Volume 16, No. 6A
“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”
June 12, 2020
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From The Mayor's Desk By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. All members of Council were present. The Invocation was given by Mayor Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Hanley. At this time, Mayor Emmons informed Council that she had been presented a letter from Councilwoman Eyers and was asked to share it with Council. In the letter, Councilwoman Eyers stated that due to purchasing/moving to a residence located outside of the town limits, that she regrettably must resign from her seat on Council. Mayor Emmons and others thanked her for her dedication and service to the Elgin Community and wished her and her family the best of luck in their new endeavor. Per the state election commission, a special election will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. For more information regarding filing, please contact the Kershaw County Voter’s Registration Office at 803-424-4016. The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, May 5th. There was no one in attendance from the public, therefore, no one signed up for Public Forum. The following New Business License Applications were approved in May 2020: (1) Mi Casa Latina, LLC-a restaurant, convenience store and meat market located at 2455 Main Street in Elgin and (2) Carolina Capitol Metal-renovations for Mi Casa Latina, business located in Columbia. As always, we welcome new businesses to our community and encourage you to visit them and Think Elgin First. There were no Charity Permit Requests or Complaints for the month of May 2020. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. In Old Business, Attorney John Wells made a recommendation that Council consider extending the COVID-19 Emergency Ordinance which was set to expire on June 7, 2020. After some discussion regarding the difficulty to accommodate the public in Council Chambers and follow the guidelines for social distancing recommended by CDC, Council agreed to extend the Ordinance for an additional (60) days, with a new expiration date of August 7, 2020. Mayor Emmons and Chief Brown made a recommendation to Council to add additional technology to the Conference Room that would allow 6-8 individuals to attend the meeting in a separate area of the facility and have the ability to participate in the proceedings. After some discussion, Council felt this was a good direction and it would also assist with our municipal court once they start holding sessions again in the near future. Council also discussed concerns of COVID-19 in regards to the playground and picnic shelter located at Potter Community Park. After a lengthy conversation, it was decided to keep these items closed to the public until further notice. The walking trail is available for use by the public during this duration, but everyone is encouraged to continue to practice social distancing while at the park. In New Business, Council passed the 1st Reading of the 2020-2021 Budget, which includes projected revenues at $1,014,171 and projected expenditures at $1,014,171 and scheduled the Public Hearing/2nd Reading for Monday, June 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Chief Brown did not have any updates for Council at this time. In Council Briefings, Councilwoman Sloan had no report, Councilwoman Eyers had no report and Councilman Smith had no report. Councilman Hanley shared information that he had received from his allergist regarding the importance of wearing masks and how they assist in preventing or decreasing the chances of exposure and/or spread of the COVID-19 Virus. Mayor Emmons expressed appreciation to Council for all that they are doing for the community during the pandemic. Attorney John Wells informed Council that the Santee Lynches COG Hazard Mitigation Plan needs to be renewed and asked that this item be added to the agenda for the meeting on June 22, 2020. He also discussed
See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 5 >>
The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com June 12, 2020
Your Health. Our Heroes. Moving forward with care from those you trust As we move forward, healthcare might look trusted and dedicated healthcare heroes you’ve relied on for all your health needs. We’re again here to provide a range of healthcare services, from your annual screenings and physicals to quality of life procedures that help you make the most of every moment moving forward.
June 12, 2020
Our doctors, nurses and entire team are working hard to ensure a safe place of care for you and a healthier community for all of us.
