News Update

Santa Clara County reports strong interest in school waivers

Eighty schools in Santa Clara County have inquired about applying for a waiver to open up elementary schools to in-person instruction, the Mercury News reported on Saturday. County health officials declined to disclose the applicants, but at this point they likely are mostly private schools.

Although the article highlights one county, it may reflect broader statewide interest.  Many private and charter schools and school districts had planned a full  or partial return to school before the state issued guidance on July 17 banning in-person instruction in counties with high rates of coronavirus infection. Currently 34 counties, covering more than 90 percent of California’s population, are on the list, and a few more counties may be added this weekend, Gov. Newsom said Friday. Several Covid-related criteria, including infection and hospitalization rates, must decline for 14 days before counties can come off the list.

County health departments are awaiting further guidance  from the California Department of Public Health on the criteria for allowing some or all elementary students to school before ruling on the waiver applications. The information is expected next week, according to a spokeswoman from the Alameda County Office of Education.

The July 17 guidance said that a school district must consult with parents, teachers and community groups on a wavier request. Last week,  Los Angeles County health officials interpreted that to mean teachers unions must consent to an application.