WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump says states should "seriously consider" reopening their public schools before the end of the academic year, even though dozens have already said it would be dangerous for students to return until summer or fall.
Trump made the comments Monday in a call with the governors discussing how to reopen their economies, among other issues.
“Some of you might start thinking about school openings, because many people want to have school openings. It's not a big issue, young children have done very well in this disaster we've all been through, "he said.
Addressing Vice President Mike Pence, Trump added that it is something "that you can seriously consider and maybe move on." None of the governors on the call responded to the suggestion, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press.
Trump made the comments as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked to finalize guidelines to reopen the economy. For schools, that included putting students' desks 6 feet away, serving meals in the classroom rather than the cafeteria, and closing playgrounds.
The reopening of schools is seen as key to getting the economy moving again. Without a safe place for their children, many parents would find it difficult to return to work.
But some education officials say opening schools quickly would carry great risk and little reward, especially since the end of the school year is approaching.
Are they going to reopen for two weeks? Three weeks? "Daniel Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, said:" It is not the right thing. Particularly when we are engaging the safety and well-being of our students. "
At a White House press conference on Monday, Trump acknowledged that there is little time left in the school year, even when he said that many states are considering having children return to the classroom.
"I think you will see a lot of schools open even if it's for a very short period of time," he said. "In terms of what this vicious virus is after, young people seem to be doing well. Young people seem to be doing very well, so I know there are some governors who are not necessarily ready to open states, but may be ready to open school systems. ”
Schools across the country have closed during the pandemic, and dozens of states have mandated that their schools remain closed for the remainder of this academic year. Only a few have publicly discussed previous openings, including Montana, which says school districts can resume classroom instruction on May 7.
In many districts, officials have said it is not yet clear if students will be able to return to the classroom next fall. And even if they do, many are planning social distancing measures that could make the school look radically different from the past.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN that it is "too early" to reopen his city's schools, adding "you don't get much credit for moving too fast to reopen."
In response to Trump's comments, one of the country's largest teacher unions said there is still a lot of work to be done before schools can safely open. The American Federation of Teachers said there should be better testing and monitoring for the virus, and that schools should have access to personal protective equipment.
"It is good that the president understands that the reopening of society and the economy depends on the successful and safe reopening of the schools," said Randi Weingarten, union president.
Trump made the comments Monday in a call with the governors discussing how to reopen their economies, among other issues.
“Some of you might start thinking about school openings, because many people want to have school openings. It's not a big issue, young children have done very well in this disaster we've all been through, "he said.
Addressing Vice President Mike Pence, Trump added that it is something "that you can seriously consider and maybe move on." None of the governors on the call responded to the suggestion, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press.
Trump made the comments as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked to finalize guidelines to reopen the economy. For schools, that included putting students' desks 6 feet away, serving meals in the classroom rather than the cafeteria, and closing playgrounds.
The reopening of schools is seen as key to getting the economy moving again. Without a safe place for their children, many parents would find it difficult to return to work.
But some education officials say opening schools quickly would carry great risk and little reward, especially since the end of the school year is approaching.
Are they going to reopen for two weeks? Three weeks? "Daniel Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, said:" It is not the right thing. Particularly when we are engaging the safety and well-being of our students. "
At a White House press conference on Monday, Trump acknowledged that there is little time left in the school year, even when he said that many states are considering having children return to the classroom.
"I think you will see a lot of schools open even if it's for a very short period of time," he said. "In terms of what this vicious virus is after, young people seem to be doing well. Young people seem to be doing very well, so I know there are some governors who are not necessarily ready to open states, but may be ready to open school systems. ”
Schools across the country have closed during the pandemic, and dozens of states have mandated that their schools remain closed for the remainder of this academic year. Only a few have publicly discussed previous openings, including Montana, which says school districts can resume classroom instruction on May 7.
In many districts, officials have said it is not yet clear if students will be able to return to the classroom next fall. And even if they do, many are planning social distancing measures that could make the school look radically different from the past.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN that it is "too early" to reopen his city's schools, adding "you don't get much credit for moving too fast to reopen."
In response to Trump's comments, one of the country's largest teacher unions said there is still a lot of work to be done before schools can safely open. The American Federation of Teachers said there should be better testing and monitoring for the virus, and that schools should have access to personal protective equipment.
"It is good that the president understands that the reopening of society and the economy depends on the successful and safe reopening of the schools," said Randi Weingarten, union president.
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