Extension of School Campus Closures for Remainder of the School Year

Published on April 07, 2020

Hayward, CA - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Francisco County Superintendents, after consultation with the Public Health Officers in their respective counties, have announced the decision to extend campus closures through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 

Schools will continue to transition from in-person classroom instruction to at-home and distance learning formats. School leaders will continue to utilize campus facilities to distribute school meals and provide childcare or supervision as determined by local needs.

After recently jointly announcing campuses would remain closed for in-person learning through May 1, Bay Area counties took action to review their closure timelines following statements by Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond suggesting that California’s students would not likely be able to return to campus for in-person learning for the remainder of this school year, and would complete the year with distance learning. 

Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe communicated last week that she did not anticipate a return to in-classroom instruction for the remainder of the school year. 

“Extending school dismissals in Alameda County is a serious decision, but our hope is that it gives our communities additional time to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Erica Pan, Alameda County’s interim health officer. “As our schools plan and develop ways to continue education in the future while maintaining health and safety, we know this places a greater burden on families. We are thankful to see our county agencies and community organization partners, school districts and the County Office of Education are working hard to ensure students are still receiving meals and essential workers can access childcare.”

Today’s joint announcement comes as local public health officers continue to monitor and ensure the local orders to shelter in place with limited availability of COVID-19 testing, and adapt to new information about the ways in which COVID-19 spreads in a community. Local officials are now recommending that residents wear face coverings when out in public and are requiring essential businesses to post social distancing protocols.

Building on the regional coordination the six Bay Area jurisdictions took in issuing the order for all residents to shelter in place, Bay Area counties have continued to work together to align strategies and practices in support of Bay Area schools during this unprecedented time.

“This public health crisis is unlike anything we have faced in public education. I am proud that the public health officers and county superintendents have been able to come together to determine what is in the best interest of our students and their families. The input of our public health officers is essential,” said L. Karen Monroe, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. “We must ensure that we continue to do all we can to support our most vulnerable students, who may not have the same access to remote learning and healthcare services while maintaining the overall safety of our communities and flattening the curve.” 

During this most critical phase of the shelter in place order and as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, residents, including all Alameda County students and families, are urged to keep practicing the guidance provided by public health officers including:

• Staying home and limiting essential activities where possible
• Washing hands often with soap and water
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Contacting your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing
• Wearing face coverings (but not medical-grade masks)
• Adhering closely to social distancing guidelines

More information about Alameda County schools’ response to COVID-19 can be found on the Alameda County Office of Education website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2020 Press Release