Return to schools

I am the parent of two students in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. I am also a teacher for students who have special educational needs. The county Board of Education recently voted to return students to school buildings by March 1.

However, many parents have voiced concerns about gaps in the plan.

During a recent return to school news conference, Prince George’s County Teachers Association President Theresa Dudley eloquently stated: “The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the lives of our Black and brown, poverty-stricken, and special needs students in our communities who were already facing structural disadvantages within the educational systems... [I]t is essential students and parents across our region are provided a consistent plan and set of standards around what a safe return looks like including proper building safety.”

Time and again these concerns have been ignored and even ridiculed by members of the board. Despite repeated requests made since October when the board voted to implement this plan, we still ask for the following:

1) All student-facing employees have the opportunity to receive both doses of coronavirus vaccination prior to students returning.

2) County case rates are a reasonable level established by the county board of health.

3) Establish safety protocols to be followed and maintained by all who attend or provide in-person instruction.

4) Include information of what will happen should anyone ignore established safety protocols. This information must be provided to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our communities know that the health concerns we have for ourselves and our children are being considered.

MICHAEL J. VAZQUEZ, Pasadena