Let’s walk this tightrope together

Jeremy Gulley is walking a tightrope.

On one side, public health. On the other side, public education.

On one side, a desire to keep the coronavirus from spreading. On the other, a desire to get kids back in the classroom.

On one side, employees nervous about their own health risks. On the other, the knowledge that every day out of the classroom is a day in diminished in a child’s education.

The superintendent of Jay Schools is walking a tightrope.

He’s been doing so for a few months now, and he has to continue down that path.

But you can help. How?

By recognizing that the pandemic threat has not disappeared like a bad dream, by recognizing that it’s still very much with us, and by behaving like a grown-up.

The proposed plan for reopening Jay Schools that was unveiled this week is based upon a “low spread” of COVID-19 in our community.

What’s that mean? Your guess is as good as ours.

The state, in its infinite wisdom, hasn’t provided any credible metrics on what constitutes a “low spread” or a “high spread” or anything in between. The Indiana Department of Education has punted decision-making to local school boards, much as the Trump administration has punted broad policy from the federal level to the states.

So what we’re talking about is essentially a “seat of the pants” judgment.

And those who have been watching the numbers closely know that the situation can change dramatically and quickly. LaGrange County this week made public mask-wearing required. Why? Because the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases quadrupled in about three weeks.

A few weeks back, their numbers were close to Jay County’s. Then they took off, doubling then doubling again.

They went from “low spread” to “off the charts” in no time.

Let’s not let that happen here.

Pay attention. Recognize that the pandemic isn’t over. It’s a nuisance, but it’s not over.

Wear a mask. Sure, it’s a pain in the neck. But it makes a difference, and that has been documented again and again.

A mask is not a political statement. It’s a common sense statement. Keep your distance. Wash your hands.

And if we follow those guidelines, we can help Jay Schools — and the entire community — make it to the other end of that tightrope. — J.R.