Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) K-12 schools are set to reopen on August 17th for optional in-person learning.

When SBISD schools closed on March 23rd, there were 78 COVID cases in Harris County. Now, as they prepare to reopen, there are over 50,000.

If SBISD reopens in the midst of this pandemic, it will be responsible for the countless deaths that will inevitably occur. In a pandemic, where personal decisions have public repercussions, there is no real 'choice.'

While the district gives parents the 'choice' to send their kids back to school, students, employees, and their community will bear the consequences. The board's decision to reopen violates the consent of those who cannot choose their health and community over their jobs or education.

The purpose of this petition is to bring awareness to the dire effects that the SBISD community will experience due to the board's decision. While we understand that the district is also going through a tough situation, we feel that the health and safety of the community should be treated as a serious and urgent priority.

We strongly urge the district to stand up to the dangerous hypocrisy of the Texas and US governments. SBISD's priority needs to be the protection of its students, employees and community.

While we acknowledge the changes and precautions taking place in order to reintroduce in-person learning, an online-only education model is necessary to ensure that everyone is able to safely participate and continue their education.

Accordingly, the TEA has adjusted their recommendations to allow schools to start late, and numerous other districts across the state including Houston ISD, Austin ISD, and Fort Bend ISD have delayed the start of in-person learning.

We recognize that this is far from ideal. Teachers and students struggled in the spring to adapt to distance learning, and many parents, including essential workers, had to take care of their kids at home.

Everyone wants things to return to normal. We want to see our friends again. We want to attend classes. We want to further our learning. We want to celebrate essential workers instead of putting them and their families in jeopardy. But things are not normal.

Unfortunately, there is no other alternative. We encourage the district to adapt to these uncertain and heartbreaking circumstances with understanding and compassion. The health and safety of both the district staff and students should be of utmost importance, and reopening the schools would only jeopardize our common goal of defeating the pandemic. Teachers should not be writing wills, and parents should not have to send their kids into mortal danger.

We know this is not easy for anyone, but right now, reopening is NOT AN OPTION. We must tell SBISD to keep our kids, families, teachers, essential workers, and communities safe!