Worrisome health metrics at schools

I am writing out of concern for Indian Prairie School District 204's unresponsive reaction to the metrics that the school district claims to be following, especially with regards to some special needs children who are still meeting with staff in-person. As the metrics provide, the area of ISPD204 is at a "substantial community transmission" level; however, the district continues to have staff interact hand-on-hand and face-to-face, with susceptible special needs kids. Not only are many of these children vulnerable to underlying health issues, but they are the least likely to follow the required rules and protocols for safe distancing and protective masks and gear.

Full disclosure: my spouse is one of these staff members. Reports that the staff is fully stocked with PPE and barriers are being used to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19 are not true. When asked if the school or district planned to increase air filtration, staff was told "no" with no explanation or consideration. Recent news reports tell that CPS tested all of their schools before implementing added air filtration to many in advance of any in-person learning, including special needs children. Has the district completed similar air quality and filtration testing in its schools?

At what point will the metrics be high enough that IPSD204 says, "We are not going to continue to put our students in harm's way and endanger our staff to appease a few outspoken parents who want in-person learning no matter what the science says and who it potentially sickens or kills."

What is it going to take before the district realizes remote learning is the only truly safe learning environment right now?

Michael Markham

Aurora