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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

California: State Superintendent Thurmond Says Schools Probably Will Not Open Again This School Year | Diane Ravitch's blog

California: State Superintendent Thurmond Says Schools Probably Will Not Open Again This School Year | Diane Ravitch's blog

California: State Superintendent Thurmond Says Schools Probably Will Not Open Again This School Year



California public school campuses are unlikely to reopen for the remainder of the academic school year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said Tuesday in a letter to school district officials.
“Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year,” Thurmond wrote. “This is in no way to suggest that school is over for the year, but rather we should put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning.”
Earlier, Thurmond had resisted suggestions that there was no hope for returning to campus. His letter Tuesday represented a shift of direction.
His statement also echoed remarks from Gov. Gavin Newsom at a midday Tuesday news conference: