school closure

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March 13, 2020

Santa Barbara County K-12 Public School Closure

Closure Begins No Later than March 18 and continues through the end of March

With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly, the Santa Barbara County K-12 Public School Superintendents, charter school administrators, and Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido have been carefully evaluating the possibility of school closure for students throughout Santa Barbara County.  Leaders have been meeting regularly to evaluate this complex issue.  Today, in

cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), the decision has been made to close all schools by Wednesday, March 18. By proactively making this difficult decision, districts can implement their plans in light of their individual community needs.

In the Santa Maria Valley, Guadalupe Union, Orcutt, Santa Maria Bonita and Santa Maria Joint Union districts have agreed to close together by Wednesday, March 18^th, but will remain open on Monday the 16^th and Tuesday the 17^th, in order to allow more time for families to plan and arrange for child care and nutritional considerations.

“The closure of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instruction, social connection and cognitive engagement.  This was a very difficult decision, which was not made lightly,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Salcido.  “Our school leaders recognize that this closure has widespread ramifications and are working to address impacts such as nutrition for students who typically receive meals during the school day.”

Santa Barbara County Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso said, “We support the decision to close public schools.  While there are no confirmed cases at this time, this demonstration of social distancing will help to slow the spread of the virus and minimize the public health impacts in our community.”

Some of our districts have 20,000 students in suburban areas and others operate in rural locations with fewer than 100 students.  This plan allows for some flexibility for each district to implement their closure plan with their communities in mind.

Classes will not resume before the end of March.   Given the dynamic situation, decisions related to reconvening will be made in conjunction with SBCPHD.

More information will be forthcoming.