School plan time runs short

As we contemplate the reopening of schools less than six weeks from now, many of the ideas and plans being floated in the name of getting our children off of computers and safely back into buildings are not feasible.

Class size cannot be lowered. In most areas there are 25 students per teacher. If class size were lowered, you would need more classrooms and more teachers (and a lot more money). Not possible.

Increasing the distance between pupils in classrooms is also not possible. Classrooms, especially in newer schools, were designed to have the mandatory minimum square footage per child. That square footage is not sufficient to provide a 6-foot buffer zone for each child in a classroom, which, by my calculations, would require 144 square feet per student.

Air circulation in most new buildings is provided through HVAC systems. Windows in modern schools do not open, or if they do, only open slightly. In short, fresh air circulation in most classrooms and gymnasiums is not possible. Reports on coronavirus are beginning to indicate that there is likely aerosol and airborne transmission whereby tiny particles can stay in the atmosphere and circulate through air systems such as those found in schools for up to three days.

Ideally, parent access to school buildings should be prohibited or tightly controlled. This is also extremely difficult given the need of many parents to pick children up early for emergencies, meet with faculty if the child is suspended or sick, or attend PPT meetings for their child. Some virtual meetings could ideally be held, but many parents do not have the technology or technical skill to participate in that way.

Last, as we try to ensure the safety and health our children and teachers in a full reopening, there is also a concern for their parents and grandparents and foster parents and sisters and brothers. If one person for any reason inadvertently spreads the virus in a school, all of the above are at risk. Many caretakers of children are older relatives. Many have the need to exercise extreme caution due to their own health conditions.

I am hoping those planning to reopen the schools for economic, social and political reasons along with the educational ones figure all this out. Neither Betsy DeVos nor the CDC have even released standards yet. There are only about six weeks left. As a grandparent raising two young children, I am very concerned.