.Opinion: Oct. 7, 2020

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Teachers Don’t Like It Either

In response to your article “Will We Ever Learn?” (GT, 9/23) I wish to offer my gratitude to Dr. Sabbah at the COE and to Dr. Rodriguez, the superintendent of PVUSD. These two school leaders, and many others in our county, have been working tirelessly to prepare for a safe, sane, science-based, return to school. They have made the health and safety of our communities a priority, and understand that our genuine desire to have kids return to school should not be at the expense of anyone’s life.

As an educator with 25+ years in PVUSD, I believe that I speak for many colleagues when I say that no one wants a return to school more than teachers! We understand the many challenges and frustrations that come with distance learning. We face them all day. Every day. Distance learning is no substitute for in-person instruction. There are many subjects and effective teaching strategies that simply cannot translate effectively to a screen. In addition, many of our students and their families are suffering on multiple levels: economically, socially, emotionally, and more. And yet despite these obstacles, teachers continue to work diligently to teach, and children continue to learn (to answer the question posed in the title of the piece). I resent the implication that they are not. 

The fact is this: California has been near the bottom of per pupil funding for public education for decades. Our systems are facing an unprecedented challenge (the pandemic) from a place of severe and cumulative deficit: facilities, transportation, staffing, supplies, are all suffering from years of neglect, making preparations for the return to school even more daunting. 

As for the parent of a 6-year-old who asks: “Businesses through the county are open, so why are schools still shuttered?” I would answer this: Have you ever been in a room full of 25 six-year-olds? Or even half that number? Children that age cannot stay away from each other. They are not developmentally capable of consistently following the safety protocols. Add to that that the classroom they are in may not have operable windows, nor a functioning air filter system, nor sufficient staff to deep clean daily, nor have a functioning sink for hand-washing, nor a school nurse, and I believe you have the answer to your question. 

To this parent, and all others, I suggest that you begin to look at public school funding and what you can do to support your schools now and in the future. An important first step would be to vote Yes on Proposition 15, the Schools and Communities First ballot measure, this November. 

Caitlin Johnston | Felton

 

Thanks for Normalcy 

I just wanted to thank you for continuing to publish such wonderful editions of Good Times during the pandemic/fires/racial injustices/political insanity/apocalyptic skies. It has given me a much-needed respite of normalcy each week. 

Lizanne Reynolds | Aptos

 

With the Boardwalk showing The Lost Boys at its drive-in event last week, this seems like a good time for this shot. Photograph by Kasia Palermo.

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MEANS TO A RENT 

Santa Cruz County has announced a second round of CARES Rental Assistance Program funding. The county has allocated a portion of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to provide housing stabilization assistance to residents of unincorporated Santa Cruz County who have lost income due to the Covid-19 pandemic and whose housing is at risk because they are in arrears for rent and/or utility payments. For more information and to apply, visit cabinc.org by Oct. 14.