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-Editorial
Imperial Valley schools will close effective tomorrow for the safety of the students.
In an emergency meeting held March 16 between all the Superintendents and the Imperial Valley Health Department, it was decided to close all schools close beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 17, in response to the COVID-19.
Imperial County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday said in a press release that while there are two presumed cases in the Imperial Valley, and with no evidence community transmission at this time, this number may grow in the coming days and weeks which may require a lengthy closure or additional measures.
The Calexico School Board voted in an emergency meeting on Sunday to give emergency powers to the Superintendent. Calexico School Board Trustee Ciro Calderon pushed for the closure of the schools even if the school loses money.
“We might lose revenue due to the closure but no amount of money is more important than the well being of our students,” Calderon said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order ensuring California public school districts retain state funding even in the event of physical closure. The order directs school districts to use those state dollars to fund distance learning and high-quality educational opportunities, provide school meals and, as practicable, arrange for the supervision for students during school hours.
“Closing schools has a massive, cascading effect for our kids and their families – especially those least equipped financially to deal with them. The needs of California kids must be met regardless of whether their school is open or closed. School districts that choose to close must use state education dollars to quickly meet the needs of children and families. The State of California is working around the clock to help those districts and provide best practices to ensure no kid is left behind,” said Governor Newsom.
