LAKE COUNTY — Schools across Lake County have announced extended closures beginning this week due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
As of Monday afternoon, there were no reported cases of the virus in Lake County, but its spread through much of California and several nearby counties has prompted emergency declarations by county and city governments here.
Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said on Monday that while there were still no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Lake County, “Most of the medical community is convinced that even if we haven’t proven the presence of a case yet, it is probably here or coming soon.”
After a joint meeting between public health officials, school district superintendents, and county education officials, the Lake County Office of Education wrote the following message on Sunday afternoon, announcing that schools would close for the next four weeks:
“Lake County students will be dismissed from all public schools beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 through April 10, 2020,” the LCOE wrote, noting that individual school districts would provide more information to their own communities. “This decision was made after careful consideration between Lake County District Superintendents and Brock Falkenberg, Lake County Superintendent of Schools, in collaboration with the Lake County Public Health Officer, Dr. Gary Pace,” the LCOE continued.
The majority of Lake County school districts subsequently announced plans to close until April 10 (resuming class the following Monday, April 13), with the exception of Lucerne Elementary, which appeared to still be considering the duration of its closure.
“Due to current health concerns,” a Lucerne Elementary Facebook post stated on Sunday, “students will be dismissed from attending school 3/16-3/20. Most likely this will extend until 4/13. During that time the school will be working to create a comprehensive plan on how to proceed.”
Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen indicated on Sunday that schools would not necessarily open on April 13, given the changing situation regarding the coronavirus.
“The final decision to reopen schools will be made in consultation with health officials depending on the spread of the virus at that time,” McQueen wrote.
Lakeport Unified School District Superintendent Jill Falconer made a similar statement.
”Because of the evolving nature of the coronavirus pandemic, we hope to be able to resume instruction after spring break,” she wrote. “We will continually assess the conditions to determine the best time to reopen schools. As the situation changes rapidly, we will share the most up-to-date information as we receive it.”
The LCOE noted that preschools around the county will follow the closure timelines of their local school districts.
Districts on Sunday described their plans to provide remote learning materials for students, as well as school meals, during the extended closures.
One such announcement, from Upper Lake Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Giovanni Annous, noted: “Our education team (teachers, para-educators, administrators etc.) will continue to provide enrichment learning opportunities to our families. ULUSD will also be working on a plan to continue our meal program as a service to our community. More information will come through your student’s classroom teacher, school facebook page, websites and phone calls. ULUSD is committed to re-evaluating our current program and next steps before April 13, 2020.”
Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato wrote that her district’s food service program would be providing “grab and go breakfast and lunch at all four of our K-7 schools,” and that “our teachers will be preparing lessons that students will be able to complete at home either online or on paper. Information on accessing work and other information will be updated daily on your site websites and Facebook pages.”
The school districts’ decisions to close came less than two full days after an executive order was issued by Governor Gavin Newsom suspending requirements that public schools around the state maintain 175 days of instruction in the current school year and ensuring local school districts and offices of education will continue to receive state funding during COVID-19-prompted closures.
The order notes that the funding will be aimed at “distance learning” programs, “school meals in noncongregate settings,” student supervision during school hours, and employee pay.
According to state news service EdSource, more than 5.7 million students across California—roughly 93 percent of all K-12 students—were affected by school closures as of Monday. Nearly 75 percent of school districts in the state announced plans to close this week because of COVID-19, including all 30 of the state’s largest districts.
