Listen to “Outbreak Alabama: Stories from a Pandemic,” above.
Today, we hear Dr. Vic Wilson, the executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. He’s also former Superintendent of Hartselle City Schools. Wilson has spent about 25 years working in education, with professionals from Pre–K through graduate school. He’ also been a principal, assistant principal, teacher and coach.
It’s been more than a week now since the first few school systems opened in Alabama, with dozens of others joining them this week. AL.com education reporter Trish Crain says the schools are reopening carefully, with a huge emphasis on safety of students and staff. Students are wearing masks, and many students are learning in small groups.
State superintendents are hopeful and glad to have kids back, but Trish reports they’re certainly concerned about reports of coronavirus exposure. About 260,000 students have opted to stay home and learn online when their system does reopen. Another 250,000 are zoned for systems that chose to stay online only for now.
I spoke to Dr. Vic Wilson about how Alabama schools have done after reopening so far, what he’s hearing right now from principals and teachers, what a typical day looks like inside Alabama schools now, why the state doesn’t require COVID-19 testing for staff or students and the many challenges educators are facing as the semester begins.
Trish Crain co-produced this episode.
“Outbreak Alabama” will release two or three episodes per week, chronicling the experiences of those directly impacted by COVID-19′s spread, including health care professionals, business owners, city leaders, artists, AL.com reporters and many others.
If you or anyone you know is affected by coronavirus and want to share your story, please email bflanagan@al.com. For all of our coverage on the outbreak and how it continues to impact Alabama, visit AL.com/coronavirus.
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