To learn more, visit us at KershawHealth.org
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The Summer of '61 By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
I had never anticipated vacation as I did the summer of ’61. My classmates and I had finished eighth grade, and now we could proudly say we were high school freshmen. I had many plans and dreams. Teenage life was beginning, and my parents encouraged me to celebrate life’s opportunities. In early June, all the Girl Scouts in the Pee Dee section of the state were invited on a train ride from Florence, S.C. to Washington D.C. to spend a few days touring our nation’s capital. My first train ride was exciting with my close friends, and we made many new ones as we laughed and sang “camp fire” songs on our long ride. Washington, D.C. looked exactly as all the pictures in the encyclopedia we had studied. We visited all the sites and monuments: The National Mint (and watched money being printed), Arlington Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, the Capitol the Smithsonian (admiring our First Ladies gowns; of course, our favorite style was our beautiful Jackie Kennedy’s gown) and finally the highlight: The White House. If there was any security at any of the attractions, it was not evident as it is today. Our tour guide informed us there was a waiting helicopter on the South Lawn. Next appeared our dashing young President Kennedy striding to the helicopter. We thought he had sensed our excited presence as he turned to wave; however, our guide pointed out he always waved goodbye to his wife and his two young children. My parents gave me $20.00 in spending money. I enjoyed selecting three postcards for 25 cents at different sites and enjoyed pondering what souvenirs to buy. I bought my mother a black iron napkin holder with a kitchen blessing and at The White House gift shop I found a small six inch trophy engraved with “World’s Greatest Dad.” I knew Daddy would be thrilled because I always told him he was my Superman. I was proud of my purchases and my family seemed delighted with my gifts. Four days after our Washington trip, it was time to go to our Presbyterian Church Camp Harmony. Once again my parents saw me off telling me to enjoy swimming, square dancing, arts, and crafts time with my friends. Wednesday was the summer Solstice (the longest day of daylight). We sat with our youth counselors at twilight as they shared their experiences and challenges they had faced in their first year of college. I remember having a sense of foreboding as I prayed that night at vespers. The next day as we ate lunch in the cafeteria, one of the counselors came
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and leaned over my shoulder and said, “Your mother called. Your father has had a heart attack. We have to get you packed up. Someone is going to come from Bishopville to take you home!” I know I dropped my ice cream sandwich in my plate (I have never eaten another), but I don’t remember going back to my cabin. I remember I kept asking, begging, even to use the phone to call home, but the answer was always the same, No. No one is home! The wait for my ride seemed hours (four to be exact) and the ride home seemed to never end. When we reached my home, I had my answer. There were no Daddy’s arms held out for me to run to for comfort. No one was home, but my great Aunt Sadie, who was a house mother for a dorm of girls at Coker College and my first grade school teacher and my daddy’s first cousin Margaret. When I entered the kitchen, there were casseroles everywhere. When I looked in my parents’ bedroom and saw the trophy I bought for my daddy on his night stand, I started to cry. Aunt Sadie quickly said, “It was a massive heart attack. He did not suffer!” I remember being a brat, stomping my feet with my hands on my hips, in a hissy fit style and crying, “Well, I have suffered. I waited hours for someone to tell me this!” I stomped my foot again and stormed through the house looking for someone__ anyone to tell me this was a nightmare. I raged! I cried! I flung myself on my bed and announced, “I will never go to church camp again, and maybe not go back to church, not even for the funeral!” Aunt Sadie and Cousin Margaret were the right ones to be there. They both told me to control my sassy self and get it together for my mother, my Nanny (Daddy’s mother) my brother Gregg, 11 and my sister Martha, 9. They informed me that my family was at the funeral home making arrangements and that the last act I could do for my father was to “grow up now and be a respectful adult.” Somehow I did pull myself together. My mother went back to work as a nurse at the hospital, and I canceled all my summer plans with friends to stay home with my brother and sister. I offered to write all the thank you notes for all the acts of kindness. I started even to write notes for all the sympathy cards, but my mother assured me they were not expected. As the summer of ’61 came to a close it was time for high school, and my girlfriends were there to welcome me back. They couldn’t wait to introduce me to the new guy in town whose grandparents lived on my street, and the new girl who was turning all the boys’ heads. Her father was a SLED agent. When I heard the word “father,” I cringed. My heart was still broken. My daddy was gone forever. He was my first love. I knew though I could face tomorrow because I could feel in my heart his love was still with me. He was at peace and with my Heavenly Father. Happy Father’s Day!
June 12, 2020
From The Chief ’s Desk...
