Happening now_ conversation on school reopening with superintendents @PaulPinsky and @SenBillFerg . Watch here:

. @PaulPinsky is asking the superintendents their opinion on metrics for opening and closing metrics

All 3 superintendents are agreeing that state health metrics that would serve this purpose would be helpful for the schools and communicating to the public. They are education experts - not health experts. Metrics that are "public, transparent and consistent."

Minnesota has state wide metrics. It's unclear whether @MDHealthDept has been in touch with them.

Superintendent Smith "We work with our health officer every day, but we don't yet a state wide approach. This calls into question whether one county has a better approach than another."

. @PaulPinsky What metrics are you talking about number of cases, contact tracing? Superintendent Griffith says that her health department has hired extra staff to support with contact tracing.

Summer school in Baltimore revealed that small groups made parents, teachers and students more comfortable. We learned we need a very concentrated family orientation period.

"Assuming a world of metrics, how are you approaching the notice of switch-over?" asks @SenBillFerg . Superintendent Griffith has a phase-in timeline, even though it may change in order to help parents with child care plans and staffing.

Superintendent Smith says they are planning about 10 weeks to transition in.

. @pinksy asks if there is any thought about starting with younger kids first? Griffith would want state wide metrics first.

Let's start talking about PPE as a precondition for bringing students back. Smith says: beyond CDC guidelines, "Let's have a state standard for school environment(s) In this setting, what are the most appropriate levels of PPE? And the state has NOT offered to pay for it.

School secretaries need to have desk shields, just like banks and stores. It should have this clear as an expectation ahead of time. This has an additional cost. If I wasn't only referencing CDC guidelines, this is left up to us to determine, rather than part of standard ops.

.@paulpinksy If this equipment is not available, would you recommend local BOEs to not open? Dr. Griffith "We don't have any other choice." I am very concerned there will be budget cuts, and this will hinder our sustainability of PPE.

Have you had conversations with the executive branch about paying for the PPE, which should be non-negotiable about CARES $ that is available? Superintendents have applied... but is it sustainable?

Superintendent Smith "The tension between CARES $ and all the needs has been difficult." We are trying to meet the needs for digital learning, PPE, additional safety equipment, connectivity, additional school time... the CARES $ doesn't come close to covering it all.

. @SenBillFerg asks if each district must purchase its own PPE. Given supply lines, Baltimore City and County are likely bidding against themselves? If the state leads, it could drive down the cost through bulk purchasing.

How are you all approaching different perspectives? None of us are in this by ourselves ... What if there is NOT a vaccine in 6 months? A statewide strategy will help. Binary viewpoint of "I'll never go, or I must go tomorrow" is not helpful, says Superintendent Smith.

"I have 11,000 families that want to come to school. Some of those families don't have a choice. My biggest fear is that I won't have the staff to support them. That keeps me up at night." Superintendent Griffith.

"As we are able to demonstrate safe, responsible and adaptable ways of opening schools - people will have confidence." Superintendent Santelises

Closing remarks from @SenBillFerg The conversation doesn't end today. It's more nuanced, than yes or no. Rather, how do we create great opportunities for kids, parents and teachers? It's on us as policy makers to make sure you have the resources and guidance you need.