Will Fresno-area elementary schools seek special permission to reopen amid COVID-19?
California school districts in counties on the state’s coronavirus watchlist - like Fresno - have a chance to reopen elementary schools in the fall.
Under the school reopening guidelines Gov. Gavin Newsom released Friday, school districts on the watch list can submit a waiver that would exempt elementary schools from closures, according to a statement from the Santa Clara Office of Education.
“These waivers may be granted ‘when requested by a local superintendent (or equivalent for charter or private schools), in consultation with labor, parent and community organizations. Local health officers must review local community epidemiological data, consider other public health interventions, and consult with CDPH when considering a waiver request.’”
Newsom did not bring up this option during his Friday news conference, and there is no mention of a waiver in the state’s 19-page reopening guidelines. However, when asked about it at a news conference Monday, Newsom acknowledged a waiver would be possible, EdSource reports.
Fresno and Central Unified School Districts spokespeople told The Bee they would not be applying for a waiver.
Fresno Unified Trustee Terry Slatic said more than two dozen parents have reached out to him “demanding” the district apply for a waiver.
“I 100% think FUSD should apply for a waiver, and if we don’t, then we got to do some explaining,” Slatic told The Bee.
Reopening schools for special education elementary students could work following social distancing guidelines because there are only 12 kids per class, he said. That might not work for every general education classroom, Slatic added, but “nobody out there argues a distance learning model is a viable option for SpEd kids.”
During a town hall meeting late Wednesday, Clovis school officials also confirmed they had “no intention” of seeking a reopening waiver for their elementary schools this fall.
Clovis Unified School District spokesperson Kelly Avants said in an email, the district would need approvals from the Fresno County and the Fresno County Office of Education.
“As we currently understand it, the waiver is designed for small schools in isolated communities,” Avants said. “However, we are still learning details of what it is intended for and will keep watching for additional guidance from Sacramento about their intent.”
Lass than 48 hours before Newsom’s announcement, Clovis Unified trustees unanimously voted to reopen schools in the fall. Newsom effectively reversed their decision, but some teachers remain upset that board members decided to open campuses. Nearly a dozen teachers have said they are considering forming a teachers union.
“Teachers no longer feel they have a voice,” one teacher told The Bee earlier this week. “There was a blatant disregard for our safety and our lives.”
The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab on our website.
This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 7:50 AM.