New Atlanta Superintendent Talks About Decision To Open Schools Remotely
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring joins “Closer Look” to discuss what APS students can expect when they return to school virtually Aug. 24.
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Atlanta’s new schools Superintendent Lisa Herring officially started her job July 1. However, Atlanta Public Schools paid Herring as a consultant for the month of June. That gave her some time to prepare to lead the district of just under 50,000 students and guide it through reopening schools in the middle of a pandemic.
“I’m grateful for the consulting window,” Herring tells WABE. “It really helps you inform decisions. I’m grateful to have been a sitting superintendent [of the Birmingham City Schools] coming into another superintendency. It is overwhelming enough. A lot of things aren’t familiar. Nobody’s ready for a pandemic.”
APS has decided to begin the school year remotely. In this interview, Herring talks about the factors involved in making that decision and the challenges that remain before classes begin Aug. 24.
While all districts have students in poverty, 50% of students in APS are considered “economically disadvantaged.” That could present some unique challenges as the district tries to bridge the digital divide among its students.
Although many teachers and parents agree that the decision to start the year online is the right one from a health and safety perspective, Herring admits it will be hard for some families to manage.
“We will not ignore that that decision to go virtual creates a hardship for many households,” she said. “And yet, we are hopeful and optimistic that the understanding around why we made that decision is embraced even with the frustration.”
A note of disclosure: The Atlanta Board of Education holds WABE’s broadcast license.
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