Editor,

On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern.

A call to arms for public officials to begin development of protocols to protect public health and manage quarantine directives to control and eradicate the covid virus, schools being a significantly impacted institution.

I was disheartened and angered reading a front-page quote by Gov. Jay Inslee sardonically quipping about “excuses” for not providing students with onsite instruction, implying that teacher concerns about their safety and that of the children they serve are frivolous.

Trump set states adrift on a sea of indecisive uncertainty in dealing with the pandemic, ridiculing their failings in the process.

Inslee has mimicked this ineptitude with school districts, demanding schools open without any substantive planning, logistical support, or consensus building with union leaders.

The first vaccines arrived on Dec. 14 and, 73 days later, the governor granted teachers priority vaccine status at the bequest of the president.

My wife signed up that evening for the soonest available appointment — 66 days later.

My wife and I are teachers with over 60 combined years of teaching.

We have always prioritized the safety and well being of the children of our community.

The governor’s remarks are an insult to our dedication.

Jack Gribble

Oak Harbor