Dear LUESD Families,
School districts across California have been anticipating an update from our Governor regarding masking requirements in schools. Today, the Newsom Administration announced the state's requirement for masking in schools will expire at the end of the day on Friday, March 11. This means students regardless of their vaccination status, will not be required to wear a mask at school beginning effectively on Monday, March 14. It is still strongly recommended but not required. I have shared today's statement from Governor Newsom below for your reference.
As we prepare for this transition, we recognize this decision will affect our families differently. We thank you for your commitment and trust in us as we have navigated this pandemic journey together. We have worked together to lead with clarity and have done our absolute best to abide by state law and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements to ensure our ability to open our schools and keep them open.
We must stay the course given the information and timeline provided today. This means, masks are still required as part of the state law and mandate in schools through March 11. This timeframe over the next two weeks will allow us the opportunity to properly prepare our students to confidently move forward and ensure a smooth transition keeping the health, social emotional needs and safety of our students as our number one priority. It is our goal to maintain the exceptional service we have provided for EACH ONE of our students, families and community.
Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom:
“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic. Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.
In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance."
Sincerely,
Cheryl Hunt
Superintendent