Phones and cars: You know it is against the law to use a cell phone while operating your vehicle on the roadways in SC and that you are subject to a fine if you are ticketed and found guilty, but how about if you are not caught it’s no big deal right? This weekend an elderly Elgin citizen was walking across the parking lot to a local store and was struck by a driver who “Just looked down at my Phone for a second”. Because a phone call took the drivers attention a wonderful lady will spend her 81st birthday in the hospital! Are any of our calls that important? Alcohol and cars; It seems with all that’s going on in our country some folks are forgetting how dangerous it is to consume alcohol and then operate a motor vehicle. Recently our arrests for Driving under the Influence have picked up quite a bit. Please think about the consequences of this and call for a ride or just don’t drink if you are the driver. It may seem early to be talking about our Elgin Toy Roundup and Car-
ing Hands group but with the pandemic and social distancing making our PODUNK and our 5K run impossible I am concerned with our financial situation for this Christmas. I hope we will be able to have the annual Catfish Stomp which is a good fund raiser but I would like to Chief Harold Brown ask that anyone who has other ideas about ways we can offset our other lost fundraiser to please contact us and make suggestions. I fear with the financial turmoil that resulted from the virus we are going to need to service more families that ever. Put your thinking cap on, we are open to listen to any ideas. Finally to reiterate what I spoke of a couple of weeks ago let’s all of us “Just be Kind” and we will not only get through all of these problems that 2020 seems to have brought in but we will be better for it.
Elgin Town Council Special Election
A Special Election for (1) One Seat on the Town Council will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Candidates for this Special Election should file at the Kershaw County Voter Registration Office at 609 Lafayette Ave, Camden SC 29020. Any person wishing to vote in this election must register no later than Saturday, July 4, 2020. Applications postmarked Monday July 5 will be accepted due to the Holiday. All other Fax, Email or Online submissions should be in no later than Midnight, July 4, 2020. Voters can register online at www. scVotes.org. Voters will be asked to provide one of the following Photo IDs at their polling place. S.C. Driver's License • ID Card issued by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles • S.C. Voter Registration Card with Photo • Federal Military ID • U.S. Passport If you have one of these IDs, you are ready to vote. Voters should remember to bring one of these IDs with them to the polling place. Voters without Photo ID can get one free of charge from the Department of Motor Vehicles or their county voter registration office. Voters who encounter an obstacle to getting a Photo ID should bring their paper voter registration card without a photo with them to their polling place. These voters can then sign an affidavit swearing to their identity and to their obstacle to obtaining a Photo ID and vote a provisional ballot. This ballot will count unless the county
board of voter registration and elections has grounds to believe the affidavit is false. For more information on Photo ID, visit scVOTES.org or contact your county board of voter registration and elections. At 9:00 a.m. on August 4, the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will begin its examination of the absentee ballot return envelopes at the Kershaw County Voter Registration Office, 609 Lafayette Ave, Camden SC 29020. At 9:00 a.m. on August 4, the County Board of Canvassers will hold a hearing to determine the validity of all provisional ballots cast in this election. This hearing will be held at the Kershaw County Voter Registration Office, 609 Lafayette Ave, Camden SC 29020 Precincts and polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.: Precincts 122 Elgin #1 125 Elgin #4
Polling Places Blaney Baptist Church 1400 Blaney Rd Elgin, SC 29045 Leslie M Stover School 1649 Smyrna Rd Elgin, SC 29045
Please Note that Polling Locations are subject to change and should be verified before you go to the polls.
Please Note: Voters in the Elgin #1 or Elgin #3 Precincts, will be voting at Elgin #1 for thisSpecial al Election only. Voters in the Elgin #2, Elgin #4 or Elgin #5 Precincts will vote at Elgin #4 for this Special Election only.
MAYOR'S DESK, Continued from Page 4 the need for an election ordinance due to Councilwoman Eyers Resignation and upcoming Special Election. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, July 7th at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved and if you miss
a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. We also now broadcast our meetings live on the Town of Elgin Facebook Page. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com June 12, 2020
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June 12, 2020
Black Lives Matter March Held in Camden
Like many African Americans, Jamiqq Tucker is tired. He is tired of being stereotyped because of the color of his skin. He is tired of injustices African Americans have suffered for far too long. "I’m just a regular black man that is tired of the injustice towards African Americans in our country," says Tucker. As protests across the country illustrate the widespread anger felt by many citizens, Tucker was led to march here in Kershaw County on June 1st. "My intentions for the peaceful protest was to just voice our frustrations and demand a change in our community before such injustice happens here in our town," says Tucker. "We have a lot of things lined up for the near future that is going to change things and our community's view of police officers." Tucker's goal is not to divide our community, but to bring us together. "Everything I did and am doing is for us," says Tucker. "I love my community and we’re trying to bridge the gap between everyone." Citizens and community leaders marched as well, including Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan. “The march this week was just the beginning," says Boan. "We don’t need to march every day. The message has been heard. Let’s start the necessary movement together. It’s hard to hate up close.”
