Letter to the editor: Schools taking care of employees

This letter is in response to Michael Sierk’s letter criticizing local schools for moving to online learning during an out-of-control pandemic (“Closing schools is not containing spread,” Jan. 1, TribLIVE). Mr. Sierk, I am an itinerant teacher in schools all over Westmoreland County. Our custodians, cafeteria workers, secretarial staff, classroom aides, teachers and administrative staff members are very important to us.

Are you aware that two secretaries in Westmoreland County schools have died from covid-19 complications? We have beloved custodians, aides and others who are very sick from covid-19. We care deeply for our co-workers’ health and safety. The schools that I have been in since covid have been admirable in implementing safety measures, but it is not the schools that are a threat to “community spread.” It is the irresponsibility of the community that is a threat to the schools. It is super-spreader events, rallies, parties and refusal to comply with health department and governor’s orders that is creating the “harm (to) students with no benefit to the community.”

There is a saying that can be attributed to many, but I choose this Swedish proverb: “Sweep first before your own door, before you sweep the doorsteps of your neighbors.”

Patricia Babinsack

Lower Burrell