‘We’ve never reopened a public school system like this’: Union County’s first day back

Monroe, N.C. — After weeks of preparing, teachers and students in Union County filed into their school buildings Monday to gear up for a year unlike any other.

Instead of smiles and hugs, they were greeted with temperature checks and hand sanitizer. The classrooms are limited to 12 students each.

The water fountains are closed off and the floor is lined with markers every six feet to keep adequate space.

“The first week is always going to be about routines and procedures. I think this year certainly magnifies that,” Union County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan said.

The superintendent said it was a smooth first day for the students who opted for in-person learning.

[IMAGES: Return to Learning in Union County Schools]

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Union County Schools reopening

Other students will have their first day Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday this week because the district divided students into four groups under its Plan B.

Those students will only learn in-person one day a week, while some parents wished it was more.

“We would prefer more than just one day, but one is better than none as opposed to just virtual,” parent Bryan Allen said, who dropped his daughter off at Wesley Chapel Elementary School.

One parent said her children are doing the virtual option.

“I don’t agree with the fact that there were kids in school today,” said the woman, who did not want to be identified. “I think it’s risky. I think it’s very, very risky. They are risking people’s lives.”

She said learning from home has created tension, because her teenagers see their friends return to in-person learning.

“It’s been tough,” she said. “They want to be with their friends. Of course, they want to be with their friends. I get that.”

For the more than 8,000 students who are learning from home, the state’s learning program hit a snag with many parents unable to log on.

“We’ve never reopened a public school system like this. We’re going to help you problem-solve these issues,” the superintendent said.

The district said they are working with the state to make sure the problem doesn’t keep happening.

Many parents also reported issues with school-issued Chromebooks.

A district spokesperson said the computer engineers will continue to help students with their computers and software to ensure they can learn remotely.

Union County teachers protest school district's reopening plans Union County teachers protest school district's reopening plans

Channel 9 also asked about the group of employees who are protesting the district’s reopening plan. At a demonstration Sunday night, they said they’re afraid of COVID in the classroom and want to work remotely until the number of cases comes down.

“I understand and certainly acknowledge that we may have many employees or some employees who are worried about coming back,” Houlihan said.

He said the district is asking those employees to work on an alternate assignment until they feel safe returning.

Cox Media Group