As COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically in our community, Jeffco public schools have taken action to shift the vast majority of our students into a remote learning environment through the end of 2020. We applaud the decision to prioritize safety while our communities work to flatten the curve.

As educators we all recognize that in person learning is the ideal model, however we know our schools are directly connected to and affected by community transmission rates. As cases in our communities rise, so do cases in our school buildings.

As Jeffco shifts into the remote learning model two specific groups of students and educators are being asked to remain in person. Early childhood educators and special education providers.

We believe that one of the key factors in decision making around these students and staff, the data on COVID-19 cases and spread, is not currently being tracked or reported accurately. Making decisions without this critical information lacks transparency and undermines our ability to truly understand how COVID-19 impacts those populations.

Currently, more than 70% of educators in early childhood and special education services polled support an urgent shift to the remote learning model to keep both students and staff safe in these unprecedented times.

We, the undersigned, are calling on Jeffco leadership to take immediate action to work with early childhood educators and special education services providers, to create and implement a plan to shift to remote learning until COVID-19 spread slows.

The reality is school health and safety IS community health and safety. We must protect all Jeffco educators, staff and students.

Furthermore, for any student, educator or staff member who continues to work in person we request that Jeffco commit to enhancing proactive safety precautions in partnership with those who work on the front lines every single day.

We remain committed to working in partnership as we navigate some of the most difficult decision making of our lifetime. Our students, educators and staff are worth it.