Lawmakers have reached an agreement to return most California students to classrooms by the end of March.
The deal combines proposals from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature and will raise up to $ 6.6 billion to get schools back to learning personally.
Of that, $ 2 billion will be made available to the schools that are recalling students by March 30.
Schools will be eligible for their share of the $ 2 billion incentive once they resume classes for at least those students in transitional kindergarten through second grade.
The remainder of the funding, $ 4.6 billion, is intended to help schools make up for lost apprenticeship, or as Newsom calls it, “rethink the school year,” which may include longer school days and / or summer school.
Ultimately, the reopening decisions rested with the wardens of each district, not the state. The funding, which is primarily for personal protective equipment, improved ventilation and other safety protocols, may provide the boost the neighborhoods need.
Some teacher unions, including United Teacher Los Angeles (UTLA), which represents educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), have not resumed classes until teachers have had the opportunity to get vaccinated.
As of today, the pool of vaccine candidates in Los Angeles has expanded to include educators.
LAUSD, the country’s second-largest district, has secured 25,000 vaccine doses for teachers and staff, according to Chief Inspector Austin Beutner, which will initially focus on vaccinating those already working in school locations, kindergartens and elementary schools.
Meanwhile, UTLA’s membership is voting today on whether they will agree to return before staff are given full access to vaccinations and safety conditions are in place.
The agreement specifies that districts can resume class regardless of whether the unions unsubscribe.