Glendale Unified district to close all schools for students through April 3
The Glendale Unified Board of Education voted unanimously Friday evening on a resolution to take appropriate action to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The resolution calls for the district’s schools to be closed to students from March 16 to April 3.
Spring break is held from March 16 through 20. School sites will undergo deep cleaning during spring break. The break will be extended for students March 23 through 27, but campuses will be open for teachers and staff only on those days. From March 30 to April 3, a remote learning model will be implemented for students but faculty will report to their regular school campuses.
The district expects face-to-face classes to resume on April 6, but they will monitor whether to extend remote learning.
The Early Education and Extended Learning Program spring break camp will be open and operating on a normal schedule through March 23. While state-subsidized child care will continue after spring break, all other preschool, childcare and before-and-after school programs will be closed until April 6.
School lunches are scheduled to be served for high-need students during the two weeks after spring break through a grab-and-go system at several school sites.
The district office will remain open and school officials plan to release more details in the upcoming weeks.
“I know that this is a difficult, frustrating and possibly frightening time for many of our students, staff and families. We will continue to provide you with frequent updates and links to helpful resources. Please help us by taking care of yourselves and each other in the coming weeks,” stated Glendale Supt. Vivian Ekchian in a press release.
Health officials supported resisting school shutdowns if there weren’t any confirmed coronavirus cases on school sites. However, on Friday the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Debra Duardo, announced her recommendation that all schools in the county close effective March 16 to 27. Each school district can choose to dismiss or close schools with the approval of their elected boards.
“We are committed to supporting all 80 districts with guidance, technical assistance and resources to ensure continuity of learning, meal provision and other critical services during school closures,” Duardo said in a statement.
Glendale Unified expects to communicate with the public through email and social media. The latest announcements, links to reliable websites and the board meeting video of coronavirus presentations are available on the district’s website, gusd.net/fluinfo. For more information, visit the Glendale News-Press’ coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
