(7/14/20) Today, Governor Cooper announced the move to reopen schools in August according to the state's Plan B. Governor Cooper announced that no school district is allowed to move to Plan A (fully open, few restrictions), but can choose to move to Plan C (fully virtual, indicating greater epidemiological crisis in the community). Governor Cooper also announced that the state will NOT upgrade to Phase 3 on 7/17, as previously thought. 

Educators do not enter the field with dreams of working from home. However, at this time, given the city's continued upward trend in COVID-19 cases, we find that Plan B, both at the state and district level, is logistically concerning and will put both students and staff at unnecessary risk. According to the North Carolina Health and Human Services for COVID data, Mecklenburg County is approaching 16,000 cases and over 160 deaths. This data is the highest in the state and with the additional movement of teachers and students in and out of school and community daycare centers, we have the potential of compounding the issues in the county. 

We understand the many impacts of a 100%-virtual plan on students, families, and the community. Most educators have training in child development and understand the ways in which a virtual environment hinders the social and emotional growth of children. However, we prioritize the LIVES of all, children and adults, over a halfhearted, unrealistic, and tremendously concerning attempt at normalcy. 

The Board of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools will meet shortly to determine the plan for the district. Please join with us to send a message to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to begin the 2020-2021 school year in Plan C. All of our lives depend on it.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article244214952.html