News Update

San Diego County clears school reopening threshold

Elementary schools in San Diego County could soon get the green light to bring students back to campus after cases in the region dipped to 22 cases per 100,000 — less than the 25 per 100,000 limit that California has set as a key target in reopening schools.

The case rate must remain below 25 per 100,000 for five consecutive days in order for K-6 schools to reopen. Schools must also have their reopening plans approved by the county and state public health departments, and the county is not officially accepting applications to reopen, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Rates of Covid-19 cases in the county are still high enough to keep San Diego in the purple, most restrictive tier in the state’s color-coded reopening system. All schools are allowed to reopen without county or state approval if cases drop enough that the county reaches the less-restrictive red tier.

But even as cases begin to fall, it could be weeks of even months before students begin filling their seats in classrooms once again. In addition to maintaining a steady decline of cases, school districts must negotiate with labor unions and take into account wide-ranging opinions among parents and other community stakeholders.

Some school districts, such as South Bay Union Elementary School District in San Diego County, have already decided to forgo in-person instruction entirely for the 2020-21 school year.

“While we know that distance learning is not the same as in-person instruction, I am very proud of the amazing work that has been done this year by our students, families and staff,” Katie McNamara, superintendent of South Bay Union, said in a public letter this month following the district vote. “Our participation rates in distance learning, with the 1:1 devices we have provided for every student, have been very high. Thank you for prioritizing daily attendance and ensuring that our students continue to grow, achieve and succeed.”