Nebraska state leaders continue their advocacy for putting students in the classroom when buildings open over the next month.
The state’s Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt says COVID-19 poses the toughest challenge educational leaders have faced in our time.
“It’s hard to balance between the safe environment dealing with the pandemic while also understanding the impacts of not having school operating,” he said at a Monday morning news conference.
Governor Pete Ricketts says putting students in the classroom is more than just academics.
“It’s about socialization, making sure kids can see other kids. It’s about physical health, the physical health that goes on in schools. It’s about mental and behavior health,” Ricketts said.
Some health officials are calling for schools to stay closed, but Governor Pete Ricketts continues to advocate for them to remain open.
In response to a question detailing how some health officials are asking for schools to remain closed, Ricketts said:
“Policymakers need to make these decisions because when doctors say that, they’re only looking at the very, very narrow part of the coronavirus. When we as policymakers look at this, we look at the bigger picture,” Ricketts said.
Several schools have published their return to learn plan. Many include a variety of options like in-person and remote learing. Parents are having the option to allow their child to learn from home if they choose to do so.
Ricketts and Blomstedt both agree social distancing measures should be taken during the school year.