Los Angeles – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Framework for Reopening In-Person Learning for K-12 Schools that details criteria and measures school districts and charter schools should consider for school reopening this coming school year. Additionally, the CDPH and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued Industry Guidance for Schools and School-Based Programs.
California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following response to the Governor’s announcement and new guidelines:
“California has more than 1,300 charter public schools that enroll approximately 675,000 students, with a majority serving low-income and minority students. As has always been the case, our number one priority is the health and safety of every student and staff member.
“CCSA believes the reopening of schools should be a local decision made by educators in consultation with parents, led by guidance and clear data from local health agencies, and focused on the wellbeing of the community. Preparations for the reopening of schools must be flexible, as health officials continue to monitor cases and keep communities safe.
“We welcome the clear, actionable and objective guidance that anchors decisions to health indicators everyone can track and therefore plan accordingly. With 31 counties currently on the watch list, the immediate, practical implication of this guidance is that most of the state will indeed start the school year remotely. Schools can track the status of the county watch list here to guide planning for possible reopening and monitor conditions. We advise schools to spend the remaining summer weeks ensuring robust distance learning programs to serve all students well until public health conditions improve.
“Teachers, parents and students have been heroes, maintaining learning through challenging circumstances. CCSA will continue to be a resource to help students’ transition back to classrooms and the teachers they know is as seamless and safe as possible.”