. Patrons are encouraged to speak to the School Board in person or virtually.

To participate electronically, you can register here. After registering, email pwcsclerk@pwcs.edu to be placed on the speaking list. PWCS asks that you also provide your address and telephone for record.

If you would like to speak in-person and be added to the list, you can email pwcsclerk@pwcs.edu. Please provide your address and telephone number for record. Registration to speak in-person or on-line closes at 5 PM July 15, 2020. For those who prefer to send a written statement regarding the PWCS reopening, you can submit one here.

Lastly the School Board Meeting is available to watch pwcstv.com, Comcast Channel 18, or Verizon FIOS Channel 36.