NYC Officials Urge Delay For September School Return

NEW YORK CITY — Two prominent New York City officials want the city to hold back on plans to open schools in September.

Schools should reopen later in the fall and only for youngest or most in-need students, said City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and city Councilman Mark Treyger in separate proposals unveiled over the weekend.

The proposals differ slightly in the details, but both stress the need for careful preparations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"In short - New York has not made the preparations to safely bring students back," Williams' proposal states.

The return to in-person class is not guaranteed and remains subject to state approval, despite Mayor Bill de Blasio's recent promises that school will return in September.

De Blasio on Monday said he'll look at Williams' proposal but "Plan A" is still a September return under a "blended learning" model in which students alternate in-school and out-of-school class days.

Parents should plan to for school to return and know they'll have the option to keep their children remote, he said.

"Right now we are moving forward with that plan,” he said, noting it could change if coronavirus cases spike.

Williams' proposal calls to reopen schools in October only for students ages 10 and younger, who are less likely to spread the virus.

Treyger, who chairs the Council's education committee, also calls for elementary students to return to class. His proposal also includes students with individualized education plans, who live in temporary housing or foster care or unsafe environments, or who are learning the English language.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will make a decision on New York City's schools' potential reopening by Aug. 7.

Williams' proposal can be read here.

Treyger's letter can be read here.