2020 was a difficult year for all of us. Our lives were turned upside down because of a global pandemic that has caused great pain throughout our community. We were forced to adapt to various safety regulations and a completely new way to go about our lives. Through all those changes, I’m proud of how we’ve responded as a state. Our communities have found a way to bend – not break – in uncertain times and find creative ways to keep us moving forward.
Our teachers and school faculty deserve so much credit. In just a few months, our schools found a way to move their classrooms online so students could continue to learn during the pandemic. Our teachers, parents, and students made great sacrifices to make virtual classrooms work until schools reopen for in-person instruction. After months of planning, historic investment from the State and Federal Government, and recommendations from leading health experts, it is time for students to be back in the classroom.
There is no better learning environment for students than the classroom. Virtual instruction brings all kinds of new distractions and difficulties that aren’t present at a traditional school. Additionally, many of our rural areas don’t have access to a reliable internet connection. We’ve done our best under the circumstances, but students are falling behind, and many won’t be able to catch up under virtual instruction.
With kids at home all day, parents have been forced to stop working, supervise, and spend additional time working on homework with their children. This has put even more financial strain on families struggling to make ends meet.
The federal government, along with the state legislature, has appropriated billions in funding to install safety equipment and procedures in our schools. Leading COVID experts like Dr. Fauci and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky agree that it is time for our students to return to the classroom. Scientific studies and school data have reflected that risk of COVID transmission in K-12 schools is relatively low. Our students’ education is too important to interrupt their development any further
That’s why the General Assembly is working to reopen public schools across North Carolina. Senate Bill 37 would require NC public schools to reopen for any students that want to return to the classroom. Students would also be allowed to remain in virtual instruction if desired. This legislation would let parents make the best decision for their children and give every student the opportunity to receive in-person instruction. I support this legislation and will be working with my colleagues to reopen our schools once again.
Sincerely,
Rep. Chris Humphrey
NC House District 12
Lenoir and Pitt Counties
Facebook: Rep Chris Humphrey
Website: ChrisForNC.com
Twitter: @RepHumphrey
