Anna McClure believes without question that children should attend school full-time in-person despite COVID-19 concerns. | Stock Photo
Anna McClure believes without question that children should attend school full-time in-person despite COVID-19 concerns. | Stock Photo
Like every other parent in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna McClure faced the decision of sending her child to an in-person school or guiding her through online learning at home.
While many parents have struggled with that decision, McClure wasted no time making hers. In-person schooling is the way to go.
"I think all schools should be open, period," McClure said.
McClure's daughter had been attending school in Yellow Springs, but when the district opted to launch online learning, a disappointed McClure pulled her out and enrolled her in Beavercreek City Schools, which is using in-person learning.
"My daughter was sad at first about leaving Yellow Springs," McClure said, "but that was short-lived as she is now making new friends in Beavercreek."
McClure said she questions whether the pandemic is as serious as some claim and noted that the number of cases is extremely low. Data posted on the Beavercreek City Schools web site corroborates that statement.
The district reported on Sept. 12 that throughout its 10 campuses plus preschool, there have been zero positive cases among staff and three positive tests (0.07%) among students. Four staff members (0.4%) have been quarantined, as have 62 students (1.06%).
During a COVID-19 briefing in August, Gov. Mike DeWine said 325 districts across the state planned to return to school full-time, equating to approximately 590,000 public school students (38%).
According to the governor, 55 districts were planning to begin the school year fully remote, roughly 390,000 students (25.6%). DeWine added that 154 systems — about 380,000 students (24.5%) — planned to use a hybrid model.
When schools do not open for in-person learning, it raises another issue for parents. Why should they pay as much if their children are potentially not getting the same level of attention from educators?
"If you are going to force the closing of schools and make everyone learn online, then it should stand to reason with a good bit of common sense that taxpayers should most definitely get a reduction or refund somehow," McClure said.
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