Opinion: A Better Plan for Reopening Schools in Oregon

Gov. Kate Brown’s latest guidelines for reopening schools are necessary, but insufficient. They address safety but not effective learning experiences for our children. As a nation we’ve failed to contain the virus, so how do schools now ensure children have access to the best learning options possible while providing in-person school for the vulnerable children who need it the most?

I have worked in education as a teacher, district leader, philanthropist, elected school board member and chief executive of a nonprofit supporting diverse school board members in cities across the country. Based on my conversations with educators, parents and doctors, I think there is a way forward, but it will require innovation and sacrifice. There is no reason Oregon can’t lead the nation in innovation and equity, but it will take strong state and local leadership and community-wide support, to pull off a better plan.