31 Chief School Officers Call Upon the NYSDOH to Change School Reopening Requirements

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In a letter dated March 18, 2021, 31 Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) Chief School Officers urged Dr. Howard Zucker, Commissioner, New York Department of Health, to revise the New York State Department of Health’s position on requirements for in-person learning in relation to COVID-19. 

They stated that “students are struggling and need to attend school on a daily basis.” The school leaders requested that districts be allowed “to work with local county health departments to develop revised minimum requirements/protocols, in classrooms, in cafeterias, and for transportation, that would allow all students back to school on a daily basis. This would include use of facial coverings, physical distancing, and ventilation.” 

The WSWHE school leaders are seeking clarity from NYSDOH so they can determine the next best steps in defining how to fully reopen area schools.