Teachers, parents protest Washoe County School District plan

RENO — Dozens of teachers and parents have gathered outside of a high school in Nevada to argue against the Washoe County School District’s decision to reopen schools during the coronavirus pandemic.

The demonstration was held Tuesday outside of Spanish Springs High School in Sparks, north of Reno, where the district met in-person a few days before students are expected to return on Monday.

The demonstration came after the district released a new reopening plan to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. But many teachers and parents have raised concern over the safety of the plan and how to implement it.

“Too many of the answers that we’re getting from the district are we don’t know yet, we don’t know yet, and that’s not acceptable,” said Robert Munson, a Washoe County teacher.

The district meeting started at 4 p.m. and ended after 1 a.m. Wednesday. Most of the speakers were teachers who said they were frustrated with the decision.

“You look at the fact that we haven’t even started in-person instruction and were already having schools having positive tests and teachers having to quarantine themselves and as soon as we open schools we are going to see that problem being exacerbated,” President of Empower Nevada Teachers Calen Evans said.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill said she supports peaceful protesting and argued that the board is doing its best to protect its students and staff.

“These are very interesting times, and there’s a lot of anxiety and a lot of concern. But every time we’re hearing a concern, we’re addressing it,” McNeill said.

She added: “There is not an action item right now on the agenda right for any change, and at this point in time we are moving forward in opening up our schools to 64,000 kids on the 17th.”