Central Bucks Parents Petition For 'Dual Option' Fall Reopening

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Hundreds of residents in the Central Bucks School District have signed a petition urging the administration to reopen "as normal" in the fall, with schools looking like they did pre-COVID-19. Students and families who are uncomfortable with the arrangement could continue with online distance learning, the petition advocates.

The petition, which is found on Change.org, urges the district to adopt this "dual option" program for reopening in the fall of 2020.

The petition to the school board and superintendent proposes the following options:

"Option #1- Reopen schools as normal as previously run prior to Covid-19. Sports and extracurriculars would be available. Faculty, staff, students can wear PPE if they choose to protect themselves but it will be OPTIONAL not forced. Masks will not be worn outdoors or with exercise. Parents, staff, and teachers may be asked to sign a liability waiver to attend school."

The petition is proposing the second option as follows:

"If option #1 is not desired, teachers and students will be relegated to a distance learning option of a Central Bucks cyber school. This will allow tax dollars to remain in the Central Bucks school system."

As of Monday afternoon, 236 people have signed the petition.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released guidelines for schools to reopen amid the pandemic. Part of that guidance mandates that schools have an approved safety plan in place, which includes social distancing measures and mask wearing.

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit said last week it is coordinating with the 13 public school districts in the county to plan ahead for the fall. School leaders and county officials have been holding regular teleconferencing meeting to plan for a "wide variety of scenarios facing our school communities this summer and fall," the Intermediate Unit said.

While planning will occur at the county level, district-specific plans must be approved by each local Board of School Directors before schools can reopen.

The safety plans must encompass several elements, including identifying a pandemic coordinator or team to lead response efforts, state officials said. There must be steps in place to protect high-risk children and staff, as well as processes for monitoring students and staff for symptoms.

The safety plan must also include guidelines for hygiene practices and processes for cleaning and disinfecting. The plan must address the use of face masks, protocols for social distancing, and procedures for restricting large gatherings.

Angela Linch, the district's communications and public relations administrator, confirmed Central Bucks is working on its reopening plans. More information is expected to be shared as planning continues, she noted.

The next meeting of the Central Bucks School Board is Tuesday, June 9. The meeting will be conducted remotely and recorded for public viewing. Those who wish to submit public comment should use this link: www.cbsd.org/public_comment.