Arizona poll of likely voters shows support for sending kids to school

PHOENIX – A little more than half of voting Arizonans said they’d be comfortable sending their children back to school if safety measures were in place, a poll released Friday found.

The OH Predictive Insights survey revealed 55% of the likely voters contacted said daily cleanings, temperature checks and mask requirements would make them feel better about their children’s well-being on campus.

The Phoenix-based company’s phone poll was conducted Monday and Tuesday, two days before state health officials released benchmarks to guide schools return to in-class learning.

Benchmarks announced Thursday recommended metrics for schools to follow before opening included a positive rate of 7% or less for two consecutive weeks and case rates be less than 100 per 100,000 people or see a two-week decline in number of cases.

Overall, 35% of the survey takers said they wouldn’t feel at ease sending students back to school even with certain protection policies in place.

The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.

The 603 poll participants had the most faith in daily cleaning of schools at 58%. That number jumped to 70% for parents with children younger than 18.

Temperature checks of staff and students was next at 53% overall. Mask requirements for staff and students was at 52%.

Arizona will offer free coronavirus testing for students, staff and families in conjunction with a handful of districts to start.

There will be seven testing sites available across metro Phoenix. Signups for the test are online.

Most school districts began the academic year this week with virtual-only instruction.

As the state grappled with a surge in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order June 29 delaying the beginning of in-school instruction until at least Aug. 17.

His decision came after some schools districts had already pushed back start dates, though most were scheduled to begin the fall session early this month.

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