Board member electronic communications in the virtual world of COVID-19

California’s stay-at-home order and social distancing requirements imposed to maintain the health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic have created a virtual world for most, including governing board members. Given that board members are increasingly, and perhaps solely, using electronic means during this time to […]

Existing board policy can aid in preparing and responding to emergencies: BP/AR 3516 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan  

As districts and county offices of education navigate the daily-changing landscape of providing education to students while shelter-in-place orders are extended, leadership teams should look at their existing policies and plans that pertain to emergencies. Over the last few years, many local educational agencies have […]

Boards may meet without a physical meeting space for the public, and may receive updates on COVID-19 from officials

On March 17, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a second executive order impacting meetings held by school district and county office of education boards. Executive Order N-29-20 superseded paragraph 11 of the March 12, 2020, Executive Order N-25-20, which required local educational agencies to provide […]

Coronavirus update: Passage of Senate Bill 117 offers relief to school districts, COEs

On Monday, March 16, the Legislature and the Governor took special action to support agencies grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, including passage of SB 117, a bill providing relief to school districts, county offices of education, and childcare centers. CSBA appreciates the swift work to […]

Governor issues executive order ensuring state funding for coronavirus-related school closures

Early on the evening on March 13, 2020, Gov. Newsom issued an executive order addressing some of the unresolved questions prompted by coronavirus-related school closures. The order ensures that districts will receive state funding as normal and will not lose Average Daily Attendance (ADA) revenue […]

African American History Month: An interview with Bettye Lusk, CSBA Director-at-Large, African American

Each February, African American History Month marks a time for celebrating the achievements of African Americans and recognizing their central role in U.S. history. To help mark the month, California School News interviewed Bettye Lusk, CSBA’s Director-at-Large, African American and longtime trustee for the Monterey […]