Pandemic Prep…Schools

This week it is time to check out the preparations your school district has make in case of a pandemic. Several years ago I served as a trustee on our local school board. I understand there is never enough money to keep teachers, parents, and staff happy. With the current economic crisis I also understand that finances are limited but that is no excuse. Every major health organization in the world and every developed country is preparing for a pandemic. Even third world countries are trying to prepare. They are all taking this very seriously and so should school districts.

During the 1918 pandemic schools closed and education ceased. That was before computers, state education requirements, and lesson plans. Preparations are much easier to make now, and they should be made, now. Visit your school or school district office and ask for a copy of the plan. If you are a home schooler check with the school you work with or the state about their plans.

You will want school work for your children. What are you going to do with the kids all day long…every day…for two to three months?

You do not want your children missing out on that much schooling. Our education system is already weak and missing months of instruction cannot be an option.

If your school does not have a plan ask them what you can do to help them get one in place. Are they willing to form a committee of school staff, teachers and parents to formulate a plan? Are they willing to bring in a facilitator for a day to help with the process? If they are still unresponsive write letters to the editor and make the community aware. Attend school board meetings with friends and neighbors and ask questions. Be sure to call ahead and get your issue placed on the agenda or they can just shut you down. Speak up now.

This is important. Preparations will also be valuable if there is a terrorist incident; a hurricane, earthquake, or tornado which destroys a school; or a school fire which destroys the buildings. Once a pandemic is here it will be too late to ask questions. Do it now.

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