The Mills administration recently released its guidance for reopening Maine schools for the 2020-21 academic year. Given the administration’s emphasis on county-level COVID-19 transmission data, the plan will likely influence many schools in rural areas (where spread of the virus is minimal or nonexistent), to remain closed, or adopt a hybrid learning system, this fall.
This has major implications for Maine families. If schools that should reopen remain closed, more kids will begin to feel isolated, child abuse will go unreported, and children will not receive the education they deserve. Parents will also be forced to secure additional child care services for times when their children are not in school.
If you agree that schools should safely reopen with in-person instruction this fall, sign your name below to have your voice heard. Maine Policy Institute will deliver the signatures with this message to your local superintendent and school board.