Educators are concerned about the cost of safely reopening SC’s public schools.

School busing, classroom and cafeteria safety proposals could cost millions of dollars the districts don’t have.

“We were strapped with funding prior to covid-19.” SC Education Association President Sherry East told WISTV.

The AccelerateSC task force’s proposals include:

• Installing HVAC filtering systems and hand sanitizer stations throughout buildings.

• Spraying classrooms twice daily and wiping surfaces before class changes.

• Hiring full-time nurses. 166 schools have none.

• Eating pre-packaged meals inside classrooms. The costs and labor hours per meal are higher, educators say.

• Buses not exceed 50% capacity, requiring more routes and drivers.

• Parents asked to drive their children to school if possible.

• Asking parents to take their children’s temperatures before they leave home.

• Requiring employees to wear masks when they are not able to social distance.

• Having teachers rotate classes instead of students.

• Alternating student days at school.

• A hybrid of e-learning and classroom instruction. The task force acknowledged this may cost more than many districts can afford.

They are asking the General Assembly to create health and safety grants for school districts.

They also advised districts to revise their budgets and build in contingencies because they don’t know how much state or federal money each district will receive.

You can email feedback to www.accelerate@ed.sc.gov .