Many questions still need to be answered before returning to in-person instruction

I am writing this letter for the consideration of the Bowling Green City Schools Board of Education concerning the recently adapted decision to return to full time in person learning beginning March 29th.

I am speaking on behalf of a group of Concerned Parents who wish to request an altered timeline for returning to full time in person learning for our students.  The issues requesting attention prior to return include the following:

1. The ability of BGCS to secure and maintain adequate numbers of substitute staff including teachers, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers.
2. The ability of BGCS to provide teachers with additional PPE supplies to attend to the increased 50% student population.
3. The ability of BGCS to adhere to recommended safety guidelines including proper social distancing of a minimum of 3 feet.
4. The ability of BGCS to provide teachers with approved work time to prepare their classes for the increased 50% student population.
5. The ability of BGCS to obtain additional lunch and recess monitors to overlook outdoor play and eating.

6. The ability of BGCS to properly address ventilation concerns including:

1. Maintaining 6 feet while unmasked eating.
2. Classrooms without any windows. (air purifiers or relocation?)
3. Ensured opening of windows to increase better ventilation when possible.
4. Outdoor learning encouraged.
5. Outdoor eating options (designated tent space).

We would like to request that Bowling Green City Schools alter the current designated return date of March 29th pending the ability of BGCS to adhere to basic safety guidelines. 

We acknowledge and support the current safety measures in place but do not feel the current plan to move to full in person learning will retain them.  This has been confirmed by our superintendent himself both to the community and the board. 

We would like to request that community members have the option to be heard by the BG School Board in a public forum prior to return.

We would like to request that BG faculty be given the opportunity to be heard by the BG Board prior to finalizing a return date.

On Behalf of BG Concerned Parents 

Sherrie Sparks, Polly Miller, Ryan Wilcox, Sandra Faulkner, Joshua Atkinson, Jason Whitfield, Claire Silverman, Jason Wells-Jensen, Kevin McCluney, Sheri Wells-Jensen, Heather Jordan, Aaron Sayer, Kirsty Sayer, Robert J. Piasecki, Karolina Jursikova