DANVILLE, Ind. — On another day when Indiana set another record for new coronavirus cases, some Hendricks county teachers and parents claimed it is too dangerous to send children back to school.
Several dozen of them protested in Danville, the county seat. According to the signs they carried when to restart schools is a life or death decision.
"Students can't learn from dead teachers," one sign said. "Teachers want to teach not to die," said another. "I'm saying good bye to my family," said yet another.
Hendricks County teachers and educators protest
Protesters are demanding the health department step in and postpone the opening of Hendricks county schools for three weeks.
"People are worrying about days and weeks, when we are talking about life." she said "I think we need a better perspective," said parent Allison Kelly.
Protesters for delaying schools argue it will give the new face mask mandate time to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Parent and teacher Malari Williams heads the science department at Avon High School.
"We really do not feel it is the safest choice or best choice for students or staff to be in the building," she said.
Kandi Jamison, a spokesperson for the health department, said it and the state have worked closely with school superintendents to make sure classrooms are safe.
"I appreciate their concerns. We hear them," Jamison said. "If all precautions are followed, It will be safe. As safe as the community is."
Hendricks County, like many others, is seeing an increase in coronavirus cases.
Teachers and parents in other communities are also afraid of returning to classrooms.
"We are hearing from some people. They are very concerned about going back," said Jennifer Smith-Margraf, vice president of the Indiana State Teachers Association.
She said school districts are replying to teachers' concerns.
"I can't say they are doing it universally at this point," she said. "But we have seen responses across the state. School corporations as well as local leaders are listening to concerns, and as you have seen across the state, modifying those plans."
An Avon Community Schools spokesperson said schools will reopen as planned on Wednesday. Other Hendricks county schools are scheduled to follow.
Here is a current list of start dates for Hendricks County school districts:
- Avon — Wednesday, July 29
- Brownsburg — Thursday, July 30
- Mill Creek — Friday, July 31
- North West Hendricks — Wednesday, Aug. 5
- Plainfield — Wednesday, Aug. 5
- Danville — Thursday, Aug. 13