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Earlier today, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for additional measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize resources to support our most vulnerable populations. These include the self-isolation of anyone aged 65 and over or anyone with underlying health conditions.
Because we have many employees who meet this criteria, all employees are required to stay home Monday, March 16. Our Cabinet team will assemble tomorrow to regroup and determine how best to proceed under the latest guidance.
We remain committed to providing updates daily in this rapidly evolving matter. In the meantime, we will use this opportunity to answer some of the common questions that have surfaced from staff and families in recent days:
How long are schools closed?
All schools are closed through Spring Break and scheduled to reopen April 14, unless the District receives new direction from Sacramento County Public Health.
Any precautions families and staff should take while schools are closed?
While students and staff are out of school, Sacramento County Public Health officials stress the importance that everyone maintain appropriate social distancing measures (avoiding large gatherings, staying home as much as possible, etc.). This is crucial to help slow the spread of the virus among both the school-aged and general population.
Will employees be paid during the closure?
- Yes, base salary and benefits will continue for all employees (certificated and classified).
- Short- and long-term substitutes (certificated and classified) will be notified they are released. This notification makes them eligible for unemployment benefits.
I'm an employee currently on leave. Am I impacted by this closure?
Days that you are absent because of the extended District closure prompted by COVID-19 do not count against your leave balance.
Will students have to make up this time in the summer?
Given the gravity and scale of this emergency throughout California, we expect and await direction from the state for specific instructions, including processes to apply for a waiver which would not require make up days.
When can I pick up my student's materials/medications/etc. that were left behind before my school's closure?
We are sorry for this disruption and inconvenience for our students and families, and appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility at this time. We will make sure to communicate specific details and instructions to our families once they are available; until then, it is crucial that we limit activity on our school sites per Public Health guidelines.
Will meals be served to students who rely on school nutrition?
Yes, and we will start distributing meals as soon as possible, though we do not yet have a start date. More details will be communicated when they are available, but our families can expect the following:
- Meals will be distributed at multiple locations throughout the District
- To avoid large congregations of people, we will likely offer drive-thru and walk-up service
- We will also continue to work with our nonprofit, business, faith-based, and community partners to evaluate how to provide additional assistance.
Will distance learning options be available to students?
We have been working with our instructional and technology leadership to develop distance learning options. Additionally, the Governor's March 13 Executive Order directs the state to issue guidelines by Tuesday, March 17 that address equity and access issues with respect to residents' varied access to internet connectivity and technology. More details will be forthcoming after the District receives state guidance.
How will Special Education students be served?
The Governor's March 13 Executive Order directs the state to issue guidelines by Tuesday, March 17 that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education program as required by state and federal law. More details will be forthcoming after the District receives state guidance.
What about state testing?
Given the gravity and scale of this emergency throughout California, we expect and await direction from the state imminently.
For people or groups that want to help families in need, who can they contact?
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals and community groups that want to provide resources and assistance during these school closures. To help us manage the high volume of offers, we ask people to please send us a note at www.fcusd.org/closurehelp.
Are there resources for families who need childcare? What about resources for families who are unhoused?
We are working collaboratively with both cities of Rancho Cordova and Folsom, our nonprofit and faith-based partners, to provide resources for families and community members in need. If you have an idea or resource to offer, let us know at www.fcusd.org/closurehelp.
I'm not receiving emergency alerts (text, email, phone, etc) from the District. What can I do?
Updates to your personal contact information are made at the school site. At this time, sites will not have staff to support these updates. We will be posting updates daily on our website: www.fcusd.org/coronavirus.
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