RICHMOND, Va. -- Governor Northam spoke Wednesday about the possibility of reopening Virginia schools by the fall, but some teachers in Richmond have concerns about opening schools back up too early.
Richmond Public Schools teacher and parent Mary Gresham is one of thousands of educators in the state teaching remotely due to COVID-19.
The mother of four said she now wonders when and if schools will reopen next year.
On Wednesday, Governor Northam said he’s hopeful students can return back to classrooms in the fall.
But with new positive cases of COVID-19 still popping up each day across the Commonwealth, Gresham worries about heading back too soon.
“I’m not sure September is just the right date," Gresham said. "I mean don’t get me wrong, I would have no problem returning, but there will have to be some procedures, some processes in place to protect my safety.”
“I personally would like to see employees tested, prior to going back to work and probably students," Gresham said.
Gresham also believes having school divisions come together will be most beneficial at finding the proper plan on a return.
“I want to see a lot of parents, school counselors, teachers, administrators, central administration and sit down and discuss concerns, discuss procedures, discuss what a new school year will really look like," Gresham said.
President Trump urged governors across the nation on Monday to reopen schools as part of his push to reopen the economy.
