The Springfield, Massachusetts, public schools are pushing back against a request from the Massachusetts department of education to bring some students back for in-person learning soon.
Last week, the state commissioner of elementary and secondary education, Jeff Riley, sent a letter to school officials (PDF) in Worcester, Boston, and Springfield, pointing out that very few, if any, students with disabilities were being offered in-person instruction.
Riley asked the cities to spell out their plans for these students moving forward.
Springfield Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick said the district is now upgrading ventilation systems in its buildings to limit the spread of COVID-19 — and will bring all students back only when it’s safe to do so.
"Our high-needs special ed students have the highest rates of pre-existing conditions, so we want to make sure that our environment is safe before bringing anyone back in," he said.
In a written reponse to the state's letter (PDF), Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said, "Once we are assured that all buildings are safe and sound, then we will ready to bring students and staff back into the buildings. But not a moment before that."
The city's buildings director wouldn't offer a firm timeline for when the ventilation work will be finished, but said it will take at least two more months.
