In our opinion, the data suggests schools are NOT safe and DO contribute to the spread of the virus – both within schools and within their surrounding communities. Because of this, many should be closed to in-person learning at least through January, if not longer – especially as cases continue to rise across the country.

In this case, the reason for closing schools has less to do with preventing the spread of coronavirus among children (who aren't hit hard by the virus), and more to do with preventing the spread to parents, grandparents, teachers and adult staff, who may be at risk for more serious infections, Johnson said.

In a scramble to improve student performance and address funding shortages, districts are proposing school closures on large scales. Although parents and teachers are voicing their concerns about such sweeping moves, school and government officials maintain that closing under-performing schools is the right thing to do.