KCSOS recommends schools extend closures through at least May 1, amid statewide stay-at-home orders

March 25, 2020 /

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools announced Wednesday afternoon is it recommending all 47 school districts in Kern County remain closed through at least May 1 to help contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a news release.

KCSOS said it came to this recommendation after consulting with the Kern County Public Health Department and in response to Governor Newsom’s “shelter in place”Executive Order.

“KCSOS’s leadership team and Kern’s 47 district superintendents are meeting daily through Zoom video conferencing and are problem solving in real time,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Mary Barlow. “We are learning from one another, adjusting plans daily and will be ready for any eventuality, including school closures beyond the May 1, 2020 recommendation. We hope it does not come to that, but we will be prepared, if the Governor and/or public health officials advise that school closures should be extended as we move forward.”

Over the past week, Kern County’s 47 school districts have adapted to the emergency to provide remote learning, “grab-and-go” meal distribution, supervision during the school day and telecommuting, a news release says.

Kern County Schools will continue these essential functions during school closures.

RELATED CONTENT: KCSOS Task Forces to provide essential services to students during school closure

KCSOS announced last week it has put together task forces to address the needs of local students. These task forces include the learning task force, technology task force, meals task force, and a staff task force.

Last week, KCSOS made an announcement schools will remain temporarily closed through April 14. A week later, Kern has now 15 positive cases of COVID-19, with 341 tests still pending results.

KCSOS is asking students and families follow the Governor’s orders to stay home and minimize social contact to the extent possible.

Kern Sol News is a youth-led journalism organization in Kern County. In their stories, reporters shine light on health and racial disparities in under-served communities across Kern. For more stories by South Kern Sol, head to southkernsol.org.