CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Two rallies were held on Monday prior to the school board meeting where Chesterfield County Public School leaders voted to establish online-only classes for the fall 2020 semester.
The event, held by the Chesterfield Education Association at the Chesterfield Police Station, included a car rally where groups of parents showed up to voice their support for virtual learning, as well as a second group pushing for in-person classes and for parents to have the choice to send their children back to class.
Veida Evans, who supports virtual learning, said that school needs to be safe for everyone before students can go back to class.
"As a Chesterfield resident, I stand in support of our teachers going back virtually. It's the best thing right now until we know more about this virus. Until we have a better plan. It needs to be safe for everyone," Evans said.
Laura Burke, a supporter of in-class learning, said that there are some parents who feel that the benefits of their children being in school outweigh the risks of COVID-19.
"We have parents who are ready, who feel that the benefits that their children being in school outweigh a risk of COVID, and they just feel like it's time for their kids to be back with the teachers who can truly teach them and give them the services that they need."
Following the rally, school leaders voted 4-1 to reopen schools virtually in the fall. Chesterfield students will begin virtual classes on Sept. 8
