The academic year could start in late July or early August to address learning losses brought on by coronavirus-forced school closures affecting about 6.1 million California students.
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to start next school year earlier, as soon as late July, but San Diego school leaders emphasize that’s not going to happen unless a lot of other things happen first — including ramped up coronavirus testing, plans for physical distancing and even blended learning in schools.
“Just putting out there a specific starting time is probably not helpful,” said San Diego Unified School Board Vice President Richard Barrera. “What’s more helpful is to keep emphasizing these are the conditions that need to be in place before we can start to reopen.”
Some school leaders voiced skepticism of the idea. Poway Unified Superintendent Marian Phelps told families in a message Wednesday that an earlier school year is not likely.
“We have some major questions that need to be answered before we consider physically re-opening schools, such as maintaining the health and safety of our students and staff,” Phelps said. “Additionally, school calendars take a great deal of planning and coordination; any changes also could have major fiscal implications.”