Arkansas Education Association Calls for Virtual Start of School Year
Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming told state lawmakers today it is unsafe for schools to return to in-person learning as Arkansas continues to struggle to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Fleming also shared a set of principles and expectations that must be met to keep students, educators and
our communities safe once conditions allow for a return to in-person learning. The AEA Return to Learn Committee created the school reopening matrix to guide any decisions about the upcoming school year. The committee is made up of educators from across the state who have used their own expertise, along with guidance from health professionals to create the guidance.
Fleming asked state lawmakers to join the AEA’s call for education officials to make a conscientious decision to keep children, educators and our communities safe by beginning the 20-21 school year with virtual only instruction.
“While we agree in-person education is the best thing for students, moving kids and educators in and out of school based on isolation and quarantine protocols will be too risky and too disruptive to the teaching and learning environment,” Fleming said. “Let’s work together to maximize the next two weeks to ensure that we keep students and educators safe, and prepare for a new way to deliver education and support until we can get this virus under control.”
President Fleming’s remarks were made to the Education Caucus of the Arkansas General Assembly. Sen. Alan Clark and Rep. Mark Lowery called the meeting to hear from stakeholders on the topic: COVID-19 School or Not?
Arkansas Education Association Return to Learn Committee
Chair: Kendall Tabor
Wonderview School District
Vice-Chair: Nanette Patino
Little Rock School District
Recording Secretary: Anna Beaulieu
Fayetteville School District
At-Large Committee Members
Ryan Gray – Fort Smith School District
Mary Knight, AEA Vice President – Lee County School District
Kyla Lawrence – North Little Rock School District
Audrey Nichols, AEA Secretary-Treasurer – Pulaski County Special School District
Corliss Stuckey – Hope School District
Evelyn Wilson-Thomas – Strong-Huttig School District
Ex-Officio
AEA President, Carol B. Fleming
AEA Executive Director, Tracey-Ann Nelson
