The debate about whether more schools should return to five-day-in-person instruction is causing a widening rift among parents in suburban communities, writes Maddie Hanna for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“This has really become as political as the presidential election,” said Beth Rosica, a West Chester mother who has been advocating for a full-time return to classrooms.

For her efforts, Rosica gathered feedback from parents across the region on virtual instruction and released data acquired through public-records requests that show more students are failing classes in her district this year.

“A lot of parents have now gotten to the point where they feel like, ‘My kids are really struggling, and there’s nothing I can do,’” said Logan Ranalli, who recently started a Facebook group for Tredyffrin/Easttown School District parents advocating for the full return to classrooms. “As a parent, that feels horrible.”

The main issue with returning to classrooms is the inability to maintain a six-foot spacing among students.

Chester County spokesperson Rebecca Brain said that if there is evidence “that indicates improvements” in coronavirus cases and transmission, schools can consult with Chester County Health Department about lowering spacing requirements.

Read more about the return to five-day-in-person instruction in The Philadelphia Inquirer here.