NC Gov. Roy Cooper Pushes for In Person Education

CHARLOTTE, NC – School districts across North Carolina are working on ways to safely bring students back into the classroom. On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper strongly encouraged more than a dozen districts including Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to make a change.

“Research done right here in North Carolina tells us that in person learning is working and that students can be in classrooms safely with the right safety protocols in place,” said Cooper.

State leaders say the science and data backs up their push to get kids back in school.

“Children, particularly younger children continue to be less likely to get and spread COVID19 than adults,” said State Health Director Dr. Mandy Cohen.

In Mecklenburg county, COVID numbers continue to decline. The percent positive is down to 10.7%.

“Some people are frustrated that he has gone far enough with what he said today,” said Rebecca Ivanov.

Ivanov is a CMS parent. She says she would like to see kids have the option to return to in person learning.

“To be 100 days into school is just, we’re besides ourselves at this point. We have the data. We’re living the data all around us,” said Ivanov.

Cooper says schools provide meals, socialization, and a level of safety for students.

Right now 90 of the 115 school districts in the state are offering some form of in person learning. He’d like to see all districts make in person instruction available.

“I have concerns, so you know, I’m probably going to stay remote until we absolutely don’t have to stay remote anymore,” said Ashley Price.

Price is a Cabarrus county parent with three  school age children. While she wants kids back in school buildings, she says living with a high risk adult makes her family situation a bit more complicated.

“I think the idea that all of these safety precautions are going to be managed appropriately in every school district is probably idelic instead of realistic,” said Price.

CMS will reveal it’s plan for returning students to school at next week’s meeting.

The North Carolina Association of Educators sent a statement today supporting the return of students to school buildings, but only when there is widespread vaccination of educators and strict social distancing protocols.