The Columbia Board of Education voted Monday to approve a plan to return preschool and elementary students back to the classroom on Oct. 19.
The board approved the plan by a vote of four to three.
Under the plan, students will be back in school every weekday except Wednesdays. Board members expressed their concerns on several issues, including reopening without proper social distancing measures and the difficulties that children face with online learning.
Representatives from teachers’ unions made a case against opening schools too soon but the majority of public comments supported opening classrooms.
“My biggest concern is that it wouldn't be safe,” said Kathy Steinhoff, president of the Columbia chapter of the National Educators Association.
“We are putting our students and our staff at risk by having them so close to each other on a regular basis.” Helen Wade, president of the Columbia Board of Education, acknowledged there is no way to ensure recommended social distancing guidelines in classrooms. “This is the hardest decision I have ever made,” Wade said.
Multiple parents voiced their support for returning to in-person instruction, with many complaining online classes do not work for their children.
“I’ve had countless phone calls with friends where one, or both of us, is brought to tears by the amount of stress we are under trying to ensure our children are receiving ample education,” Andre Lisenby said.
The board also rejected a proposal to bring back in person instruction for middle school students on November 5th.
For now, middle and high school students will have to remain learning online indefinitely.