Arizona public schools chief calls to stay remote for ‘limited 2-week period’
Jan 2, 2021, 8:05 PM | Updated: Jan 3, 2021, 9:33 am
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX — Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman took to Twitter on Saturday to call for action from Gov. Doug Ducey.
Hoffman proposed that the governor should order schools to keep learning in a remote capacity for a “limited two-week period” due to the Valley’s recent COVID-19 surge.
“Given the severity of our state’s situation and the virus’s trajectory after the holiday period, Gov. Doug Ducey should order schools to remain in distance learning for a limited two-week period to align with quarantine protocols and current AZDHS benchmark recommendations,” she wrote.
Following the two weeks, Hoffman says it will be imperative for school leaders to use local health data and to continue to work closely with local health officials in order to properly provide an instruction model for their respective communities.
“During this quarantine period, schools that do not have waivers from public health officials will continue to provide students a safe place to learn during the school day,” she wrote.
“We know the value of in-person learning and I share the desire to see all students return to in-person learning safely. The good news is there is a light at the end of this tunnel.”
Hoffman added that the Arizona Department of Education next week will provide additional information to school districts and charter schools in order to help public health officials distribute coronavirus vaccines, as both educators and school staff are among the 1B prioritization group for COVID-19 distribution in Arizona.
“I will continue to advocate for the prioritization of school professionals during the 1B vaccine distribution so that our schools can safely provide in-person instruction as quickly as possible,” she wrote.
“I look forward to a safe return of our teachers and students to the classroom. But now, we must do everything possible to help our healthcare workers and keep our teachers and students safe.”
However, Ducey has no intention of doing so, according to ABC15’s Danielle Lerner.
…Kids have already lost out on a lot of learning, and he wants schools opened, safely."
— Danielle Lerner (@DanielleLerner) January 2, 2021