Just a day after Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order for state employees to “return to the office,” Senate President Pro Tem-elect Lonnie Paxton and Senator Kristen Thompson announced they were going to reintroduce legislation to limit virtual days in public school.
“We continue to see the disastrous and inefficient effects virtual learning is having on our children. We also continue to see school districts across the state plan their calendars for next year that include even more virtual days. Children learn best when they are in the classroom. They also learn critical social skills and how to interact with their peers. Virtual learning also puts a strain on working parents, who must find childcare or take off from work. For these reasons and more is why Senator Thompson and I have decided to refile legislation from last session that will limit virtual days in public schools,” Paxton said.
During the previous legislative session, a bill to limit virtual days fell short of making it through the process. It mandated that virtual days would be used only for inclement weather, staff shortages, illness, building maintenance issues, or if deemed necessary by school administrators and approved by the State Department of Education.
Thompson is the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Education and a member of the Senate Education Committee.
“This is necessary legislation to ensure students are getting the best education possible, which is in-person and in the classroom. I have seen firsthand the lack of quality instruction that occurs on a remote learning day. We have a responsibility to our children that they get the best education possible. I look forward to filing this measure again,” said Thompson.
