Menu Trigger

LBUSD SCHOOLS CLOSED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: DR. LEISA WINSTON
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232


 

March 13, 2020


Laguna Beach Unified Closes School, Implements Distance Learning, and Cancels Student-Related Activities Effective March 16 to April 3, 2020


LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), after careful deliberation and in an abundance of caution, announced today that it is closing its schools, effective Monday, March, 16, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

The public’s health and safety is of the highest importance to LBUSD and all of its community and educational partners. LBUSD has been following guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding how to keep its students, staff and community safe during this public health crisis.  At an emergency meeting of the Board of Education today, the Board granted 4 to 1, with Member Perry dissenting, to provide Superintendent Dr. Jason Viloria the authority to take necessary steps to keep students and staff safe. As such, LBUSD is closing its schools and will cancel any student-related activities from Monday, March 16 through April 3, 2020. 


To date, health officials have not detected any cases of COVID-19 in our district.  At this time, LBUSD asks parents to make arrangements for their student(s) for Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3, 2020.  An update on whether the school closures will be extended will be provided in the next few weeks.  The District will be working closely with community partners to coordinate and adjust any planned events as needed. 

“I want to reassure our Orange County community that the risk of transmission remains low, and that there are no known cases of COVID-19 infection in a student or teacher at this time," said Orange County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick. "That said, I understand the concerns parents are experiencing and support the school district’s decision to close temporarily. It’s important to note that as both public and private testing capabilities continue to expand, we expect to see more cases.” 

While it is not possible to replace an instructional day or provide comprehensive course content with online resources or take-home packets, District staff are in the process of developing resources and strategies to provide a continuity of learning. LBUSD will continue to work diligently to make sure schools and students are supported during and after this hiatus.  
 
The District understands there are many concerns around COVID-19 and want to ensure families that the administration is working closely with OCHCA for updates and guidance. For the latest information on COVID-19, families are encouraged to visit the LBUSD website, the OCHCA webpage dedicated to COVID-19, and the CDC homepage.
 
About the Laguna Beach Unified School District
The Laguna Beach Unified School District is a public school district located in southern Orange County, California, serving Laguna Beach, and portions of Aliso Viejo and Newport Coast. LBUSD oversees one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools with an average daily attendance (ADA) of 2,807 students. Laguna Beach is a district with a clear, unwavering focus on learning where students experience the very best teaching and learning strategies based on research and continuous professional development. Student achievement has increased year over year, and our students are among the highest-achieving students in the state. We take ownership of each child’s learning in our schools, accepting no limits on potential so that each student gains the knowledge, experience, world perspectives, and skills needed to become a lifelong learner and producer in a competitive and interconnected world. 

For more information about the Laguna Beach Unified School District, please visit www.lbusd.org and follow us @LagunaBeachUSD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.