LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Several community members are feeling emotionally drained after an LSC school board meeting Monday night.
The Lafayette School Corporation published its 2020 reopening plans, but were met with some backlash and anecdotes from parents, teachers and bus drivers.
One by one teachers, parents and bus drivers addressed the Lafayette School Board with emotion.
"If we lose a staff member or a student, none of us will get over that," said Michelle Hamilton.
Hamilton teaches at Miller Elementary.
"Please think about the lives that are at stake if we open our doors," said LSC teacher, Amy Freeman.
The Lafayette School Corporation posted its back to school plans last Thursday and the public was passionate in its responses to the 50 page document.
LSC is allowing two educational options: in-person courses and e-learning.
"LSC, I love my job," said Freeman. "I do not want to stay home, but you are asking me to make a choice that tears my insides."
"I hated e-learning," said Hamilton. "I miss my 2nd graders tremendously."
The option will be selected during registration.
"We also know that the state has come out and said e-learning or in-person you do 180 days," said Lafayette School Corporation Superintendent Les Huddle.
The plan said social distancing will be a high priority.
It laid out how teachers, students and staff can best protect themselves at school.
This included masks being recommended, but not required. However some places like on the bus, a mask is almost necessary as social distancing isn't possible.
"I truly want to go back to work," said bus driver, Beth Turner. "I am not sure it is worth it for them or for me."
Turner said she does not feel safe driving her bus especially with the 70 school children she busses around.
"I can't imagine something happening to one of my children on my bus because they are mine," said Turner.
