We need our schools to open in September and to be given the freedom to make responsible decisions for the children in our community.The CDC and The American Academy of Pediatrics have clearly outlined the importance of reopening in person school for children. According to the CDC, extended school closures have far reaching negative effects on the social, emotional, behavioral, physical health, economic well-being, and academic achievement of children and their families in both the short and long term. Schools who have the capacity to reopen while strictly adhering to CDC guidelines should be permitted to do so. Parents should be permitted to make their own choices regarding the well being of their families and their children.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams recommends school reopen when COVID positivity rates are less than 10% in communities. The World Health Organization has stated that before reopening positivity rates should be at or below 5% for at least 14 days. The current positivity rate in Montgomery County, MD is 3.1% and has been on a consistent downward trend.  Schools who have the capacity to reopen while strictly adhering to CDC guidelines should be permitted to do so. 

 We strongly urge Governor Hogan to overturn Montgomery County’s mandate to close private schools.  We strongly urge Governor Hogan get involved and overturn Montgomery County’s mandate to close private schools. The county has overstepped and we need the State to take action to protect our families. Parents should be permitted to make their own choices regarding the well being of their families and their children.  Our children need to be in real school and families should be allowed to make their own decisions regarding the well being of their children.