MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The decision was not easy, but it was necessary. Students in the Shelby County School district will start the year in virtual learning with no in-classroom instruction. And just like that, some 100,000 students in Tennessee’s largest district are facing the most challenging education experience in SCS history.
The final decision to go with virtual learning came Monday amid more bad news about how the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread through our community. More than 400 new cases were reported Monday. And we have been in the triple digits with daily cases for weeks – with no sign of a plateau. Plus, Gov. Bill Lee is rejecting White House suggestions to order more restrictions on businesses as a way to curb the spread.
So in essence, COVID-19 made the decision for SCS. School leaders – including the superintendent and the board – are unwilling to gamble with the lives of teachers, staff, family members of students, and the students themselves. And I applaud them.
But now comes the hard part. Making sure that no students are left behind because classes are online. That will require help beyond SCS. It means community groups, houses of worship, and individuals must get involved to keep students focused on learning.
Meanwhile, most suburban districts are still planning in-person classes. And I wish them well. COVID-19 is a plague unlike any in our lifetime. But we must fight back – together. And that’s my point of view.
