Currently, Loudoun has two options from which students can choose to go back to school in Fall 2020. Neither option allows students to attend school full-time, in-person; however, other parts of the country, such as malls, parks, beaches, and amusement parks, are open. Other states and countries are preparing to reopen schools full-time for those who deem it safe, but not Loudoun County. These other places, with the option to go back, have the option to return to a sustainable, substantial, and effective education. Loudoun County students receive an unfair disadvantage because of this. Additionally, without five-day, in-person schooling, many families are without affordable full-time childcare. Students and working families suffer from a lack of viable options.

       Unlike other counties, Loudoun is one of the richest counties and most funded school systems in the country, if anyone has the ability to heighten safety within our schools, it is Loudoun County. There is recent research that suggests how children and adolescents are much less likely to receive or spread the virus than adults and are prone to more risk, staying at home.

       For those reasons, the Loudoun County School System should offer a third option for returning in the fall, being full-time, in-school for those who are comfortable. Students already have the option to do 100% online, why not give an option for 100% in-school for those who need it or want it?