| CONTACT: | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289 | January 25, 2021 |
Statement by Superintendent Austin Beutner
LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2021) – We continue to work with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) to plan for the return of students to schools as soon as possible and in the safest way possible. COVID-19 remains at dangerously high levels in the Los Angeles area, which is still under a “Safer at Home” order by both state and local health authorities, and return to school classrooms will only be possible when health authorities tell us conditions have significantly improved. It’s important to note that at no time since March have COVID levels in the Los Angeles area been low enough to meet the state’s guidelines to consider reopening schools.
Los Angeles Unified and UTLA are planning to meet this week with a group of university researchers who have been advising the school district since the summer on COVID-related issues to review the draft health guidelines in the proposed “Safe Schools for All” plan.
An important part of any return-to-school plan is the need for a clear and consistent state standard of what constitutes a safe school environment. This standard is needed to maintain the confidence and trust of all in the school community – students, staff and their families. We urge the Governor and the State Legislature to complete their work and provide clear and consistent standards which can be understood by all in the school community.
Once the state guidelines and budget actions for the reopening of schools have been finalized, we expect to be in a position to complete the discussions with UTLA.