Waco Reporter

China Spring Independent School District (ISD) Supt. Dr. Mark Faulkner has no doubt that the district made the right call by resuming in-person instruction.

“Absolutely, it is the right decision for students,” Faulkner told the Waco Reporter. “Our faculty and staff are so glad to have students back in the building to teach and make connections with. This is why we get out of bed each day — the students. So, being able to have them back in the classrooms is huge for us. To teach students the way we need to prepare them for the next grade, we need them here.”

Faulkner says in-person instruction impacts young people in many other ways as well.

Supt. Mark Faulkner | Contributed photo

“This also provides normalcy — as much as possible — for many of our students that they need,” he said. “School is a safe place for students, a place to get two meals for some students, a place to have that teacher/counselor to talk with about problems, a place where teachers can see kids daily to notice abuse and report it, a place where kids connect and build relationships, and we teach a little math, science, English, social studies and other subjects and skills along the way.”

Classes started on Aug. 19, as originally planned. The decision to move forward came after the McLennan County Health Department withdrew an order requiring all schools to start after Labor Day, school officials informed district residents in July. The district, which offers remote learning as well, also detailed its plans to reduce risk and keep students and staff safe.

China Spring is a census-designated place in northwestern McLennan County, approximately 12 miles northwest of Waco. The China Spring ISD had an enrollment of 2,806 students for the 2018-19 school year.

Faulkner is convinced China Spring ISD has provided a safe return to campus for students and families.

“We have lots of safety protocols in place and our students are doing a great job adhering to them,” he said. “I really feel the students missed school just as much as the educators did. If we think safety first, we can provide a safe place for our students and staff all year. Judging by the 83% of students attending in person, their parents agree we have made a safe environment for our kids.”

Faulkner believes that China Spring schools can serve as an example and proof that a safe return to school is possible.

“Does that mean we will be COVID-free all year? Of course not,” he said. “I do not believe anyone believes that we will, or any other school, for that matter. However, if we follow the safety protocols, wash our hands, wear our masks and keep our space, we have a great chance of making it through the year with minimal positive cases.”

Faulkner was named Region XII Principal of the Year in 2008 and Education Service Center Region 12’s Superintendent of the Year in 2017.