Confirming what most families expected, school districts across the Bay Area announced Tuesday that they would extend closures through the end of the current school year.
Last week, on April 1, Superintendents from Santa Clara County’s numerous school districts recommitted themselves to following guidance from county health officials, including Dr. Sara Cody. At that time, school officials expected the remainder of the year to function over distance learning.
Families have had to adjust to the new schooling circumstances, with parents balancing working from home with acting as caregivers and part-time teachers.
“We acknowledge that distance learning comes with its own set of challenges,” the April 1 letter read.
A Bay Area-wide decision
Tuesday’s action follows recent announcements from Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Both had previously suggested it was unlikely California students would return to on-campus learning this school year.
That spurred Bay Area school districts into action to reinforce distance learning practices. Schools will keep utilizing facilities for essential meal distribution and childcare as needed.
“The decision to extend the campus closure dates throughout the Bay Area was made jointly with Public Health Officials, district superintendents and County Superintendents in the Bay Area region,” said Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools.
“The remainder of the school year will be focused on continuing education support for students through distance learning,” Dewan continued.
The decision applies to Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Francisco schools. To read the announcement, click here.