Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/orange-county-department-of-education/)
The county’s elected education leaders have been stuck in litigation against each other for close to two years, costing taxpayers millions that are paid out of the same accounts.
Most of the schools looking to reopen are in South County, where the virus hasn’t hit residents as hard, compared to working class neighborhoods in Anaheim and Santa Ana.
This week, the panel decided to sue the state over restrictions for reopening schools, but they lack the power to control districts’ return options.
The decision runs directly against what many commenters at the meeting asked for, calling on the board not to fight the state and comply with the written guidelines.
Districts are giving the option for children to learn virtually from home or to come to school a couple days of the week for instruction.
The 4-1 vote comes after massive public debate over the issue and is in direct opposition to the county’s own Department of Education.
The county’s decision comes on the heels of an advisory sent Monday to school district superintendents across the county clarifying state orders regarding youth sports.
OC School districts are suspending youth sports, including high school athletics after the county department of education warned that the state’s health department has not given permission.
Orange County educators, parents and community members are at odds over whether masks and social distancing should be required when school districts reopen.
Orange County Department of Education falls short on their “1 Billion Acts of Kindness” initiative. Time to look in the mirror and set the example.