Norfolk schools

The priority of the Education Association of Norfolk, as well as the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association, during the pandemic has been the health and safety of students, families, communities and educators. We are grateful that the leaders of our commonwealth and our local School Board have consistently based their decisions on science. We are concerned that a return to face-to-face instruction will potentially put students and our members at risks.

During COVID-19 and the closing of schools in Norfolk, the Education Association of Norfolk has been committed to the safety and health of students and employees. As Norfolk Public Schools makes plans for the second quarter, we believe that we need to keep everyone safe. The education association insists with respect that our School Board listen to and address staff concerns, and that a hybrid return to school should not be imposed until the division can guarantee the safety of students and employees. Only when it is safe to begin the second quarter instruction, should the doors of school buildings be opened for hybrid face-to-face instruction. Therefore, based on data collected and the increase in positive test results for young people especially in divisions where face-to-face education has begun, we cannot support the hybrid reopening of schools with face-to-face instructions.

Diane Outlaw, president of the Education Association of Norfolk