SFUSD School Sites to Stay Closed for Remainder of School Year

San Francisco (April 7, 2020) - San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school sites will remain closed through the end of the school year (June 2, 2020). San Francisco is one of six Bay Area counties that is announcing extending school closures in consultation with public health officials across their respective counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco.

“We know this is challenging news for the entire SFUSD community. Fortunately, our community is strong, and together we will overcome the negative impact of these life-changing events,” said SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews. “I want to be clear: the 2019-2020 school year has not ended. Learning will continue to the greatest extent possible through both digital and non-digital interactive teacher-led learning. When school sites re-open, we will enthusiastically welcome back our students, staff, and families to our campuses.” 

SFUSD has been preparing for extended school closures, and is implementing a phased-in continuity of learning plan districtwide and lending computers to students who do not have one. While learning activities are being offered currently, a more robust program will begin on April 13. 

SFUSD is distributing devices on loan to students who need access to a dedicated computer and is working on multiple fronts to support home WiFi access. In addition to checking on digital access, district staff are reaching out to do well-being checks of students.

SFUSD also continues to provide free meals to students at distribution centers and through home delivery to a limited number of students with special needs. 

“We know that distance learning comes with its own set of challenges, and we commit to provide students, families and educators with ongoing support,” said SF Board of Education President Mark Sanchez. “We are working to find ways to stay connected which will continue to help us learn together and celebrate important milestones.”

Six Bay Area counties have announced extending school closures through the end of the school year after consulting with public health officials across the region. This announcement comes as  Public Health Officers are understanding more about how COVID-19 spreads, with the extension of the regional shelter in place orders through at least May 3, and a recognition that transitions after Shelter in Place will require significant school site preparation and sanitation efforts. 

After recently announcing campuses would remain closed for in-person learning until May 1, Bay Area counties took action to review their closure timelines following statements by Governor Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond suggesting that California’s students would not return to campus for in-person learning for the remainder of this school year. 

Building on the regional coordination the six Bay Area jurisdictions took in issuing the Health Officer order for all residents to shelter in place, Bay Area counties have continued to work together to align strategies and practices during this unprecedented time for public education. 

During this time, all residents are urged to keep practicing the guidance provided by Public Health Officers including: 

• Staying home to save lives
• Washing hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Contacting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. 
• Wear a face covering