Parents frustrated as water crisis forces all Jackson Public Schools into remote learning

The latest iteration of the Jackson water crisis has forced Jackson Public Schools back into remote learning once again. JPS announced a shift to remote learning for both Thursday and Friday classes for all 33 of its schools when it returns after the winter break.

All of the schools are reporting low or no water pressure and much of the city remains in a boil-water notice. The city had anticipated the boil-water notice being lifted as early as last Saturday.

"The loss of water pressure in our school communities has had an enormous impact on us all," JPS said in a statement. "Please know that this decision was made after careful consideration of many factors, including the possibility of more schools losing pressure while scholars and staff are present, and the challenge of maintaining a safe and clean environment."

Bernisha Mills, 47, of Byram said she has grown tired of her kids going back and forth from virtual learning to In-class learning.

"When we have bad weather, school is canceled, which I can understand but for the school to close due to low-water pressure multiple times can make any parent frustrated," Mills said. "I have two 12-year-old boys that attend Forest Hill High School, and I am tired."

Mills said she is aware that the city of Jackson is slated to receive $600 million for the water issues but feels that could take an additional 3 to 5 years.

"I appreciate the water bottles being handed out from the city, but everyone can't get to those sites," she said. "We need to have access to clean water from our houses and schools. Enough is enough."

Device pick-up for students was scheduled Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at each school.

Breakfast and lunch will be available for pick-up at each school on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Jessica Brunson, 53, of Jackson said going back and forth from virtual learning to In-class learning isn't healthy for her grandchildren's mental capacity.

"My two grandchildren, both 16 years old, are close to graduating from the Hinds County School District (Jim Hill High School) and this process could possibly delay their graduation date," Brunson said.

Brunson said she is tired of the inconsistency with the water, which has been going on for more than the 20 years she's been a resident in Jackson.

"The city should have started fixing the water issues years ago, but waited until it got to a catastrophic level and now the people are suffering tremendously."

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No announcement has been made for the week of Jan. 9. JPS announced it will continue to monitor updates from the city to determine when it is safe to reopen schools and will provide daily updates to families regarding the status of water pressure and the reopening schools.

It has been a difficult year for Jackson schools, which were forced to go virtual last winter due to another freeze and again to start this school year when much of Jackson was without water.

Justin Harper, 34, of Byram said he and his daughter have been without water since the initial water crisis in early Aug. of last year.

"My daughter hasn't been enrolled in public school yet, but after talking to parents and students who are dealing with virtual learning due to the water issues I'd rather continue to pay for homeschooling," Harper said.

Jackson is slated to receive $600 million in federal funds to repair its beleaguered water system but that could take years to repair.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson Public Schools go virtual again due to water crisis