LEUSD Classrooms Will Not Reopen For 2020-21 School Year Start

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Lake Elsinore Unified School District announced Thursday it will begin the 2020-21 school year in an online-learning mode only.

"Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our students, staff, and families, today the Lake Elsinore Unified School District is announcing our intention to reopen instruction on August 12th in a full distance learning format," the district said.

All LEUSD students will receive instruction and content five days a week in a 100 percent virtual format that will be mandatory, graded, and aligned to grade-level standards, according to the district.

Support for English learners, students with disabilities, foster students, and homeless youth will also be provided, the district said.

The decision to go strictly online was not reached lightly, according to the district. A survey was sent by the district to all LEUSD families several weeks ago, asking for feedback on the preferences for the upcoming school year amid COVID-19. Families were asked to weigh in on online-only, traditional classroom or a hybrid model of instruction.

Sixty-two percent of LEUSD families said traditional classroom instruction was preferred; 24 percent opted for blended learning (a hybrid model combining classroom time at school with online learning); 14 percent preferred full-time, teacher-led instruction via the Internet.

"All possible options for opening our schools in a safe manner have been thoroughly considered. The only safe option at this time is a temporary full distance learning option," the district said Thursday.

LEUSD school officials are intent on moving into a hybrid model and eventually to full traditional classroom instruction once health officials say it is safe to do so, the district said.

Riverside County is currently on a state "watch list" due to coronavirus spread and increasing hospitalizations. This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced more mandates for the county, and on Friday he is scheduled to hold a noon news briefing to announce whether California schools can reopen for in-person instruction this fall.

California's two biggest school districts — Los Angeles USD and San Diego USD — have also announced they will offer online-only instruction at the start of the 2020-21 school year.