State recommends schools stay closed; no decision locally

Local school district officials said today they continue to evaluate their options a day after the state superintendent of schools suggested that schools not re-open to students this school year.

Tony Thurmond sent correspondence to county superintendents on Tuesday, recommending that schools plan to continue "distance learning" for the rest of the school year. The letter was not stated as a mandate, but its message left no doubt about the superintendent's stance on the issue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, the closure order for Riverside County schools extends through April 30.

“Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing, it appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year,” Thurmond wrote. "This is in no way to suggest that school is over for the year, but rather we should put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning.”

The Romoland School District sent a notice to parents Tuesday night following the state superintendent's announcement.

"We have not yet received an official order from our County Health Partners to extend our school closure date, but will update our community as soon as we receive updated communication," the statement read. "During this time, Romoland School District remains committed to doing our part to help flatten the curve and maintain the safety of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to provide learning enrichment opportunities that meet the needs of our students and staff throughout the possible extended school closure."

The Menifee Union School District sent a message to families today which includes the following:

"The [state superintendent] letter was not a specific order to close, however it appears highly likely the current school year will not be reconvened.

"These are challenging times. Efforts to engage through online learning while doing what we can to keep supporting your student during this challenging time is important, especially for your child’s continued academic development. The teachers and Instructional Services staff of Menifee Union School District are working ardently to develop and support a robust distance learning program to keep our students engaged. As an elite educational institution serving the Menifee Community, we affirm that our students remain the highest priority for each one of us.

"The week of April 6-13 is the regularly scheduled MUSD Spring break. Students will not have new engagement activities during this week, and our Nutritional Service team members will also be on break, so there will not be Grab-and-Go lunches at any of our distribution locations -- Freedom Crest Elementary, Ridgemoor Elementary, or Quail Valley Elementary Schools -- during the week of Spring break. Distance Learning will begin again in earnest on April 14, as will the lunch program.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and will do our level best to keep you informed."

Candace Reines, deputy superintendent of the Perris Union High School District, said, "Discussions are taking place at PUHSD and we plan to make an announcement in the near future on any extended closure."