Parents have mixed reaction to latest plan from APS to bring kids back to classroom

ATLANTA — Leaders in one of our area’s largest districts are discussing in-person learning plans.

Parents with students in Atlanta Public Schools are divided on the decision.

Some told Channel 2′s Tyisha Fernandes that they can’t wait to send their kids back to school, while others say they aren’t even thinking about sending their kids back to school until COVID-19 case numbers improve.

As of right now, APS said its reopening plan is pretty much in place.

Sara Totonchi is part of an APS parent group that’s begging APS leaders to reconsider the current plan to reopen schools.

“I think people across the entire aps family are deeply concerned about the new plans to reopen schools,” Totonchi said.

Starting Oct. 26, elementary school students and kids with special needs will be heading back to Atlanta school buildings. Middle schoolers and high schoolers will follow two weeks later.

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It’s a different plan than what APS was considering about two weeks ago.

“It’s a massive change and we really want to ask APS to pump the brakes and make sure this is being done in a safe and equitable manner,” Totonchi said.

APS staff, board members and the superintendent had a Zoom call Monday, where they let parents listen in. They had several presentations explaining the plan.

Parents are currently filling out a survey letting APS officials know if they plan to send their kids back to school or not.

Many parents are under the impression that board members were voting on the decision Monday, but it’s not a vote. The proposed plan is already in place.

“We totally understand there’s tremendous pressure to reopen the schools,” Totonchi said.

Currently, there are two petitions going around: one from parents who don’t want to rush things, asking APS to reopen later, and one from parents who want kids back in school sooner.

Atlanta Public Schools superintendent updates parents on return plan for students

Cox Media Group