Today Senate Republicans voted on a resolution to allow school districts to decide the best option for their students this fall. The resolution states that, for the purposes of emergency powers during the COVID pandemic, the Governor cannot make unilateral decisions to open or close schools.

“It is not the Governor’s place to mandate school closures for all or part of an academic year, effectively impacting the future of thousands of kids across our state,” said Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud). “Layers of government exist to ensure our constituents receive fair representation from people familiar with their community. Local elected leaders should determine if or when our schools can safely reopen.”

Recent studies have argued the benefit of reopening schools safely this fall is important for the overall well-being of our students. The American Association of Pediatrics has said, “The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with the goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020.” Many teachers, especially in the lower grades, have spoken about how their students are suffering because of the loss of social interaction and in class instruction.

Parents have weighed in on the issue as well. Nine out of ten parents surveyed by Education Trust reported that they were worried about their child falling behind due to COVID-related closures. The Minnesota Department of Education’s own survey found 64% of parents want students back in schools this fall.

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and surrounding areas in the Minnesota Senate.

###