Newsom’s Plan to Open Schools

CARLOS PAYES (Staff Writer)

As the pandemic ensues, the question of when students should return to school is still up for debate. Since entering 2021, the pandemic has not slowed down, leaving millions infected and thousands dead. Opening schools before it is safe is a recipe for disaster.

In December, Californian Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a two million dollar plan to reopen schools for younger students in February. The money would be used to have students from kindergarten through second grade return to campus. Priority would go to schools with a large group of low-income, foster youth or English learning students. It is understandable why Newsom would focus on supporting the less fortunate, but with the severity of the pandemic, it seems more like a death sentence.

The plan has received plenty of criticism. It comes at a time when the virus has spiked in numbers, leaving some hospitals in California without room. Newsom is out of touch with what is really going on. As COVID-19 continues to ravage California, the main concern should be keeping people safe and indoors rather than sending kids to school, which may raise infection rates.

Most younger children cannot grasp the seriousness of the pandemic. Newsom’s plan will risk the lives of younger children, their teachers and their families. He does not seem understand how dire the situation is and the students of California should not have to pay the price.