Sen. Berger Statement on Allowing Elementary Schools to Open for In-Person Instruction

Raleigh, N.C. — Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following statement on Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement allowing elementary schools to open for in-person instruction:

“Parents, teachers, and students are at their wits end struggling to try to make virtual learning work. This announcement from Gov. Cooper is a step in the right direction, but he needs to provide all parents with the option of full-time, in-person instruction. His new plan ignores the needs of low-income and exceptional students in middle and high schools for in-person instruction. We continue to hear that these decisions are being made based on ‘science.’ What is the science that says it’s safe for 5th graders to be in school full time, but it’s not safe for 6th graders?

“It’s puzzling to me how the Governor can insist that only he can make decisions about smaller issues like playground openings, but then pass off political responsibility for something as important as schools. That’s not leadership — it’s avoiding the tough calls in an election year.”