Burbank Unified district to close all schools through March
The Burbank Unified Board of Education voted 5-0 Friday night on a resolution to take any necessary actions to prepare and respond effectively to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak, including closing schools for students from March 16 through March 27.
An announcement released earlier in the day stated, “After several days of communication with state and county officials, the Los Angeles County Office of Education has just informed us we can close schools without the approval of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).”
Starting March 30, the district will move to a flexible learning model until health officials give the clearance for students to return to school. The Burbank Teachers Assn. is exploring models that could include online tools and on-site learning centers. All employees will continue to be paid even if they aren’t providing services to students. The district office will remain open and operational.
During the Friday meeting, parent Jasmine Stewart-Harbin expressed concern that online learning isn’t accessible to her son. Stewart-Harbin said she is a working mom and her son is autistic. She suggested teachers pull together tangible materials once a week for students and arrange for calls or virtual sessions with instructors.
Burbank Unified is planning to release detailed plans on the flexible learning model that addresses the needs of various student demographics in the upcoming weeks.
Joseph Ayala, president of the Burbank chapter of the California School Employees Assn., said employees are working hard to make sure facilities are in shape and students return to a clean environment.
Earlier on Friday, Los Angeles County Supt. of Schools Debra Duardo announced her recommendation that all schools in the county close effective March 16 to 27. Each school district can choose to dismiss or close schools with the approval of their elected boards.
“We are committed to supporting all 80 districts with guidance, technical assistance and resources to ensure continuity of learning, meal provision and other critical services during school closures,” Duardo said in a statement.
Health officials supported resisting school shutdowns if there weren’t any confirmed coronavirus cases on school sites. However, Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill sent a letter on behalf of the district 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.
Although Newsom addressed some of the district concerns, local school officials will continue to encourage Newsom to reduce the instructional year by another 10 days.
The district joins other districts such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Simi Valley, Moorpark and Oak Park Unified in temporary school closures.
Burbank Unified expects to communicate with the public through email and social media. A coronavirus page collecting hygiene recommendations, reliable links to more information and the latest school updates are available on the district website, burbankusd.org.
