School reopenings must be science-based and expert-led. Instead, our schools and communities are struggling to envision and actualize safe reopening plans in what has ultimately become a guessing game. This increases the likelihood that our communities will lose staff, students, and family members due to COVID-19. Our local and county health departments must provide guidance during this dangerous time. School boards and administrators are relying on the expertise of public health departments to help them make informed decisions. For these reasons, we are petitioning our public health departments to:

• Provide baseline information about infectious disease risk in schools
• Assess the impact of reopening plans on COVID-19 transmission and health outcomes, especially the potential impact on students and teachers
• Consult with local education associations on reopening and implementing safety precautions
• Adopt or establish metrics to determine when it is safe for schools to reopen in-person and when class should be moved to a virtual setting

Join WEAC Region 3 in supporting the safe reopening of schools by adding your name to this petition.