The issues surrounding educating the students can probably take a lesson from the Greek myth of Medusa, whose hair was replaced by writhing venomous snakes.

Just months ago, our normal way of life changed and, for some, has turned into a no-win situation. Take the working parents of the kids who can't stay home with their young children, who have to work their hourly job or not get paid. Parents with special needs children are in a situation, too.

No one is coming down on the teachers. Quite the opposite; they must be applauded, but the many issues facing our schools are much like Medusa's hair. Now, a mayor has declared a "public health crisis" over remote learning, and it's raising more than just eyebrows.

Making news this week, the Mayor of Leominster, Dean Mazzarella, has declared a "public health crisis" over the educational dilemma during this pandemic. The mayor says he has spoken to hundreds of families voicing their discontent with not sending the children to in-person school with teachers in the classroom.

As it stands, Leominster is a community in the green category on the commonwealth's weekly map of COVID-19. The governor and state education officials have advised that districts the green category should have some in-person learning component. But so far, the local school board are scoffing at their mayor's ideas.

It's the first time a Massachusetts elected official has called full remote learning without any in-person classroom learning a "public health crisis." Those are powerful words. Do you agree with them?

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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