Despite county health officials’ announcement that San Diego area schools can reopen for in-person classes, the Chula Vista Elementary School District chose not to until local COVID-19 data improves.
With higher rates of infection in the county, Superintendent Francisco Escobedo said the district will open when it is safe to do so, in an Aug. 26 press release.
“The safety of both students and staff is our highest priority,” he stated.
“We have every desire to welcome back students in person. At this time, that is not an option given our local data.”
With testing and tracking a key component of the California Department of Public Health recommendations, surveillance testing of school staff must be implemented once schools open to any in-person classes. Escobedo said the district is working with the County Office of Education health officials. It needs to put in place other testing sites where at least 25 percent of staff is tested every two weeks, rotating testing of all staff over time.
“This is one of the 14 elements that need to be addressed in a safe reopening of schools,” said Escobedo. “We are continuing our work on that track while also preparing for distance learning when our school year starts on Aug. 31.”
Escobedo said even when the district is in the position to offer in-person instruction, parents can choose whether they want to remain on distance learning.
