GWINNETT COUNTY, GA (NCC News) In response to rising COVID-19 cases in the county, the public school system in Gwinnett County has decided all students will now be virtual. But teachers will be mandated to return to campus.
The Gwinnett County school district confirmed some of its employees had positive Covid cases, all of this with re-start date just a few days out. August 12th was the day they were supposed to return for the fall. But with the surge in Covid numbers the future is unclear.
Slocum, a long time elementary school teacher, said the public school teachers started some pre-planning in the facilities they have spaced out over the county and the next day 260 people had either a positive test or came in contact with someone who had a positive test.
Everyone doesn’t have the same opinion. Slocum believes the superintendent isn’t looking out for the teachers’ best interests. “I feel like they rushed us back,” said Slocum, and because of that she was forced to make a decision.
“Some parents don’t have the opportunity to stay home with their kids,”said Slocum. Teachers still believe even with the children not present in the classrooms, their health is at risk and don’t feel it is fair they are being forced back in without a say.
Slocum said she realized she had enough when employees weren’t wearing their masks in the meetings, or stations tables and chairs weren’t being wiped down when she was told that was mandatory for all meetings and areas.
“If it doesn’t go smoothly I might have to leave for my daughters sake,” Slocum said.
With her daycare options limited and the pressure of keeping her daughter safe in this day to day pandemic, Slocum decided to leave the county and look for a job in another county where she will be able to stay home with her daughter.
