California’s two largest school districts announced Monday that they will not open their facilities to students in the fall, but will resume classes online.
In a letter to parents, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner said the second-largest school district in the country had decided to resume classes online due to the resurgence of the new coronavirus.
“We made the decision to close school facilities before the virus occurred in our schools, and this turned out to be the right decision,” said Beutner. “Science was our guide then, and will continue to be. Unfortunately, Covid-19 continues to spread in the Los Angeles area and the virus will have an impact on how we start the new school year. “
The new school year will begin on August 18, but with no students on campus, Beutner said, adding that “the health and safety of everyone in the school community is not something we can compromise.”
On Friday, the United Teachers Los Angeles union released a survey of more than 18,000 members, 83 percent of which said schools should not physically reopen next month, according to Fox 11.
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“We are having a hard time thinking that we will not be returning with our students in the fall,” UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz told the station. “And we know this is difficult for our students and their parents, many of whom have stepped forward as partners in teaching as they struggle with the economic consequences of this crisis. But security must come first, along with commitment to focus on strengthening distance education. “
The San Diego Unified District also announced Monday that the new online school year would begin, Fox 5 reported.
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“Unfortunately, much of the research is incomplete and many of the guidelines are vague and contradictory,” the district said in a statement. “One fact is clear: Those countries that have successfully reopened schools have done so with decreased infection rates and on-demand testing available. California has none. Cloud infection rates in recent weeks They make it clear that the pandemic is not under control. “
The district said that remote learning for San Diego students will begin on August 31.
