Photo: Mountain Home Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jake Long
Earlier this week, the Arkansas Education Association (AEA) met with state legislators asking for schools to start virtually instead of in person. AEA President Carol Fleming told state lawmakers it is unsafe for schools to return to in-person learning as Arkansas continues to struggle to limit the spread of the coronavirus. She says in order to keep children, educators and communities safe, the new school year should begin with virtual instruction only.
Mountain Home Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jake Long says he feels the COVID-19 numbers locally indicate it’s safe to return students to the classroom.
Listen:
There have been concerns voiced at the state and national level by teachers over the safety of them being in the classroom. Long says it is something everyone in the school worries about.
Listen:
Out of roughly 300 certified staff, only one teacher has resigned at this point. Long says four or five classified staff have resigned prior to the school year.
The Mountain Home superintendent says he understands employees’ concerns about going back to work during this time.
Listen:
Long says for any teacher who resigns, the district will try to hire someone qualified to fill the position. But, at this point, that will be very difficult. So, long term subs will probably be used.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI