COVID-19 in Ohio schools: 'Kids belong in the classroom,' Columbus officials say

Columbus leaders said Tuesday that they're committed to keeping students learning in person in the face of the new omicron variant causing a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ohio and across the nation. 

“One of the best things we can do is keeping (students) in the classroom,” Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts said at a news conference held by city and education leaders. “Schools are essential. Kids belong in the classroom where they can learn, they can engage and they can reach their maximum potential.”

Columbus City Schools superintendent:'We are committed to in-person learning'

Last week, more than 2,800 teachers in Columbus City Schools signed a union letter demanding that the district pivot to remote learning for two weeks as COVID-19 hospitalization and case numbers continue to increase in Franklin County.

The letter was delivered to the district Wednesday after being sent to Columbus Education Association (CEA) members the day before. It was signed by more than two-thirds of the union’s 4,200 members. 

“We understand there are concerns from many people and we have mitigation strategies in place,” Columbus City Schools Superintendent Talisa Dixon said. “We believe in-person school is the safest place for our students and we will continue to advocate for that.”

But CEA President John Coneglio said the district’s mitigation strategies are not working. 

“Schools aren’t a magical place where you can’t catch COVID-19,” he said. “I know kids that have caught COVID-19 at school.”

How many coronavirus cases have been reported in the school district?

Columbus City Schools had 677 student cases of COVID-19 and 256 staff cases of COVID-19 from Jan. 6-12, according to the district.  Also, 23,667 students and 1,743 employees have quarantined from Aug. 26-Jan. 11, according to the district.

During the nine days Columbus City Schools has had classes this month, 41 out of 112 schools have had at least one day of remote learning, Dixon said. 

And during its first week back from winter break, Columbus City Schools hit a high of 24 schools closed in one day due to staff shortages, and it went completely remote at the end of the week because of bus driver absences.

“What’s best right now is being in-person in classrooms to the greatest extent possible because we know that’s where students are safest,” Dixon said.

Transmission is not happening in classrooms but out in the community, school officials say

The district had no classes Tuesday or Wednesday this week because of professional development for employees.

“Based on what we know today, transmission is occurring outside the classroom and in social settings," Roberts said. "Transmission is not happening in the classroom when all the public health mitigation efforts are in place.” 

She encourages the community to wear a mask, socially distance and get vaccinated.

Just under 2,500 students in Columbus City Schools received the vaccine at clinics offered at every elementary school in the district in December and January with help from Nationwide Children's Hospital.

The district, however, is not considering mandating the vaccine for staff members, Dixon said Tuesday morning.

“We haven’t made a decision on that," she said.

Keeping schools open is one key goal for Columbus mayor

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said three goals for the community remain the same: keep schools open, keep the economy growing and keep hospital systems from being overwhelmed. 

“It has been a tough, tough two years for everyone,” he said. “But our children have paid the highest price — suffering more than a year of remote learning. We know the toll it has taken on them — not just academically, but socially, mentally, emotionally.”

Kenny McDonald, CEO of Columbus Partnership, comprised of the CEOs of Columbus' top corporations, said schools being open is key to a functioning economy. 

“When schools close, incomes are lost, wages are lost, small business are closed or even put in peril of closing permanently, our supply chains are disrupted,” he said. “Our open schools will help us recover, keep small businesses open.”

In-person is what kids need and want, parent says

Leo Carter is grateful his eighth-grade son is able to attend school in person at Mifflin Middle School. 

“In-person is what we need but we also prefer it,” the 52-year-old North side resident said. “It’s so beneficial for the kids. Much more beneficial than sitting at home with so many other distractions.” 

Remote learning was a challenge for his family and Mifflin has had to pivot to remote learning once so far this month. 

“I have become a bit of a teacher myself over the last year because of helping out so much," he said. "I hope we are able to keep them in the classroom.”

Megan Henry is a Columbus Dispatch's K-12 education reporter. Reach her at mhenry@dispatch.com or (614) 559-1758. Follow her on Twitter @megankhenry.