A former elementary school administrator and teacher, Morgan Barth is a parent located in Nashville, Tennessee. On August 10, 2020, WKRN News 2, a local news outlet, published a story about a petition Morgan Barth created, regarding school closures in the area. The petition proposed giving local parents the choice of where their children should go to school.
Barth published his petition online during his two kindergarten-aged daughters’ second week of remote learning. A small business owner unable to assist his children during the day, Barth and his wife hired a babysitter to oversee them while they were gone. Barth expressed concern for parents without that luxury. He explained that they have to choose between working to provide for their families, or staying home to help their children attend virtual school.
Basing his decision on then-current public health guidelines and knowledge of COVID-19’s reduced effects on children relative to adults, Barth’s petition proposed that Metro Schools reopen after Labor Day of 2020 so students receive a well-rounded, engaging education. He placed special emphasis on elementary school students and students in special education programs. Like hospitals, he called schools essential services, so parents should have the power to choose where their children receive their education.
Barth published his petition online during his two kindergarten-aged daughters’ second week of remote learning. A small business owner unable to assist his children during the day, Barth and his wife hired a babysitter to oversee them while they were gone. Barth expressed concern for parents without that luxury. He explained that they have to choose between working to provide for their families, or staying home to help their children attend virtual school.
Basing his decision on then-current public health guidelines and knowledge of COVID-19’s reduced effects on children relative to adults, Barth’s petition proposed that Metro Schools reopen after Labor Day of 2020 so students receive a well-rounded, engaging education. He placed special emphasis on elementary school students and students in special education programs. Like hospitals, he called schools essential services, so parents should have the power to choose where their children receive their education.
