LOS ANGELES, CA – The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) has confirmed a large number of charter public schools in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside are set to open tomorrow, Tuesday, August 22, as Tropical Storm Hilary weakens and moves beyond Southern California.
Today, many charter public schools closed so that school maintenance crews could assess damage and safety hazards caused by the storm.
Student safety is of utmost importance and the decision to cancel classes today allows families to ensure the routes to and from local campuses are safe and secure. The extra time also gives charter school leaders adequate time to evaluate the storm’s impact on school facilities and partner with city officials, school districts, emergency crews, and social service agencies to support affected families.
“The safety and well-being of students, staff, and families is the top priority of charter school leaders who manage campuses in the areas impacted by Hilary,” said Myrna Castrejón, CCSA President and CEO. “Charter leaders have weighed all the necessary factors in making their decisions. Currently, CCSA is playing a connector role and providing real-time information and resources to charter school communities. As with the pandemic, charter schools in these areas will successfully pivot and will welcome students back tomorrow.”
CCSA is expected to receive updates throughout the day as to whether there has been damage to campuses.
Media interested in learning about charter public schools impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino or San Diego Counties can email CCSA Media Relations at press@ccsa.org.
In addition, please refer to the regional summaries below for information on how charters were impacted in key school districts today.
Los Angeles Unified School District
All charter public schools that share space with district-run schools were closed in accordance with district policy. However, a handful of charter public schools that own or operate their own campus were open. Charter public school students and their families can get free meals today at these Grab & Go Food Locations in the district. To find out which charter public schools are closed, click this CCSA school closure tracker.
San Diego Unified School District
Most charter public schools located in the San Diego Unified School District closed today to match the district’s decision to delay the start of the school year by one day due to the storm. Instead of opening today, the first day for these schools will now be tomorrow, Tuesday, August 22.
San Bernardino County
Charter public schools located within the following school districts within San Bernardino County closed: Adelanto Elementary, Apple Valley Unified, Barstow Unified, Bear Valley Unified, Colton Joint Unified, Fontana Unified, Helendale, Hesperia Unified, Morongo Unified, Oro Grande Unified, Redlands Unified, Rialto Unified, Rim of the World Unified, Silver Valley Unified, Snowline Joint Unified, Trona Joint Unified, Victor Elementary, Victor Valley Union High, and Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified.
Riverside Unified School District
Charter public schools within RUSD were open for classes. According to RUSD officials, school sites were assessed and cleared for students to learn and employees to work today.
About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.
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