• Statement Regarding the Western New York Regional Reopening Survey

     

    (June 29, 2020) – On Friday, June 19, the response window closed for the Western New York

    Regional Reopening Survey. The purpose of the survey, offered to stakeholders in 17 Erie

    County school districts, was to inform the views of school superintendents as we participate in

    conversations about reopening school in September with the NYSED Reopening Task Force, our

    own regional dialogue, and planning teams within our individual school districts. I have attached

    the Maryvale data to this statement.  1,196 Maryvale stakeholders responded to the survey.

     

    Most importantly, county-wide this survey gives voice to more than 25,000 of our stakeholders so that they

    can speak directly to the policy makers in Albany. The results of the survey have been sent to

    the New York State Education Department Interim Commissioner Tahoe, as well as to the

    attention of Governor Andrew Cuomo, for their information and review.

     

    On the key issue of whether or not students should return to in-person instruction in the fall,

    68% of respondents (county-wide) agreed or strongly agreed that school should resume as normal in

    September with new procedures to reduce the spread of illness, while 10% (county-wide) strongly disagreed

    with the idea of returning to school as normal. Also, 21.6% (county-wide) agreed or strongly agreed that a

    hybrid approach (half of the students in school and half remotely learning) should be employed

    in September, while 55% (county-wide) disagreed or strongly disagreed with a hybrid approach.

     

    Planning for the restarting of school in September, regardless of whether it happens remotely,

    on campus, or in a hybrid model will be challenging. You can be assured that I along with the other Erie County school

    superintendents will emphasize the safety of students and staff in our planning, be considerate

    of the feelings of our stakeholder groups, and will fully comply with the requirements for

    restarting school as set forth by the Governor, the New York State Department of Health and

    the New York State Education Department.

     

    This snapshot of opinion taken between June 10th and June 19th gives school superintendents

    important information upon which we can reflect as we plan. We appreciate the fact that so

    many people took the time to share with us how they felt about this critically important issue,

    and we are each thankful for the opportunity to serve our respective communities as

    Superintendent of Schools.