OCDE Education in the News

Thursday, August 5, 2021

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Thurmond: Mandate or not, folks, just get the coronavirus vaccine

The state’s top schools chief made another push for Californians to get their COVID-19 shots, saying during a visit to Los Angeles County on Wednesday, Aug. 4, that given the continuing rise in coronavirus cases just as schools are reopening, that the best thing people can do to protect themselves and others would be to get vaccinated immediately.

https://www.ocregister.com/2021/08/04/thurmond-mandate-or-not-folks-just-get-the-coronavirus-vaccine/

LOS ANGELES TIMES

O.C. Board of Education to sue Gov. Newsom over K-12 school mask mandate

The Orange County Board of Education — which last year unsuccessfully sued Gov. Gavin Newsom to reopen schools for in-person instruction — has voted to challenge him again over a state mandate requiring K-12 students to wear masks in classrooms and other indoor campus facilities, saying the rule is a burden on children.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-08-04/o-c-board-of-education-to-sue-newsom-over-k-12-school-mask-mandate

VOICE OF OC

OC Schools to Follow Mask Mandate as COVID Surges, Some Parents Rally Against Rule

School districts throughout Orange County plan to enforce the mask mandate from state officials when students return to the classroom this Fall, while they face pushback from some parents and groups who want kids to drop the masks. So far, it looks like districts’ opinions on the issue are split, as some say they will follow the state’s mask mandate and other school boards are calling on the state to repeal it entirely.

https://voiceofoc.org/2021/08/oc-schools-to-follow-mask-mandate-as-covid-surges-some-parents-rally-against-rule/

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

San Francisco schools will not mandate vaccination for teachers, staff, in line with nearly all California districts

San Francisco’s public school teachers and staff are not required to get vaccinated against the coronavirus to return to the classroom. However, the district has asked employees to submit their vaccination status, officials reiterated at a town hall on Tuesday.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-schools-will-not-mandate-16364396.php

INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN

Inland Empire parents fight, support school mask mandate

Many parents want their school districts to follow public health orders because it protects not just children, but also their families and other people who are not able to get vaccinated due to health reasons.

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2021/08/04/inland-empire-parents-fight-support-school-mask-mandate/

EDSOURCE

Why some schools are mandating Covid tests while others aren’t

As students in California prepare to return to in-person instruction, schools are piecing together Covid testing and vaccination measures that are as varied as the state itself. The state is urging schools to test students and staff regularly and encourage everyone on campus who’s eligible to get vaccinated. But neither vaccinations nor testing is required, and schools have flexibility as to how they implement measures to prevent Covid outbreaks.

https://edsource.org/2021/why-some-schools-are-mandating-covid-tests-while-others-arent/658944

MODESTO BEE

Like Modesto, Turlock school district pursues local control over mask requirements

The Turlock Unified School District is following in the footsteps of Modesto City Schools, which last week sent a letter to the California Department of Public Health seeking local decision-making power on COVID-19 protocols including masks.

https://www.modbee.com/news/local/education/article253254188.html

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE

Mayor: If Pasadena Unified won’t mandate vaccinations, the city may get into the education biz

The Pasadena Unified School District is days away from reopening for the new academic year, and mandatory employee vaccination is on the minds of many, including Mayor Victor Gordo who called upon the district to make “the right decision” as it prepares to debate the issue along with coronavirus testing in the district.

https://www.sgvtribune.com/2021/08/04/mayor-if-pasadena-unified-wont-mandate-vaccinations-the-city-may-get-into-the-education-biz/

Some worry, a lot of positivity on first day of school for Hacienda/La Puente Unified

Like many of the other surrounding districts, protocols for returning to in-person learning at Hacienda La Puente included an indoor mask mandate for all and an outdoor mask mandate for adults gathered in large groups.

https://www.sgvtribune.com/2021/08/04/some-worry-a-lot-of-positivity-on-first-day-of-school-for-hacienda-la-puente-unified/

KPCC

Get Ready For LAUSD’s First Day: We Answer 8 Big Questions About Reopening Schools In A Pandemic

“Normal” is not the word Dr. Naomi Bardach would use to describe the upcoming school year in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Students and teachers will still have to wear masks and take weekly COVID-19 tests, whether they’re vaccinated or not. LAUSD is still paying for a stepped-up cleaning regimen on its campuses. Most students will attend classes on-campus, five days a week, six hours per day. With LAUSD kicking off its new school year on August 16, we’ve got answers to important questions about what to expect.

https://laist.com/news/education/lausd-first-day-of-school-year-202122-faq-covid-pandemic

HuffPost

The Education Secretary Wants Schools To Host Vaccine Clinics

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said Wednesday schools should use federal money to host coronavirus vaccine clinics as students return to in-person classes this fall, saying only “adult actions” could prevent students from returning to class full-time. “Schools should be open,” Cardona told HuffPost. “I would be very disappointed if adult actions interfere with students’ ability to learn in person.”

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-education-secretary-wants-schools-to-host-vaccine-clinics_n_610acfa0e4b0b94f6077e660

OTHER NEWS OUTLETS

Marin schools to require vaccine status verification

Marin school employees and students 12 and older will be required to supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination status this fall, county officials announced Wednesday. Those who have not been immunized will be required to be tested weekly for coronavirus infections.

https://www.marinij.com/2021/08/04/marin-schools-to-require-vaccine-status-verification/

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