Cuomo On Sending Own Kids To NYC Schools: ‘Risky Proposition’

NEW YORK CITY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo momentarily put himself in the shoes of a New York City parent, and his experience likely won’t be reassuring for city moms and dads deciding whether to send their children back to classrooms.

Cuomo appeared Friday on NBC’s "Today Show" and was asked about New York City’s plan to reopen schools as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

“If you had school-aged children in New York City, would you send them to a New York City public school?” host Craig Melvin asked.

“Well, they're still working out what the plan would be,” Cuomo responded. “I would have a lot of questions. Parents do have a lot of questions. This is a risky proposition no matter how you do it, Craig, let's be honest.”

Cuomo’s noncommittal, skeptical answer comes as calls mount for New York City to delay or scrap plans to reopen schools to in-person classes starting Sept. 10.

The city’s teachers union this week threatened a strike over coronavirus safety concerns. And sign-ups for remote learning surged 40,000 students in a week as city leaders faced tough questions about their reopening plan.

Mayor Bill de Blasio sought to reassure concerned parents by unveiling a “Back To School Pledge” outlining safety steps that will be taken at schools.

Cuomo has repeatedly called for schools across the state to reach out to parents and educators. Without their buy-in, any “reopening” would be impossible, he has said.