Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,

I’m writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have come up since my last message.

The County of San Diego has made slight modifications to the County of San Diego Elementary School Waiver application in order to accelerate the state approval process. The county is asking schools that have submitted applications to please resubmit by filling out the updated attestation form, which has clear guidance in compliance with the state criteria. 

The County of San Diego has advised the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) that schools can submit a waiver application with the sole intention of running on-campus programs for After-School Education and Safety (ASES) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), or to work with small groups of students in special populations such as special education. 

Because most ASES/CCLC programs are not staffed by school employees, in this instance the requirement for consultation with labor groups could be met with a letter of support from the contracted agency (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, or other provider). 

Also in this instance, the consultation with parents requirement could be limited to parents and guardians of those being served by these programs.

The County of San Diego representatives are expected to discuss this on their K-12 telebriefing today at 10 a.m. If you are unable to join, the slides for the telebriefing will be posted to the county’s Coronavirus-sd.com/K12Schools webpage. 

SDCOE is continuing to advocate for flexibility for schools to provide school-based enrichment programs and in-person assessment and therapy services on campus. We will share updates as new information is available.

Thank you for all you are doing during these unprecedented times. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can be of assistance.

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net