Kelly Edwards believes that her kids — and others — should be able to stay in school this year.

Billings Public Schools largely reopened in-person this school year, citing access to services and stability for kids that can’t be replicated online. Edwards, a former Rocky Mountain College administrator with a master’s degree in education, agreed with the move.

She’s now part of a campaign backed by local hospitals, school organizations and business groups that believe Billings is on the verge of COVID-19 case levels that will force schools to shut buildings and go online-only.

“Does our community need to do better? 100%,” she said. “Clearly if we don’t take this more seriously, those numbers aren’t going to turn in the opposite direction.”