A coalition of city and state lawmakers signed a letter Thursday demanding a temporary remote learning option so parents and kids have time to get tested for the coronavirus.
Co-authored by state Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas and City Councilman Shekar Krishnan, the letter to Mayor Eric Adams also cites high student absenteeism in arguing for the move.
“We urge you to provide a remote option for about two weeks, until Tuesday, January 18th for parents to test and vaccinate their children to slow down the spread of COVID-19,” the letter states.
Citing the need to maintain schooling continuity for city kids, Adams and Department of Education Chancellor David Banks have staunchly opposed remote learning for this year.
But the signatories argue that rising COVID cases warrant a temporary remote option.
“This is not a request for the New York City Department of Education to do something it has not carried out previously,” they said.
New York state Sen. Jessica Ramos co-authored the letter urging Mayor Adams to temporarily move schools online. ZUMAPRESS.com
Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas and the other lawmakers argue that the switch to remote learning would give parents a chance to get their children vaccinated and tested. Pacific Press/LightRocket via GeThe group argued that a switch to remote learning would improve student focus rather than compromise it.
“It is difficult for faculty, staff and students to remain focused on studying and teaching as they hope they aren’t exposed to the coronavirus,” the letter states.
In resisting remote learning, Adams has asserted that it would be a detriment to city kids, especially low-income students who rely on schools for a range of services, including meals.
“The data shows the safest place for children is inside a school and all of our schools across the City have their doors open for the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on them as a lifeline every day,” a DOE spokeswoman said.
Additional reporting by Nolan Hicks