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MUSC in partnership with Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc. to Conduct Free COVID-19 Testing in Camden and Elgin The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in partnership with Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc. will be conducting free COVID19 testing in Elgin on Thursday, June 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Stover Middle School located at 1649 Smyrna Road, Elgin. Testing is available at this mobile site in a drive-through or walk-up format for those interested in being tested. The South Carolina General Assembly adopted legislation in May, sending $25 million to MUSC to help with statewide COVID-19 testing. The Kershaw County Legislative Delegation, including Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk, Senator Vincent Sheheen, and Senator Thomas McElveen, were instrumental in securing the testing sites. “It is critical that smaller communities have access to free and extensive testing,” said Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk. “MUSC and Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc. have been great partners in meeting this demand by providing this free COVID-19 testing in Camden and Elgin. Testing has been a great need across the
state to keep South Carolinians safe and healthy. I am proud to serve our community in helping secure this testing as an important step on our road to recovery.” Senator Vincent Sheheen said, “Widespread testing of COVID-19 is critical to identify and treat individuals who test positive in order to prevent its spread. This testing is open to everyone and will help protect our citizens, get treatment to those who need it, and allow our frontline healthcare workers to better prepare and respond to the need.” “I’m very thankful that these resources are being deployed in different parts of Kershaw County,” said Senator Thomas McElveen. “We know that Kershaw County was “ground zero” for COVID19 in South Carolina; in the days that have since passed, Kershaw County has led in its response to combating this pandemic. Increased testing and diagnoses will lead to healthier outcomes for our citizens, and we continue to be so thankful for the health care workers who are giving their best each
and every day.” Testing is open to anyone that is interested in receiving it, symptomatic or not. Prescreening is not required, and the cost is free to patients. Patients will be contacted within seventy-two hours with the results of their test. Patients may email drivethruresults@musc.edu if they have questions regarding their results. If they do not have an email, they may call 843-985-8888. Drive-through testing is recommended, but walk-up testing will also be available. For the Elgin testing site, the Elgin Police Department will direct traffic at the school to the testing location. Elgin Mayor Melissa Emmons said, “I am extremely thankful and appreciative of the opportunity for our residents to have a drive-thru testing site in the Town of Elgin. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free testing that has been provided through this collaborative effort. It is crucial that we all work together and take the steps necessary to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
Happy 100th!
On June 1, 2020 Beatrice Bowen Branham Shirley celebrated her 100th birthday at Southwinds Assisted Living where she resides. Many friends and family paraded by her front porch to give their love and best wishes as well as a firetruck and deputy police vehicle, sirens blaring, joining the celebration! Ms. Bea, as she is called by so many, was born during the Spanish flu pandemic. She overcame the odds of surviving that pandemic and has now celebrated her 100th birthday during another pandemic. When asked what advice she has for those who want to live a long, fruitful life she replied, “just live for the Lord ( Jesus Christ)!” She is truly a blessing to her family and an amazing woman!
God's Closet
Free Children's Clothing
God's Closet is hosting an event to provide free clothes for children in the community from newborn to teens. June 14, 2020 from 12:00 to 2:00pm 1119 Smyrna Road, Elgin Please call 803-530-2370 with any questions. There is a $1 entrance fee. Donations of gently used clothes are also accepted.
