DOVER, Del. - It is a sign of our times: a local school, closed.
While it's still May, Delaware Gov. John Carney and Secretary of Education Susan Bunting are looking to the fall, specifically the beginning of the new school year, and the challenges that lie ahead.
"We're going to have to first access where the students happen to be in their learning journey. And once we know where each one of them happens to be, we will adjust the curriculum," explained Bunting.
Not only were important lessons missed, but now new precautions will have to be put in place to protect students and staff.
Three new working groups, set to begin this week, will discuss the different facets of reopening and then submit proposals to Bunting on how best to proceed with reopening.
"We will follow very closely what the Division of Public Health and the CDC advise. We have all along, and so we will be continuing to follow the advice of those organizations," said Bunting.
The secretary also noted that some parents may be apprehensive.
"Naturally, the parent will have a final say, there is the option of home schooling. There will be some people very concerned about having children return to school but there will be many parents who will look at these plans and get the reassurance that they need to allow the child to be a part of whatever the plan is and whatever type of schooling is offered," Bunting said.
Bunting made one thing clear Tuesday: students will return to school in the fall, whether that be in a school building or virtually online.
Dr. Dan Shelton, superintendent of Capital School District, admits reopening will have its challenges.
"You know, being able to ride on a bus, all touch surfaces, lots of kids all in once space very close quarters. In a classroom, while we can be a little more controlled than on a bus, we're still talking 25 kids in a room, lots of touch surfaces, lots of close contact," Shelton said.
Some people we spoke with on Tuesday said they are not comfortable sending kids back to school yet.
"I just think it's too soon to make quick decisions. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a vaccination for the children because they don't even know what the vaccination really is and if it's safe enough, and even if it's going to work. So right now until they get it together, I think the children should - they're more safe at home," said Carmen Bolden Loat, who was at Silver Lake Park as the kids played. Third grader Kamauri admitted she missed her friends and classmates, but enjoyed doing her homework in her pajamas.
A decision on when and how schools will reopen is expected later this summer, but you can participate in the work groups. The first one is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. For more information, click here.
