Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Hall Beat: ***NEWS RELEASE***: MAYOR MIKE SPANO CALLS FOR YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REOPEN.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR MIKE SPANO CALLS FOR YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REOPEN.

Cites Less than 2% COVID-19 Positivity Rate Among School Population.

 YONKERS, NY – February 26, 2021 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today called for Yonkers Public Schools, the 4^th largest school district in New York State, to reopen after months operating on a hybrid schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Spano has requested Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, to explore the opportunity to open schools for four-day instruction while following proper New State Department of Health (DOH) and CDC guidelines.

“Yonkers schools are safe. The time is now for our children to return to the classroom,” said Mayor Spano. “Our schools so far have been very successful in providing a clean, secure environment while adhering to the proper protocols. With the support of our Superintendent, I know we can we can present a solution that is safe for students, teachers and staff.”

Since Yonkers Public Schools opened with hybrid instruction in October 2020, less than 2% of its total school population has been infected with COVID-19. Currently, students are separated into cohorts, learning in school just twice a week. Of the nearly 15,000 students who are opt to come to school during their designated days, less than 10,000 actually do, leaving ample space for additional students to attend. Attendance at Yonkers schools with predominately economically disadvantaged students is even less.

“Our students suffer academically when they are not in their classroom among their peers and teachers,” added Mayor Spano. “Research also has determined there are significant academic and social-emotional impacts on children while learning remotely and in isolation. Given what our community has endured this year, our children and their families deserve better.”

To accommodate State DOH and CDC guidelines, the District has already invested $12 million this school year to provide for a safe and healthy learning environment including air filtration systems, repaired windows, temperature scanners, and more frequent cleaning schedules for proper sanitizing.

Commented Mayor Spano, “Yonkers is resolute and committed – and has always demonstrated strong leadership for others to follow. Let us be a symbol to other districts on how we can provide safe, sustainable and impactful in-school education to our students during this ever-evolving environment.”