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June 12, 2020
Slow and Steady Wins The Race First, skepticism is healthy. Experts have failed us, and following their advice has demolished our economy, impacting church and social life, too. And moreover, the entire deadly affair has become politicized by sensationalist I make the case for our continued inconve- media and demagogues. Too much commentary, not enough common-sense nience. This is a continued civic “call to arms,” and courtesy. Second, a free people acting in concert are powerful. Kershaw County but not to fight but rather to practice good hygiene that we all learned in Grade School. The seeks to empower appropriate behaviors, informing folks to make publicspirit of St. Paul in Phillipians is instructive, that spirited decisions on means and remedies. Directives don’t work in the USA. we …”do nothing out of vain conceit. Rather Our political process, contentious and stumbling, coalesces patriotic passions in humility, value others above yourselves not for just, self-sustaining ends. It is what Americans do. With those points in mind, we need to “work on our game.” We have let looking to your own interests but each of you looking to the interests of others.” Philosopher down our guard: our trend lines remain high. Recall Kershaw County at one Albert Camus put it another way, that every-day human decency is the best time led the State in cases, among the worst per capita in the Nation. That antidote to a plague. And here I ask we continue as we began the Pandemic: trend has not abated, and only now looks “better” because others are so much Bear the inconveniences on behalf of your neighbors and loved ones and worse. Each County has its own issues, and we have ours. Perhaps “reopening” and increased testing double-up to boost incident rates. Nevertheless, wear the mask, distance yourselves, wash your hands. See how we dampened our High School graduations last week – with the peril is still at our door, and may yet accelerate in the Fall. Lastly, a framework for decisions: Smart businesses, schools and govlimitations quite foreign to our Democracy. Why? Answer enough, because the alternative otherwise is unbearable. It merits repeating: our contagion in ernment offices are showing the way. Masking, distancing and hygiene are Kershaw County now goes beyond 350 cases, with DHEC estimates as high GOOD FOR BUSINESS. Customers are drawn to commerce that is safe, as 1 in 30 infected. Sure, masks hid triumphant smiles of parents and kids and repelled by lax enterprises. So, too, in our personal lives, risk can be rationally judged in classic “risk at school graduations; they fog up our glasses and are uncomfortable. Some contend that the Governor has eased our restrictions, so surely the risk is versus value” trade-offs, in contrast to what is otherwise a “gamble,” a roll less? Besides, the “COVID science” is unsettled; we are free peoples; and, of the dice with deadly outcomes. That visit to the grand-kids? That long “You can’t make me.” True only so far as that goes, when this deadly pan- planned social event? The chart below shows that statistics have stabilized at the pesky average of 3 to 6 cases a day, with each case imperiling as many demic demands changed behaviors for changed conditions. Denial is ingrained in human nature. Citizens deny, some disbelieve. Uni- as 10 more. In short, COVID remains with us for months to come. We don’t versal sentiments. Changing guidance has been unhelpful; unclear initially in so much need an answer but a way to decide. For example, is a social event the US, the population wavered -- some wholeheartedly complying, others so important or can things wait a while, giving time for therapies, testing outrightly defiant. You see for yourselves our mixed performance in hygiene and “easing” to generate “herd immunity” – or a vaccine? Further, the risk and compliance in any grocery or family reunion, and as correspondingly remains deadly for the elderly and those with preconditions, the “vulnerable.” Therefore, as I say, endure the temporary inconvenience for the greater reflected in rising cases and grievous morbidity. So, what to do? We want to open businesses, to attend church, to see good. “Don’t go ‘sloppy:’ Exercise hygiene; mask, separate, isolate; but, get Grandparents, but deterred by looming uncertainties. There are no rote an- on with life” while attending intelligently to emerging trends that can advise swers; so, we need a framework – we need a way to decide, leaving it to an us. To conclude, slow and steady wins, and win we will because we are #KCStrong. informed public to choose. Let’s review the situation. By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com June 12, 2020
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Christian Home Educators of Camden Students Graduate in May 30 Ceremony
Back row L to R: Jeffry Newton Moody, Ethan Wade Broughton, Kaleb Vernon Wise, and Gabriel Luke Sullivan. Front L to R: Abby Louise Woolington, Jenna Josephine Strobel, Hannah Maria Gustafson, Abigail Ruth Watts, Rachel Elizabeth Stephens, and Collins Lee Moranos.
