Walsh, Colleagues Advocate for Safe Guidance Allowing NY Schools to Reopen this Fall
On July 7, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) and members of the Assembly Minority Conference sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo, NYS Department of Health Commissioner Zucker, State Education Interim Commissioner Tahoe and Chancellor Rosa urging a comprehensive reopening plan for schools this fall.
With the circumstances surrounding the pandemic changing daily, it is critical to begin working with schools to plan ahead and ensure statewide coordination. As the ranker on the Education Committee, Walsh is a leader for our state’s education system and strong advocate for parents, teachers, students and stakeholders.
“School is more than a building for our students. It provides a safe environment for kids to not only receive an education, but also social interaction, specialized programs and food and health services,” said Walsh. “Since March, many parents have been trying to juggle teaching their children without any sort of educational background and working from home or trying to make ends meet. This has been an equally stressful time for students, parents and teachers – there is no doubt about it.
“As we enter the month of July, school districts need direction and support to ensure a statewide, comprehensive and safe reopening plan can be developed under the guidance of our state’s education leaders. As outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are many protocols that can be followed for students to return to in-school instruction this fall. I, and so many others, fear that by depending on remote learning we are leaving so many students behind. I urge Gov. Cuomo, Dr. Zucker, Interim Commissioner Tahoe and Chancellor Rosa to listen to the needs of New York families, and hope that we can work together in crafting a safe and practical solution.”