VIDEO: Raimondo Makes Major Announcements on Schools As She Presses for In-Class Reopening

VIDEO: Raimondo Makes Major Announcements on Schools As She Presses for In-Class Reopening

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced on Monday a number of initiatives and updates relating to schools including that the state has set up an "education operations center" -- spearheaded by the Rhode Island National Guard -- to address the return to in-school learning this fall.

"As you may know, whenever we have a snowstorm, a hurricane, or another major statewide event, we stand up what’s called the EOC – the Emergency Operations Center," said Raimondo. "Today, I’m excited to announce that we’re launching a different type of EOC – an Education Operations Center (EdOC)."

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Raimondo, during a Monday press conference, said that the "24/7" operation will be "focused on real-time support for our schools, drawing on the logistics expertise of the Rhode Island National Guard."

"We, the state, are going to provide testing, contact tracing and case investigation," said Raimondo, of the breakdown of responsibilies between state government -- and school districts. "Operations will be able to assist with anything a school needs — if a schools running low on hand sanitizer, or masks."

Raimondo also spoke on Monday to parameters about how private and paraochial schools can reopen -- and also addressed the developmemt over the weekened that Rhode Islanders receiving unemployment benefits are set to receieve an additional, one-time payment of $900, after the $600 a week federal assistance payment expired. 

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"We’ve learned over the past 6 months how to do this — an outbreak in a nursing home, an outbreak in the prison system — we’ve learned how to deploy teams quickly," said Raimondo. "If you’re a principal or a super, you’re the frontline responsibly but we’re right there with you." 

"This isn’t going to stop once the doors are open. They’ll do continuous and unannounced onsite inspections and audits. It’s not a gotcha — if you’re not in compliance, we’re going to help you get into compliance," said Raimondo. "We’re ready — everyone has to be patient, innovative, and thoughtful — I believe this to be the most comprehensive to do right by our teachers, right by our students."

Private and Parochial Schools 

"Next Monday we’ll be making our school reopening decision based on the data and our ability to provide testing," said Raimondo, who said that as far as guidance for non-public schools, she had "two announcements."

"First of all, the state intends to provide all schools including non-public schools with the same testing, contact tracing, and case investigations — it's in the state’s public health interest," said Raimondo. "The precise details will be online end of day Wednesday."

"Those schools who are ready are allowed to open prior to September 14 — as long as your plans have been reviewed and you’re ready to get back, you’re allowed to do that," said Raimondo. "You do however have to wait until next Monday [to see] if you can go back in person."

Unemployment

Over the weekend, FEMA approved an additional $300 a week benefit for those unemployed in Rhode Island. 

"[It] guarantees an extra $300 for three weeks — totaling $900 — to those Rhode Islanders receiving Unemployment Insurance," said Raimondo. "This is temporary — I’m calling on the Trump Administration to do the right thing and make it permanent — or do something more." 

"We’re hoping it’s distributed…in the next couple of weeks — more likely 2-3 weeks," she added. "We have to set up a whole new system. You’ll get a one-time additional payment of $900."