As the coronavirus crisis continues, a consensus about at least delaying school openings is emerging.<\/p>\n
New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio recently unveiled a partial reopening plan<\/a><\/u> for fall 2020.<\/p>\n The proposal would stagger school openings and incorporate two or three days a week of remote learning. At least right now, this plan is at odds with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo\u2019s phased reopening plan.<\/p>\n Los Angeles, the nation\u2019s second-largest school district, will remain closed indefinitely.<\/p>\n Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner promised to share reopening information in the near future.<\/p>\n It is \u201cour goal is to welcome students back to school as soon as it is safe and appropriate for us to do so,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Other large school districts in the country, like Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, and Dallas, have announced some combination of delayed starts and phased reopening.<\/p>\n In these uncertain times, industry safety standards provide some stability. They let parents know what to expect when their children return to school.<\/p>\n Schools have a duty to educate all children. In some cases, online learning may not be an effective substitute.<\/p>\n Many children, especially those with special needs, require supervision. Additionally, many Americans lack reliable internet access.<\/p>\n That\u2019s especially true in rural areas. Arguably, refusing to open at the designated time intentionally denies an education to these at-risk children.<\/p>\n On the other side of the coin, it is important to not jump the gun.<\/p>\n State educational agencies often issue \u201cguidelines\u201d in these areas which local school districts are theoretically free to ignore.<\/p>\n If that happens, and a child or adult gets sick, the school district was arguably negligent.<\/p>\n Technically, state and local government guidelines may not apply<\/a><\/u> to private schools.<\/p>\n However, these institutions are held to the same standard of care as public schools.<\/p>\n Reliance on government guidelines is not enough. Schools must assume that a COVID-19 outbreak will occur, and they must be prepared to deal with that situation.<\/p>\n A solid emergency plan usually includes:<\/p>\n Some schools include coronavirus safety waivers as part of this plan. These waivers might or might not be legally effective, as outlined below.<\/p>\n An emergency plan should be in writing and available for public review. Additionally, since June\u2019s plans are often outdated by July, the emergency plan should be updated frequently.<\/p>\n Schools not only have a responsibility to keep kids safe in school.<\/p>\n They have an obligation to keep them safe at home during online instruction periods. During spring 2020, at-home safety obligations were limited.<\/p>\n But the fall of 2020 will be different. It will not be enough to have students log on and hope for the best.<\/p>\n Zoom, the preferred online learning platform, has some well-documented<\/a><\/u> security issues. Additionally, cyberbullying was already a major problem. Online school gives bullies an additional platform.<\/p>\n Online classes must have the toughest available security. Additionally, school employees should monitor Zoom sessions and take action against bullying.<\/p>\n Most parents sign field trip, athletic participation, and other permission slips without giving them a second thought. Such waivers are not always enforceable.<\/p>\n Some such waivers are void because they violate public policy.<\/p>\n Typically, organizations cannot condition facilities use, which the person has paid for, on a waiver.<\/p>\n If an athletic club installs a rock-climbing wall and insists that participants sign waivers if they already paid membership dues, the waiver is probably unenforceable.<\/p>\nCoronavirus School Safety<\/h2>\n
State and Local Government Guidelines<\/h4>\n
Prepare for an Outbreak<\/h4>\n
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Online Instruction Rules<\/h4>\n
Coronavirus Waivers<\/h2>\n