Providence parents protest, call for transparency on reopening plans

Some parents tell ABC 6 they still have no idea what they're child's classroom will be like.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Parents from 11 different Providence schools are demanding transparency from local officials about the data that is coming out of the school walk-throughs and also what their child’s classroom will look like.

In just five days, students in Providence will be heading back to school in some form or another. The district is staggering reopening and also offering a hybrid model for older students.

But some parents say they still have no idea what they’re child’s classroom will be like.

“We’re planning to send our daughter on monday,” said Parent Jeremy Giller. “But I don’t feel great about it.”

Dozens gathered at Veazie Elementary School Wednesday saying they need more information, such as how many students will be in the room and how the desks will be spaced.

“We are not getting any information about the classrooms, how many people are going to be in a classroom, what they’re going to do for safety. Nothing. I’m not getting any information,” said Parent Helena Dahm.

Parents say they are also concerned about the results of the school walk-throughs. They think that information should be made public.

“We’re dealing with some pretty old, challenging school buildings. And so we really need classroom by classroom information on what the plan is,” said Parent Jenna Karlin.

They  say without this information it’s nearly impossible for them to decide whether or not to send their child in person, and the clock is ticking.

“They’re telling us they have a good plan, they’re telling us we should trust them. But providing the information would actually allow us to do that,” said Karlin.

The other hot topic issue the parents brought up are the concerns over ventilation.

A spokesperson for Providence Public Schools told ABC 6 in part that the schools did work with an air quality engineer over the summer to ensure they are in compliance with CDC guidelines.

As for the rest of the issues the parents broached, we have not yet received comment from the school district.