There has been a lot of discussion this past week about our schools in South Carolina, from where our federal funds are going, to how we safely envision a reopening process. As a former public school teacher, I wanted to share my thoughts. (Thread )

When it comes to federal funds from the CARES Act meant to help public schools adapt in times of COVID, the money should go to public schools. Full stop.

South Carolina's education system falls below "minimally adequate" funding by the state's own guidelines, and our teachers are still waiting to see if state leaders will make good on their promises for increased funding.

Public schools are now being asked to provide virtual and in-person instruction, implement social distancing, supply PPE, and completely re-work programs — they need resources to do so. Private schools also received PPP grants, something our public schools were not eligible for.

When it comes to reopening our schools, the solution is not a sound bite. It will be a complex process.

The safety and well being of our children, educators, and their families must be top priority, but that fact alone does not lead to a single, broad solution.

Indefinite virtual learning sounds simple, but the reality is not. School is sometimes the only lifeline for kids facing abuse, neglect, or hunger at home.

We cannot leave these kids behind. No plan is complete without considering how we protect our most vulnerable children.

10,000 kids are unaccounted for in SC. That's because many households lack access to broadband — an issue that plagues my district.

We cannot leave these kids behind. No plan is complete without considering how we provide these children with an opportunity to learn as well.

We have already lost a child in SC to COVID. One is too many.

No plan is complete without considering how we implement testing for our teachers and children to reduce risk. If we can do this for our professional athletes, we can do it for our teachers and schools.

We will not have a workable plan unless teachers are at the table. Unless public health officials are at the table. Unless parents from all economic backgrounds are at the table to explore how theoretical proposals would actually play out for families.

In areas without straightforward solutions, we need flexibility for communities to try different things. State and federal leaders should provide that, along with honest, up-to-date information about this health crisis. Rigid mandates prevent us from meeting the challenge.

We are all in this together and should be working collaboratively to find the best possible solutions for our children and their families.

We owe a tremendous debt to our amazing educators and we owe the best and safest future we can provide for all our kids.