Minnesota Republicans Push To Reopen Schools In The Fall

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota Republicans say schools should reopen in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan says that more distance learning will be harmful to students.

"The more we learn about COVID-19, the more it becomes apparent that we have done a huge disservice to our children by shutting down schools and isolating them in their homes," Carnahan said in a statement Friday.

"Virtual learning has already had a negative impact on the social, mental, and physical well-being—we can’t let this continue into the fall."

The remarks come after President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding for schools that do not reopen in the fall.

"In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS," the president tweeted. "The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!"

Last month, the Minnesota Department of Education released guidance to help public schools plan for the 2020-21 school year amid the coronavirus crisis.

MDE is urging school leaders to plan for all three scenarios so that school communities can be flexible and students can receive continuous education in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic may require schools to shift to a different educational delivery model.

The three scenarios are:

• In-person learning for all students
• Hybrid learning with strict social distance and capacity limits
• Distance learning only

Health officials will announce a decision for which model of educational delivery will be in the best for the 2020-21 school year by the week of July 27.