Burbank Unified superintendent asks governor to close schools and cancel events
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to prompt some school districts throughout California to close, Burbank Unified is left standing along with a number of local public school districts.
On behalf of the district, Burbank Supt. Matt Hill sent a letter Thursday night asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to close all public schools throughout the state without any penalty for three weeks. The letter also asks to provide emergency funding to establish online learning if needed beyond three weeks, learning centers for students who don’t have space or access to digital learning tools and child care resources for families who can’t miss work.
“Los Angeles County is still in Scenario II; therefore, BUSD is faced with a Hobson’s Choice. Our students, teachers and staff have to wait for at least one person to become infected with coronavirus before we can close schools. How can you encourage Disneyland to proactively close, but have our children wait?” wrote Hill in the letter.
According to the California Department of Public Health, Scenario II is defined by whether there are two or more community transmission cases, but no cases within the school. Scenario III is when one student, teacher or staff member tests positive and exposes others. Scenario IV, the final category, occurs when multiple schools within a district have a student, teacher or staff member test positive.
School closure possibilities are listed only under Scenario III and IV stages. Although health officials support resisting shutdowns, Burbank Unified educators are being encouraged to use Google Classroom as a form of virtual schooling in preparation for possible school closures, according to previous announcements.
In an earlier statement Thursday, Hill confirmed no one in the district has tested positive for coronavirus. All schools, including preschool and before-and-after-school care programs, remain open. However, the board of education is holding an emergency meeting about the district’s response to the coronavirus on Friday at 6 p.m. in the district office, located on 1900 W. Olive Ave.
Los Angeles Unified voted to shut down all schools starting March 16, following the precedent of San Francisco, Simi Valley, Moorpark and Oak Park Unified.
Burbank Unified on Wednesday announced all non-essential travel, field trips, events, meetings and outside use of school facilities are canceled through March 31 with a possibility of an extension. Canceled events included middle and high school Open Houses.
Hill advised principals to conduct assemblies through intercom or webcasts.
Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena unified superintendents signed a letter suspending all Pacific League California Interscholastic Federation sports practices and competitions from March 13 through April 13.
The facilities department is taking inventory of supplies like disinfectant, soap and paper towels. Custodial staff is wiping down door handles, railings, elevator buttons in common areas. Restrooms, locker rooms and offices are cleaned daily. Students and staff who show symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath are advised to stay home.
The district monitors changes with the help of the CDC, L.A. County Department of Public Health, L.A. County Office of Education and the California Department of Education. Burbank Unified expects to communicate with the public through email and social media. A coronavirus page collecting hygiene, reliable links to more information and the latest school updates are available on the district website, burbankusd.org.
