Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
LA, Orange Counties: K-12 Campuses Should Remain Closed For Rest Of This School Year
Signage outside Corona Avenue Elementary School (Chava Sanchez/ LAist)
The top education officials in both Los Angeles and Orange counties urged school districts to keep their campuses "physically closed" for the remainder of this academic year.
The moves follow guidance from state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond, who also called on schools statewide to cancel in-person instruction for the rest of the school year.
It's up to each of district to decide whether to follow the formal recommendations of their respective county superintendents.
"While not ideal," L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo wrote in a statement, "the distance learning environment is our new reality."
"Deciding now to keep campuses closed for the remainder of the school year allows our education community to focus on accelerating learning in a remote environment and finding new ways to engage and connect with students."
Orange County superintendent Al Mijares issued a similar statement, urging schools to "channel their efforts toward adopting robust and effective distance learning models."
More than 1.4 million children attend schools in L.A. County. Orange County schools serve around 500,000 kids.
Sponsored message
- How Can LAUSD Students Borrow A Laptop For The Coronavirus Shutdown? We Have An Answer
- A 'Great Big Digital Divide' Is Hampering LA Schools Efforts To Teach Remotely
- Maps: LA & OC Families In Need Can Get Free Food At These Places While Schools Are Closed
This story has been updated to include the statement from Orange County officials.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
