Letter to the Editor: Overcrowded classrooms

Dear Editor:

I am writing to say that I am seriously concerned that classes in DUSD have way too many students, considering the current surge of COVID-19 cases all over LA County. 

We’re hearing that the high school classes are mostly at 40+ and middle schools at 35+. That’s too many for academic reasons, even in a normal year. 

These numbers don’t allow for proper distancing, and without mandated vaccinations or even testing effective immediately (not just in a month from now), will be a recipe for certain outbreaks and then closures. I’m definitely not the only concerned parent either, as you’ll see by looking on social media.

It’s also not fair to say that if we don’t like this for our kids, we should choose the online option, considering it’s completely independent study and beyond what most students and parents can handle.

We haven’t even heard what the plans/ protocols will be when cases are reported. Will all students/parents be informed when a teacher or classmate gets sick or tests positive?

I certainly hope and pray that the situation does not get extreme but I know we need to do better, especially for our younger kids who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. I look forward to hearing from the school district.

Marcella Barba-Olmos
Downey