An Abundance of Caution

Dear Dr. Watts,

Thank you so much for your attention to this email. As a teacher at GCPS for nine years, I am thankful that I can email and communicate directly with my superintendent. I would like to speak with you about the abundance of caution that was shown to our families in our county. It was so kind to communicate early that families could focus on their loved ones during a potentially dangerous hurricane; young people would not be placed in a potentially dangerous situation. Instead, the young people in our county could be with their families as they–the families–navigated employment, housing, potential damages, electricity and utilities, and access to transportation, which all become relevant issues during emergencies, such as the state of emergency called by our governor Brian Kemp. The message that families could be together and that young people would be home was communicated through this abundance of caution.

I am writing to you today because I do not feel that this same abundance was granted to your employees–the staff of Gwinnett County Public Schools. While Thursday, today, is a digital learning day, teachers were required to come into the same buildings that young people were not sent to out of an abundance of caution. Teachers, many of whom–myself included–have young children, were required to find childcare for their children or bring them into the building deemed unsafe out of an abundance of caution. I would be sitting in my empty classroom with my seven-year-old daughter when all the other children in the county would be home with their families. I would have to be concerned about whether our home was being damaged, flooding was occurring, or if my pets were okay. Instead, I had to use time off to avoid putting my daughter in a potentially dangerous situation.

It is with a heavy heart that I express my disappointment in the lack of caution shown to our staff. During a time when teachers are stressed and leaving the classroom because of so many issues related to safety that are beyond our control, we should be doing everything we can to help our staff feel safe. Safety at work is a right. Regardless of the storm's outcome, an abundance of caution was extended to our families. I would like to request the same abundance be given to our staff. I request that safety be a priority for all stakeholders in GCPS.

Thank you for reading this letter. I know I do not speak for all the other angry voices in the comments or on social media platforms, but I am not the only teacher feeling this way today. With safety being a concern and focus in our county right now, I would like to offer this as a way for you to hear our voices. I remember the Dr. Watts that held community events at parks where young people could come and talk about their concerns, ranging from LGBTQ+ issues to minority representation in schools and curricula. Many youth groups came to speak with you. I hope that you continue to listen to the children and your staff.

Best regards

Glenn Rhoades