Meanwhile, the state and federal government have continued to roll out guidance related to graduation requirements, funding sources and labor management. Looking forward, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in an April 14 press conference that schools might operate much differently than usual when they resume. Among the six indicators that Gov. Newsom announced officials will consider before modifying the state’s stay-at-home order is “the ability for businesses, schools and child care facilities to support physical distancing.”

To ensure physical distancing, Gov. Newsom said the return to school could feature staggered student arrivals and class schedules, as well as new ways of organizing mealtimes, recess and other large gatherings. The “deep sanitation” and “massive deep cleaning” of playgrounds, parks, benches and sidewalks could also be needed. While saying these issues will be discussed at the state level for weeks and months to come, the Governor acknowledged that exactly how schools will look will depends on local decisions and labor agreements.

The CARES Act

On March 27, President Donald Trump signed into law the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which provides emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, schools and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, the stimulus will deliver $16.5 billion in emergency funding for K-12 education, with $13.5 billion via formula grants for elementary and secondary education. California’s share of these funds is $1,647,306,127, of which $1,482,575,514 is the minimum distribution amount for LEAs. A share of $3 billion will also be available for governors in each state to allocate to LEAs hardest hit by the pandemic. California’s share of this pot is $355,227,235.

Importantly, in addition to the emergency K-12 funding, the bill includes $8.8 billion in additional funding for Child Nutrition Programs to ensure children continue to receive meals during an unprecedented number and duration of school closures.

“While nearly every school in California is closed for physical instruction out of paramount health and safety concerns, they are still working tirelessly to address the basic needs of students and develop methods to engage them in quality distance learning. This stimulus funding for K-12 schools is an important step as districts continue to operate in this unprecedented situation,” CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy said.

Unfortunately, in this time of widespread distance learning, the package does not include sought-after additional E-rate funding to address home internet technology access concerns. However, the K-12 stabilization funding may be used for connectivity. A $2 billion allocation for broadband access for schools was in an earlier version of the bill but was removed. CSBA will continue to press for the need for investment in this critically important area.

“We write to express our disappointment with the lack of funding dedicated for distance learning in the third coronavirus relief package that recently passed Congress,” the letter states. “The E-Rate program is, and has been for over two decades, an essential source of funding to connect the nation’s schools and libraries to the internet. As the coronavirus pandemic develops, this program offers an immediate solution that may help mitigate the impact on our most vulnerable families. We believe additional funding for E-Rate would greatly narrow the homework gap during the current crisis and help ensure that all students can continue to learn.”

UC/CSU ease admission requirements

Responding to strong advocacy from CSBA and other education management organizations, the University of California and the California State University systems announced on April 1 that they would ease admission requirements for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the details differed, both systems agreed to a series of accommodations designed to address the disruption caused by school closures and distance learning as well as public anxiety about grading, testing and college matriculation.

While both UC and CSU posted separate guidance on their decisions, the announcement came in a joint statement from the two systems and the California State Board of Education, California Department of Education, California Community Colleges and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

Specifically, UC and CSU said they would:

Labor management