Courtesy of Krystal Lomanto, superintendent of San Benito County Schools:
State Guidance for Reopening Schools
Our local schools have been waiting to receive direction from state representatives outlining guidance on the re-opening of our schools. This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Education (CDE) released guiding documents that were developed from the recommendations of public health authorities. The San Benito County school districts are committed to working collaboratively with our local public health officials as we plan to re-open in the fall.
Below are a few examples of the guidance from the CDE:
Face coverings for students and staff. San Benito County has a local ordinance that excludes children under 12 years old from wearing a face covering.
Physical Distancing: Students and staff should always engage in physical distancing.
Active screening: Students and staff should engage in symptom screening as they enter campus and buses, consistent with public health guidance, which includes visual wellness checks and temperature checks with no-touch thermometers.
The California Department of Public Health has based their guidance on the “best available public health data, international best practices currently employed and the practical realities of managing school operations.” The guidance followed an announcement Friday that the state will provide a 60-day supply of Personal Protective Equipment to TK-12 schools. To support the safe reopening of schools and protect public health, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the Department of General Services will assist in procuring necessary PPE.
State Update: Rejecting Proposed Cuts
California’s legislative Assembly and Senate came to an agreement on a joint budget plan last week that helps protect K-12 education funding. The Assembly and Senate budget plan is looking to provide a level of funding above the minimum Proposition 98 Guarantee by $2.7 billion. The governor and state legislature must agree on a signed budget before the end of June. Both budgets rely on securing federal funding through a bill called the HEROES Act.
Congratulations Class of 2020
The San Benito County Office of Education (SBCOE) would like to CONGRATULATE all of our students who have graduated! We want to extend special congratulations to our SBCOE students from Pinnacles Community, Santa Ana Opportunity, Pinnacles Court School and San Andreas Continuation High School on your graduation!! Our students showed determination, grit, and perseverance through the COVID-19 pandemic to receive their diploma. We are extremely proud of their hard work and commitment to their education.
As this school year comes to a close, we are grateful for the collaboration, the commitment, and support of our families and our community during this very dynamic and difficult pandemic. The SBCOE would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff members, teachers, and administrators across the county for putting our students first during the COVID-19 school closures and implementation of Distance Learning. We are proud of our San Benito County educators!!
Sincerely,
Krystal Lomanto, County Superintendent of Schools
