To Superintendent Stilley and Board Members:
My team and I had a meeting with Mr. Genco on Thursday morning. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with him and share our survey results and some of our concerns about the Covid-19 safety measures for our schools.
It is my understanding that this information was shared with Ms. Stilley who is going ahead with the soft start on August 12 as planned. We, however, respectfully disagree with that decision to move forward with the plan. Our disagreement is based on our concern for the safety and health of our students, employees, families, and our communities.
We made a commitment to our members to share the collected data with you. Attached is the survey results with comments. A second document with additional concerns is forthcoming. My current plan is to email the second document to you tomorrow.
Our process of data collection grew from an influx of calls from concerned members as Covid-19 numbers spiked in our parish. There is a huge concern now that Tangipahoa Parish and most of the state is in a Red Zone. The cause of the Covid spread has been identified on an ongoing basis to be the result of community spread.
We continue to hold hope that our school system does not contribute to increasing numbers of Covid cases. Our understanding from the Governor is that the decision to delay the face to face opening of our schools is your call.
We appeal to you to reconsider.
Know that the tireless efforts of our school board continue to be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dina Esquinance
President, Tangipahoa Federation of Teachers
& School Employees