Glasgow School District Reopening

Dear Editor,

I was encouraged to read, in the Aug. 12, 2020, edition of The Glasgow Courier, that Glasgow School District's Superintendent Sundby wanted to assure parents "that while the school will have tentative plans in place, any plan that is implemented will be done in conjunction with recommendations from the Valley County Health Department and Dr. Anne Millard." Unfortunately, based upon my recent conversations with Valley County Health Department Director Lynn Miller, I understand that there has been little contact from Superintendent Sundby with either her or, presumably, the Valley County Health Officer. Moreover, recommendations made by the Director were not accepted by Superintendent Sundby. As she described it this morning (Aug. 17), the policy for the District's reopening is not a "medical plan."

I remain hopeful that the Glasgow School District will implement a medical plan and rely upon the advice of our medical experts in this pandemic. To intentionally put students – children – at unnecessary risk by disregarding health and safety protections amounts to child abuse. To put teachers and other school personnel at unnecessary risk amounts to violation of requirements for a safe workplace.

In the same Courier article, the Superintendent stated that children of families who opt out of in-classroom learning and choose remote learning will be barred from participating in any extracurricular activities. Denying participation in extracurricular activities is illegal with regard to home schooling. Has the District contacted general counsel to inquire as to whether children participating in remote learning have the same rights as those being home schooled?

Finally, I am concerned that the District's "back-to-normal" policy may lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases which would lead to a reversal from Phase 2 of Reopening, and which would hurt many of my business clients, neighbors, and friends. Given Glasgow School District's reopening plans, I join in support of the excellent letter and recommendations of the medical staff of FMDH in their letter dated August 14, 2020. Let us all be safe out there.

Sincerely,

David L. Irving

Attorney at Law

School Board Member (2005-2014)