AASA Issues Statement in Reaction to President Biden’s COVID-19 Response Plan
January 21, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
James Minichello
703-875-0723
703-774-6953 (cell)
jminichello@aasa.org
Alexandria, Va. – January 21, 2021 – Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, issued the following statement today in response to President Biden’s COVID-19 response plan.
“AASA represents the nation’s public school leaders and applauds the clear, strong and decisive direction being demonstrated on Day One of the Biden administration. The National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness and Executive Orders released today represent a much-needed step forward in a coordinated response to the ongoing pandemic and will help to alleviate some of the downward pressure and decision making that was placed upon local leaders to date.
“Specific to the plan and executive order’s education-related elements, we are pleased to see many of the items AASA had recommended and mentioned in our communications with the transition team, including a focus on K-12 education funding, FEMA reimbursement for schools, a directive for updated U.S. Education Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health and Human Services guidance, expanded screening and testing in schools, and pushing the FCC to support student connectivity in their homes.
“This direct responsiveness to practitioner feedback is critical and demonstrates that the Biden administration, serious in its priority of opening schools in its first 100 days, recognizes that the ultimate work and responsibility of opening schools lies with local school system leaders and that, as such, their voice, insights and recommendations should be reflected in any nationwide plan.
“We look forward to working with the Biden administration, welcome the confirmation of Education Secretary nominee Miguel Cardona and stand ready to support the important work of safely opening the nation’s public schools.”
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For specific questions, please contact Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA associate executive director, advocacy and governance, at nellerson@aasa.org.
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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
