Multiple Massachusetts superintendents have filed waivers to implement remote learning to stop the spread of covid-19 in schools. For example; Lowell, Lawrence, and Boston Public schools have seen a large increase in pediatric covid cases, with pediatric covid hospitalizations also on the rise. Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed multiple times, that schools are safe and that children need to learn in-person. While he is correct that children develop skills and learn how to communicate properly while learning in-person, these schools are not safe at the moment. The numbers greatly disprove Baker’s words. Charlie Baker has largely been against remote learning and keeping students at home. Lowell High School has the highest 7 day absent average in years. Just the past 2 days, an average of ~750 students AND ~40 teachers have been absent. In a school with ~3500 students, and ~300 staff members, the numbers quickly add up. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have denied waivers from tens of school districts applying for remote learning abilities, because of their beliefs that students work better in-person. While on the contrary, the entire DESE office has been working remotely since the beginning of the pandemic. They have been very hypocritical and two sided on their words. If they have the option to work remote, why can’t we choose to learn remotely? Children under 5 years of age are still not allowed to be vaccinated, putting elementary students at higher risk of becoming sick with the virus. On the other hand, there are students who may want to be vaccinated, but are prevented by their parents beliefs. Charles Baker, your schools are not safe at the moment like you may say. Think of the children first, and not your popularity.