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June 12, 2020
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Blessed are the Peacemakers
Sheriff Lee Boan
It has been a tough time for peacemakers lately. We have made mistakes in the past and we will make mistakes in the fuThere are over 800,000 law enforcement officers in America. The vast ma- ture. We will always try our best but we will never achieve perfection. jority are good. When just 1 of the 800,000 does wrong, many people hold Being a peacemaker is not easy. We are human. But, we are the last profesthe entire 800,000 accountable. sion in the world that would give up on our community. Love us or hate us, No other profession in the world is held to a higher standard. I agree, we we will ALWAYS be there for you. should be held to the highest standard. We have the ability to take a person’s One more thing... freedom. That is a lot of power. With great power comes great responsibility. you don’t have to wear a badge to be a peacemaker.
Reopening Schools in August By: Dr. Frank Morgan Guest Writer
The reopening of South Carolina schools in the context of COVID-19 will be a daunting task in an uncertain environment. There is currently a lot of discussion at the state level about how to reopen schools in a safe and productive manner. To reopen our schools, some very complicated variables will need to be carefully considered. Health and Safety The most important consideration must be the health and safety of students and employees. Social distancing will certainly be part of any scenario. However, social distancing in a school is extraordinarily difficult given the typical number of students and the actual size of classrooms and other areas like hallways, cafeterias, rest rooms, libraries, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and offices. Adding teachers to reduce class size for social distancing is probably not practical because of the existing teacher shortage and because there aren’t enough extra classrooms. Therefore, a rotating schedule that reduces the number of students attending school at one time is at least a possibility. Such a schedule would undoubtedly create logistical problems for families and add cost and complexity for functions like transportation and food service. Beyond social distancing, there will need to be continuous sanitizing of facilities. Classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, offices, and everywhere else will need constant cleaning with increasingly expensive commercial products. School buses will have to be included in the enhanced cleaning protocols. In addition, there will need to be nurses in every school to oversee the monitoring of student and staff health and to respond to illnesses that occur. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and facility modifications like plexiglas shields in high contact areas will also be part of the equation. All of these areas will necessitate major expenditures. Instruction It goes without saying that teachers did a phenomenal job of quickly retooling instruction to online and distance learning in response to the sudden closing of schools in March. In spite of these exemplary efforts, there will be significant learning gaps to close when schools reopen, gaps that will require time, resources, and attention. The state’s Accelerate Ed task force, which has been charged with makJune 12, 2020
ing recommendations about the reopening of schools, has been discussing various solutions to closing these learning gaps, including summer instruction for the primary grades and adding five additional days to the start of the school year for all students. I’m not sure these are uniformly the best solutions for every district and I also wonder if they are sufficient to meet the enormity of the problem. A great deal of additional instructional time could be generated by eliminating the state’s yearly marathon of bubble testing, which takes a month to administer beyond the extensive time allocated for review before the tests. Under the present circumstances, I’m not sure these tests will actually measure anything meaningful. The $17 million the state spends on these tests could certainly be redirected to actual classrooms. $17 million equates to over $20 per student in a state that hasn’t funded education at the legally required level in over 10 years. I remain quite concerned that if some kind of rotating scheduled is implemented to promote social distancing, teachers will end up being expected to operate both a physical classroom and a distance learning environment without adequate time or resources to do so effectively. The practical impact on teachers must be priority in any plan to reopen schools. Teachers will ultimately bear the brunt of whatever approach is taken. Our state certainly doesn’t need any further exodus of teachers from the profession. Reopening Safely and Productively Under the best of circumstances, reopening schools will be challenging. I certainly understand why state political and business leaders want schools back in session. Reopening schools is essential to restarting the state economy, if for no other reason than the child care function that schools have traditionally served. Reopening schools in way that promotes community confidence will require a large, long-term investment for both enhanced health and safety measures and programs to address the learning gaps that have worsened over the past three months. I do wonder if there is really the political will to make such an ongoing investment. I also have great concern that state decision-makers will simply toss the responsibility for reopening schools into the laps of local districts without adequate resources, flexibility, and support to properly address the numerous practical problems involved. I hope communities across our state are ready to advocate assertively with state leaders for what is needed to reopen schools safely and productively. (Dr. Frank Morgan is a retired educator living in Kershaw County.)
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