METAIRIE, La. — Jefferson Parish Cynthia Lee Sheng asked JP School officials to push back the start of the school year, hoping the parish’s improving COVID-19 numbers will continue and give students a safer start.
Sheng mentioned her request during a press conference Thursday morning on COVID-19 in Jefferson Parish. She noted that she does not have any authority to change the school calendar.
"I did request a meeting with the superintendent and speak with several board members and ask that they consider a late start date," Sheng said. "This is not under my authority."
The school system issued a statement Thursday that did not address the comments by Sheng, but reiterated the position that they want schools to open and run as safely as possible.
"We value input from our teachers, and anticipate there will need to be adjustments as plans are put into practice. Our primary intent for starting school now is to make sure that we educate our students to give them the best possible outcome. The protocols laid out in Start Strong Jefferson, utilizing evidence-based guidance from local health officials, will help us return to school in the safest way possible."
Teachers at a school board meeting Wednesday night made a similar request, saying schools just aren’t ready to take in students safely.
“To me, a three-week delay to see right where we are coming off of this was my ask to them, but of course I want to respect their authority," she said. "I’m a parent too, getting ready to send my kid to school."
Students are set to join teachers in the classroom on Aug. 12.