BEDFORD, Ohio — Dozens of Bedford high school parents, teachers, and students took a stand in front of the school board Thursday opposing the decision to move students to remote learning.
The decision came after two incidents of violence within a 48-hour span last month.
“There are challenges with all schools across the district, across the country, but they're not being shut down,” Nina Thomas said.
The district said it made the decision to give the school time to strengthen security measures to keep students and staff safe with added cameras, metal detectors, door alarms, locks on doors, and additional security and socio-emotional staff.
“You're punishing the kids who want to learn,” Bedford parent Erica Burkes said.
“Now, our entire school is paying for the few,” Lorie Jones said.
Students even took the opportunity to address the impacts of being away from the classroom.
“When you have parents that's not doing what they should be doing at home, it's your job as a staff, as a teacher, or wherever else you are to help that kid,” one student said.
“It really affected us socially, our grades wise and mentally,” another senior student said. “We need to go back into the schoolhouse.”
A representative for the Bedford Teachers Union told the school board it’s calling for transparency, inclusion and teamwork.
“Teachers don't want this for our students, but we were never asked,” Chris Johnson said. “Please know that the [Bedford Education Association] and all of our teachers are here to be at the table with you as partners in solving this problem.”
Despite the outcry, Bedford Superintendent Andrea Celico says she has no plans to reverse the decision any sooner than the end of November.
“The time frames that we are looking at right now really hold us to that November 22 date,” Celico said. “I will continue to do the best that I can for them.”
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