UPDATE 4/23: After receiving feedback, Christ Trinity Christian Academy said it will push back its opening from Monday, April 27 to Monday, May 4 to “remain in the guidelines of the stay at home order that will end on April 30th.”
In a letter addressed to parents, the school said those who do not feel comfortable sending their children to school will have the option to continue online learning.
The initial decision to reopen was made to better served the parents of those students who will be returning to work and will need services, the school added. It also noted it was not a financial decision due to the fact that all parents have already signed a tuition contract.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A private school in southeast Shelby County announced it will reopen its doors for students and staff on Monday, April 27 — but the county’s health department says it will take action if the school opens before the shelter-in-place order is lifted.
In a statement released to parents on Sunday, Christ Trinity Christian Academy said school closures in the state are not mandated by law and are simply a recommendation from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
“Our school programs are significantly smaller than Shelby County School system and are therefore able to practice social distancing and maintaining classrooms of 10 or less,” the school said in a letter to parents.
One parent, who didn’t want to be identified, spoke by phone on Wednesday.
“Why are they putting the teachers and children in danger? I just don’t understand their decision,” the parent said. “I feel like it’s a money-driven decision. That’s how I feel. They are still requiring monthly tuition. They’ve been out all this time, but they are still concerned about collecting money.”
The school said it is taking precautions as students and staff return. A sanitizing station will be placed in the lobby and parents will not be allowed to enter the school buildings. Staff will clock students in and out every day.
Staff will also wear gloves and masks, and anyone who is sick will be required to stay at home.
The parent said she made the decision that her children would not be returning to the school this semester. She said she hopes the school will reconsider.
“I wouldn’t want any other children in danger.”
An attorney representing the school said Wednesday that the school intends to open its daycare April 27, and would open the elementary school May 4.
“Like so many small organizations, schools and businesses, my client is struggling with the current crisis since its closure, Mach 12, 2020,” Ivan D. Harris wrote. “However my client’s decision to reopen has been made after consultation with all available state and local authorities. It is their understanding that their actions are in compliance with all regulatory requirements.”
Full statement from the school’s attorney
The Shelby County Health Department said it will notify Christ Trinity Christian Academy that if it reopens on Monday, it will be in violation of the Health Department’s Public Health Directive issued April 4, which directed all citizens not engaged in essential businesses to shelter in place until the Health Directive is lifted.
