Retired educator concerned about teacher safety

Retired educator concerned about teacher safety

New at ten -- precautions against coronavirus are expensive.

Today -- governor kay ivey announced more funding for health care and remote learning in public schools.

170-million dollars will now go towards two different grant programs. each public school district in alabama will receive at least 70 thousand dollars from the education health and wellness grant program.

They will also receive 100- thousand dollars from the educational remote learning devices grant program.

Some districts are getting a lot more.

The majority of districts in north alabama are receiving well over that minimum amount.

Right now -- you're taking a look at how much huntsville city schools... madison city schools... and madison county schools are receiving.

As parents weigh the decision whether to send their children back to the classroom -- many teachers aren't given that same option.

Waay 31's megan reyna joins us live after speaking to a retired teacher about the concerns regarding safety -- and why she believes this funding is crucial in order to create a safe environment.

I'm outside blossomwood elementary school in huntsville.

I talked to a woman named gloria gann.

She spent years as a sixth grade teacher.

She's now retired from teaching in the classroom - but is still reflecting on just how conflicting this situation is for educators in north alabama.

Gann says:"it's a very difficult decision because you're giving and taking both ways."

Gloria gann is in her 80's and still educating... but only virtually.

Gann says:"it just feels right to teach, i love to teach."

She's been retired from the classroom for several years -- but has taken up online tutoring.

Right now -- gann knows she's safe -- but that's not the case for teachers across north alabama.

Gann says:"its a hard thing to ask someone to be in contact with that many people and especially children, who are not at all concerned about distancing or masks or anything else, and so it's a constant battle for that."

However -- districts have access to more funding when it comes to health-related costs.

Under the education health and wellness grant program it'll cover costs of health care professionals... testing... nursing supplies... creation of isolation areas... thermometers... and modification of school transportation.

Gann says:"you're putting your life on the line, no doubt about it and i just think the schools before they open up for students need to be very health conscious and keep their students safe."

Gann believes this funding by the alabama state department of education is a step in the right direction... and is hopeful districts will take full advantage of it.

Gann says:"it's hard to make your decision until you know exactly what that classroom will look like."

Now we reached out to several school districts across north alabama including madison county schools madison city schools and huntsville city schools regarding these two grants -- and they declined to comment tonight.

However -- huntsville city schools did say it has implemented numerous measures to promote a safe and healthy environment for teachers but didn't go into detail on those changes.

Reporting live in hsv mr waay 31 news.