State leaders respond to Governor Cooper's school reopening plan

Governor Roy Cooper announced plans for K-12 public schools for the upcoming school year on Tuesday. Schools in North Carolina will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, teachers, and staff with fewer children in the classroom and measures in place to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

NC Senate Leader Phil Berger released a statement about the governor’s decision. “Gov. Cooper’s plan gets students halfway to where they need to be. But much like jumping over a creek, halfway doesn’t cut it.”

Like Berger, other members of the General Assembly have responded to the Governor’s plan.

“As the parent of a high school student, I understand the dilemma facing a tough decision on how to open schools in a safe and restrictive manner. The safety of teachers and students should be an utmost priority,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey.

Under Cooper’s plan, districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt-in to all-remote learning.

“The Governor’s plan makes worse the very inequities a public school system is supposed to resolve. Students whose parents do not have the time or resources to supplement ‘virtual’ schooling will fall even further behind simply because of the condition of their birth. That’s an unspeakable travesty,” said Berger.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce annually ranks the state's 100 counties based on economic well-being and assigns each a tier designation. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as Tier 1, the next 40 as Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3.

“I represent two Tier One counties and I think about all of our children that don’t have the tools and support to do well with online education,” said Senator Jim Perry. “I am worried about the kids who have a single mother working an hourly job. They are going to fall farther behind. Think about our teachers who have children. What do they do with their kids? What about families that have two parents, but they both work?”

The impact concerns to families in relation to childcare and virtual learning was echoed by Berger.

“And parents who do not have the privilege of working from home can’t take off every other day from work. What are they supposed to do?” he asked.

The CDC reports, as of July 14, North Carolina had 89,484 Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,109 people are currently hospitalized.

“From an economic standpoint and mental health perspective, delaying school a few more weeks to monitor the pandemic, might have been the better option. Just like local schools would push back the start of school due to the tobacco crop coming off late, holding out until after Labor Day could have been an option,” said Humphrey.

Multiple members of North Carolina’s General Assembly have stated that Governor Cooper is not working with them when he issues policies related to COVID-19.

“Governor Cooper has 100% control of this decision. He has had total control of every decision related to this virus since day one. The members of the General Assembly do not have any input on these policies,” said Perry.

Not all members of the State Assembly knew what the Governor‘s plan was before he held the press release announcing it.

Majority Leader Representative John Bell said, “I've not seen his plan or have we been briefed on what the Gov was going to say today. He doesn't communicate with us.”

Others are frustrated with the overall approach of how the governor has handled the pandemic.

“The one-size-fits-all approach that Governor Cooper has used to stifle the economy is not working,” said Humphrey.

As COVID-19 continues to impact North Carolina, the economy remains a growing concern. The General Assembly has worked to provide funding for those who are experiencing difficulties.

“We have been able to provide more than $600 million for K-12 education since the pandemic began, including almost $400 million in federal CARES Act funding. Some of the highlights were $75 million for meals, $70 million for summer learning, $35 million for electronic devices, $12 million for internet access, $10 million for mental health support, $9 million for the Great program for broadband internet in under-served communities, and $7 million for personal protective equipment,” said Perry.

There are many factors involved in making the decision to reopen schools during a pandemic in a state with rising cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”