The School District of Philadelphia released the results of a survey that was open for responses from June 15, 2020, through June 22, 2020, on Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. William Hite stated more than 36,000 people responded.
Among the 15,000 parents/guardians who responded, 47 percent said they would send their children back to school under the current circumstances. When asked if safety measures were put in place, this number rose to 62 percent.
In regards to operating with shifts on alternating days of the week, 24 percent of school-based staff and 27 percent of parents/guardians would feel comfortable with this. Daily attendance, but also with shifts was met with favor from 24% of school-based staff and 21% of parents/guardians.
The survey also found wearing a mask (30 percent), daily building cleaning (14 percent), and handwashing/sanitizer stations (14 percent) ranked as the top three safety measures respondents found helpful to "the development of a safe and effective reopening plan."
As the summer continues, Dr. Hite stated the launch of a town hall series for the public to remain informed about a safe and healthy reopening of schools. This will also allow the public to share feedback and have an open discussion. Learn more here.