BOARD of Education Chairman Andrew Orsini on Tuesday reiterated “to the parents out there” that schools “are the safest places in the Commonwealth.”
In a board meeting conducted online, Orsini informed other education officials that he had visited public schools preparing to reopen their campuses on Jan. 3, 2022.
Schools are currently on Christmas holiday break.
When they reopen on Monday Jan. 3, classes can be held face-to-face as unanimously approved by the board earlier this month.
On Tinian and Rota, resuming face-to-face classes is at the discretion of the commissioner of education.
Thank you
Orsini opened the regular BOE meeting Tuesday by expressing his appreciation to Associate Commissioner of Administration Eric Magofna and Accountability, Research and Evaluation Senior Director Dr. Rizalina Liwag for serving as acting commissioners during the absence of Education Commissioner Alfred B. Ada who was on medical leave.
Orsini also thanked the principals, vice principals, teachers and school staffers “who were all out there in the schools and in full force” since the start of the current school year.
Orsini at the same time assured parents that “the school is the safest place right now in the entire Commonwealth.”
“I can assure you that the virus is from outside our schools,” he added.
He said all schools are in compliance with the required safety protocols, and everyone in the Public School System is observing the three W’s: Watch your distance, Wash your hands and Wear your mask.
In addition, he said students and school staff continued to be tested to make sure that everyone is comfortable with face-to-face learning.
Orsini also noted that the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. have assured the BOE that it is safe to open the schools.
He wants to remind parents that their children’s failure to attend classes will affect their learning, especially those at the elementary level.
“Again, I am giving you the assurance that your child is safe at school,” Orsini said.
Also attending the only BOE meeting on Tuesday were Board Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, members Maise B. Tenorio, Anthony L. Borja and Gregory P. Borja, teacher representative Phyllis Ain, Education Commissioner Alfred Ada and other PSS officials.
Board of Education Chairman Andrew Orsini gestures during a BOE meeting earlier this year.
