Governor responds to CTA letter about reopening schools safely, raises concerns about school police, and says UC and CSU dorms may be used as fire evacuation shelters

In response to a letter from the California Teachers Association sent Wednesday to state leaders insisting that schools cannot reopen unless they are safe, Gov. Newsom said  Thursday that he agrees “we need to keep people safe and healthy” and that students and staff should not return to schools until their safety can be assured. He said he appreciated the letter and is starting to engage with superintendents up and down the state about how they can reopen safely, as well as how they can provide quality distance learning if they decide it’s unsafe to reopen.

Speaking during his daily news briefing, Newsom said the state prefers in-person instruction, if possible, to address the social and emotional needs of children, as well as their academic needs. He also stressed that the state is providing $5.3 billion in the budget to help schools address learning loss and safety issues. If instruction continues remotely, he said its crucial that schools are “making sure we’re doing justice to distance learning in a way that’s equitable to all kids, not just some kids.”

Newsom also addressed language in the budget about school police and said that some districts spend more money on police than on counselors and other student support services. “I find that rather curious,” he said, adding that the state has created a task force in partnership with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond that will examine the need for school police, as well as other issues related to student safety and well-being.

And as the state enters fire season, Newsom announced that the Office of Emergency Services has come to an agreement with the University of California and California State University systems to use their dormitories in the event of fire-related evacuations, if space is available. This will help to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19 in more traditional congregate shelters by keeping people in separate rooms, he said.