Written by Ainsley Jackman
On August 4, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond released a statement showing his support for allowing schools to offer the option of in-person learning. That same day, the Board of Supervisors voted to pass the motion and take an official position of support for schools attempting to acquire waivers that allow in-person schooling.
Supervisor Desmond focused in particular on the essential “mental, social, and physical outlets” young children are being kept from at the most critical time in their development. He noted the value of schools as meal providers for children from underprivileged families, and the ability of teachers and faculty to recognize child abuse that may otherwise go unnoticed.
I asked my fellow Board of Supervisors to join me in supporting the waiver process which would provide the option for in-person school in San Diego County. I'm pleased that vote passed and we've taken the position of being supportive of local control for our school districts. pic.twitter.com/mlXAxlxNhW
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) August 5, 2020
He also emphasized that allowing these waivers to pass would not automatically mean a return to normal—health provisions such as mandatory masks, social distancing, and health screenings would still be instituted. And importantly, in-person learning would only become one option of many for students, as most schools intended and prepared for prior to the mandatory statewide orders being instituted.
Desmond and the other Republicans on the Board of Supervisors took a big step forward with this supportive vote, but realistically can’t do much to circumnavigate Gov. Newsom’s restrictive orders. Unfortunately, things on that front aren’t looking good.
