Central Unified extends closure into the summer break

Central Unified will remain closed through June 11, the school district announced Thursday evening.

Central’s Board of Trustees voted to keep all campuses closed while continuing online distance learning and the distribution of meals.

The decision follows the recommendations made by Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond this week to keep school buildings closed to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

“We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our students, staff and community,” Board President Yesenia Carrillo said in a news release. “Tonight’s discussion has weighed heavily on the Board of Trustees and our decision was not made lightly

“Our public health, state and national leaders have reiterated that the peak of COVID-19 has yet to come. With local and state orders to shelter-in-place and with the awareness that social distancing helps prevent the spread of the virus, we’re confident that this is the best course of action at this time for our district – students, staff and community alike.”

Central’s extended closure comes a day after Fresno Unified announced it would keep all of their schools closed for the remainder of the school year.

Clovis Unified, meanwhile, are aiming to return to their classrooms on May 4. But officials also recognize they might have to extend their closures further at a later date and their schools might not open until the fall.