ROCHESTER, Mich. (WXYZ) — Should schools close? Should they stay open? Districts are working to find out what the best course of action is for their students well-being.
As they work through the information available and come to different conclusions it becomes clear, inequality in Michigan leaves districts with different options. ‘
The Detroit Public Schools Community District has told teachers distance learning would pose many challenges. About 67% of Detroit homes had internet in 2017 when a government study was done. In contrast, other districts are already training teachers to teach remotely in response to the virus.
Rochester Community Schools announced it would close Thursday and Friday so teachers could be trained.
“Really we got together as a team, a very large team and started to think about, what if? And we decided we needed some time to train our staff on remote learning,” said Dr. Robert Shaner, Superintendent of Rochester Community Schools.
“I applaud them. I applaud them,” said Tom Leone, a dad of two students.
Tom Leone says it is an inconvenience for many parents to change the routine of going to school. He is glad his are old enough that they don’t need child care. He also says he is glad to see the district leading the way in finding ways teach children and prevent the spread of the virus.
“Everybody should take precaution,” he said.
The timing also gives Dr. Shaner time, four days including the weekend to assess the risk the new Coronavirus poses to his students and staff. The question is should school re-open on Monday, as it is scheduled to right now.
“I am an old Marine officer and gathering more information than less is always better. The more time I have to gather allows me to make a better decision,” he said.