As an economic developer and father, I know quality education is important, and served on the 9-R Bond Campaign committee this fall. We were thrilled to start school in person in August, and our daughter had a phenomenal teacher. 9-R’s closing in early November was sudden, and many parents hoped for a return to in-person learning quickly.

Sadly, 9-R’s new “return to learn” policy has failed us. Three important things about this plan are that it is far more strict than state guidelines require, has no set reopening date and does not align with the governor’s new return-to-learn road map for in-person learning. 9-R’s plan can be boiled down to one sentence: “We will not resume in-person learning until COVID-19 is gone.”

Our schools were never the source of community spread of COVID-19. In a recent Economic Development Alliance meeting, Superintendent Dan Snowberger stated that there was not a single case of transmission between students in school. In-person learning is critical for children. While all kids suffer with remote learning, lower income and minority students tend to be harmed more. Ironically, the Durango School Board passed a resolution in December committing themselves to racial justice.

Finally, Durango 9-R is the only school district in Southwest Colorado that is not open or has a set reopening date. After the holidays, only our students will lack in-person learning, and under 9-R’s plan, this could continue indefinitely. Students, teachers and parents deserve better. Reopen our schools to in-person learning.

Roger ZalneraitisDurango