Ventura County prepares health guidelines for schools to reopen in the fall

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The California Department of Education (CDE) released guidelines on Monday for schools on how to reopen while protecting the health of students and faculty.

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) said it is working closely with its school districts to ensure they are ready to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year.

The CDE provided a list of recommendations for schools including advice on physical distancing, temperature checks, contact tracing, hand washing, the use of face coverings and more. The full list of guidance is available in the CDE's guidebook "Stronger Together" which can be read online here.

Currently, most Ventura County districts are planning to reopen their campuses in mid to late August according to their regular calendars. Many will continue offering distance learning as an option for families who prefer it.

“We know there is tremendous desire among students and parents for normal school operations to resume,” said Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Nothing can duplicate the face-to-face learning and social interaction that takes place at our schools. We are committed to restoring those opportunities as quickly as possible while making safety a top priority.”

Ventura County said that, in addition to protecting students physically, teachers and staff are prepared to help students with their emotional needs during these difficult times - not only in reference to the pandemic, but also in reference to the racial issues brought up after the death of George Floyd. “Public schools have a critical role to play in helping young people make sense of events that are reshaping their lives and our world in real time,” Superintendent Mantooth said.

The County said that all plans made for the coming school year will be subject to change as needs come up and developments are made in the fight against COVID-19.

The CDC provides information in English and Spanish on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among children here.