The devastating impact of the Covid shutdown is becoming even clearer, with the latest round of statewide test scores showing students suffered staggering learning loss.

Every school system had to face the decision back in 2021 of when to re-open classrooms following the pandemic.

The question sparked heated debates over what was best for our kids. It became health and safety versus potential learning loss.

“We have a growing number of families who want this in-person option,” said Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises during a January 2021 news conference.

“Setting arbitrary dates, making threats, holding press conferences is not the way we’re going to get to in-person learning,” said President of the Maryland State Education Association Cheryl Bost in January 2021.