Scotts Valley Unified School Start Date Postponed

Santa Cruz CA

22 August, 2020

10:50 AM

Description

Press release from the Scotts Valley Unified School District: August 20, 2020 Dear Scotts Valley Community and SVUSD Employees, Well, I had prepared a letter to send out on Friday, August 21 acknowledging the official start to the school year on Monday, August 24. This communication was also going to provide you updates from the Town Hall meeting held on August 12, remind you about resources to access on our webpage for the start of school, and share with our community the District's plans to address cultural responsiveness in our District as we kick off the school year. In the last 24 hours, we have again had to pivot and adjust to the latest crisis before us. Due to the fires in Santa Cruz County and the lack of clarity on containment as well as the destruction that has already occurred, we are postponing the official start of the school year until we have more information on the overall impact of the fires. At this time, we are postponing for at least one week, the start of the 2020-21 school year is tentatively set to start August 31st. We have several staff members who have been evacuated from their homes and some that still do not know if their homes are still standing. We have community members who are also in the same situation, and they are adhering to the evacuation orders that have been posted. While I know it's important to get school started, I believe it is difficult and in some cases nearly impossible for everyone in our area to focus on that at this time. Taking care of families, pets, and each other takes top priority right now. As I get more information as to the status of the fires and the impact to our area, I will remain in communication with you as to the official start of the school year. I am sincerely sorry that this is happening and my heart and prayers go out to all of those affected by this situation. People are offering their help and support which is greatly appreciated. Updated information can be found at the following websites: Sign up for incident updates at www.tinyurl.com/czulightning. A live evacuation map can be found at www.smco.community.zonehaven.comRed Cross hotline (for accommodations for evacuees only, not for fire info) - 1-866-272- 2237The CalFire public information line for the fire incident - 831-335-6717.Families can call 211 - this has been activated for the public to call with general questions regarding the fire, evacuations, and resources. I will send updates as I receive credible information. Please be safe and take good care! You are all in my thoughts, Tanya Krause This press release was produced by the Scotts Valley Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.