The city’s general government called for a delay in reopening New York’s public schools to allow more time to address concerns about coronavirus, the group said in a letter released Wednesday.
“I am writing on behalf of the 6,400 New York City School Leaders and ask you to include their full warnings regarding the city’s reopening plan of September 10,” CSA President Mark Cannizzaro said in a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio and school chancellor Richard Carranza that was acquired by The Post.
“Seen the lack of information and guidance at the moment, CSA [the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators] is of the opinion that the decision of NYCDOE to open up for personal learning on September 10 is in disregard of the well-being of our school communities, ”the letter said.
The letter included a list of ongoing questions, including concerns about hiring school nurses, the lack of a specific plan for students with special needs, and the application of PPE, hand sanitizer and other supplies.
“The slow development of guidance has forced us to tackle an unfortunate truth once again: schools are not ready to open for personal instruction on 10 September. A more realistic, in-phase approach would instead welcome students for personal learning at the end of September, after a full distance of the year, ”Cannizzaro said in the letter.
Hizzoner and Carranza unveiled a plan last month to restart school in September with a mixed in-person and distance learning scheme, the last of which was implemented last school year when it became coronavirus.
The strategy included other measures to deal with the deadly virus, including requirements for students and teachers to wear masks and maintain social distance.
A more complete plan was released Friday night.
But the CSA said too many remain unknown as the school year approaches.
“New York City school leaders are one of the most talented and creative in the world,” the letter concluded. ‘They are ready and willing to take on the immense responsibilities of reopening their school buildings this fall, but I beg you not to ignore their voices at this critical moment in New Yorkers’ lives. – start learning in person only when our school leaders are sure that they can reopen school buildings safely and successfully. ”
The letter came a day after a group of Brooklyn principals asked a similar question from top city officials.
The Blasio-Carranza plan has also drawn fierce criticism from city readers.
Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, said the CSA’s reservations underscore the work the city must do before schools can safely reopen.
“We need both security and health in this crisis,” Mulgrew said in a statement. “Will parents be willing to put their children in a school whose principal feels the building is not ready to open because it is not safe?”
“The CSA and UFT know that we will only open our doors if we meet the strictest standards set by every school district in the nation – and that protecting health and safety has always driven our work,” said DOE spokeswoman Danielle Filson.
“The vast majority of our students are currently planning for blended learning, and we know that our dedicated school leaders and educators will see them as they have every year.”
Additional Reporting by Nolan Hicks
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