The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented crisis for school leaders trying to educate, feed and care for students from afar. While there are few easy solutions to today’s challenges, existing board policies can provide crucial tools for addressing these issues. This piece looks at some […]
Category: Coronavirus
UPDATE: Legislature’s recess extended to May 4; what that means for remainder of session, state budget process
On March 16, just after passing a package of $1 billion in funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic (which included $100 million for schools, equal to approximately $17.37 per average daily attendance that will be sent to local educational agencies in early April), the Legislature […]
Senators’ letter to Congress highlights need for dedicated funding for digital access in student homes
The sudden and extended closures of America’s schools have brought into the spotlight a persistent problem well known to education advocates: unequal access to both internet access and devices in student homes. Across the country, 12 million students do not have internet access at home. […]
Update on $100M in COVID-19 funds for schools from Senate Bill 117
On March 30, the California Department of Education issued a letter on the release of $100 million in funds for local educational agencies to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is pursuant to Senate Bill 117, which the Legislature passed on March 16 before adjourning […]
FERPA and virtual learning during COVID-19
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, and the social distancing and other safety-related restrictions being implemented to contain it, schools throughout the country have almost universally switched to distance or virtual learning. The switch has raised countless questions for parents and school […]
Districts receive flexibility in providing schools meals to hungry students
Several waivers aimed at helping ease school meal distribution requirements were announced by United States Department of Agriculture officials on March 26 in an effort to ensure all children eligible for federal nutrition programs have access to meals they would normally receive in school despite […]
Coronavirus update: Stimulus set to deliver $13.5B in emergency funding for K-12 schools; a look at CalPERS and CalSTRS impacts
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night unanimously passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill to aid the country amidst the massive economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, the stimulus will deliver $16.5 billion in emergency funding for K-12 education, with $13.5 billion via formula […]
Resource suite for schools and families during COVID-19 closures
Student health and well-being Suggestions for educators on addressing the social and emotional needs of students from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Materials for schools and districts to support for their students and community around COVID-19 and pandemics from the National Association of School […]
Coronavirus update: California officials to provide ongoing guidance to LEAs dealing with COVID-19 closures
State education and health officials convened March 18 for a webinar meant to ease some concerns held by county and district leaders surrounding the long-term, widespread school closures caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently, more than 98 percent of the state’s […]
COVID-19, board meetings and Brown Act requirements
The following update provides guidance on the Brown Act provisions waived under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order, and information about the procedures your governing board can use to conduct board meetings during this unique time. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order: On March 12, 2020, Gov. Newsom […]