ICYMI: Collins Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Reopening Schools

Press Release

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) yesterday hosted a roundtable discussion with teachers and administrators from Hall County and Gainesville City Schools to discuss the need to safely reopen our schools this fall. Collins was joined by his wife, Lisa, who just retired after over 30 years of teaching elementary school in Hall County Schools.

"Giving parents the option to send their children back to school is imperative to ensure students do not miss out on the critical learning opportunities vital for their development," Collins said. "I appreciate the teachers, administrators, and staff who shared their insight at last night's roundtable and, most importantly, for their dedication to our students. It is the care and attention of our educators that makes the greatest difference in our children."

During the roundtable, both Hall County and Gainesville City teachers and administrators emphasized the need to reopen our schools and to find ways to safely ensure schools offer in-person learning this fall. As one of the participants mentioned, "Our children are conditioned to learn from school, not home, where there are too many distractions." Superintendent Will Schofield emphasized the disparity this gap in education will create for children in poverty: "One year of [virtual] teaching takes a poverty-stricken child three years to catch up."

Those who attended the roundtable included:

Jeremy Williams, Gainesville City School System Superintendent
Steven London, Gainesville Middle School Teacher
Dr. Wesley Roach, Principal of Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy
Penny Fowler, Gainesville City School System Nutrition Director
Adam Lindsey, Gainesville City School System Athletic Director

Will Schofield, Hall County Schools Superintendent
Dr. Karla Swafford, Hall County Schools Executive Director of Special Education
Cheryl Jones, Hall County Schools Director of School Nutrition
Nath Morris, Vice-Chairman of the Hall County School Board

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