Hello Friend,
As a PTO President, I serve as a liaison for our families and students and work closely with teachers and staff. Many residents have reached out to ask if our schools will remain closed after spring break.
There is no doubt that this is a tough decision for our Superintendent and School Board Members. While neighboring districts have taken strong and decisive action to protect the health and safety of their communities, the fact that the Tustin Unified School District has yet to make a decision is disappointing. Al Mijares, the Orange County Superintendent of Schools, has recommended the closure of all 615 public schools – pre-K through grade 12 – as a precaution against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The time for action is now!
Expecting families and teachers to go into Spring Break with uncertainty and no opportunity to plan accordingly should the closure be extended is irresponsible.
We are dealing with something unprecedented. The health and safety of our students, teachers, district staff, and community should be our #1 priority.
The President has declared a National Health Emergency. Our Governor has directed the cancellation of gatherings of more than 250 people. The State Department of Education wants districts to do what is in the best interests of their students and staff.
I hope the Tustin Unified School District will take swift and bold leadership during this time of crisis that protects our families, the livelihoods of our teachers and staff, and the educational institution we all love and support.
