October 2, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Public Schools Likely Remote in Fall

Superintendent cites surging COVID-19 cases

By Sam Catanzaro

Santa Monica public schools will likely be online in the fall, the superintendent announced Tuesday, the same day LA County reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in a single day.

“Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District staff will recommend that the School Board announce a plan to reopen with distance learning, following recent state and local health recommendations and a surge in Covid-19 cases in Los Angeles County,” reads a letter to parents from Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati Tuesday.

The school board meets on Thursday to discuss and take final action on the proposed plan.

The announcement comes a day after Los Angeles Unified School District said that it would start the school year online-only. According to Drati, SMMUSD had been preparing to recommend an in-person, hybrid model that included both in-person and distance learning but a recent surge in COVID-19 spread forced the district to change course.

“The steady upsurge in coronavirus cases in our region combined with the advice of public health experts has led us to the conclusion that distance learning is the most prudent model to start the 2020-2021 school year,” Drati said.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in a single day with 4,244 new cases and 2,103 people currently hospitalized. The County also confirmed 73 new deaths of COVID-19. This is one of the highest numbers of new deaths reported in a day and may reflect a lag in the reporting of deaths over the weekend.

“Today’s numbers are alarming and unfortunately are the result of many businesses and individuals not adhering to the basic public health requirements of distancing and wearing face coverings. We are just not able to continue on a recovery journey without everyone doing their part. Keeping businesses open is only possible if we get back to slowing the spread,” said Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

Testing results are available for over 1,387,000 individuals with 9 percent of all people testing positive. To date, officials have confirmed 140,307 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 3,894 deaths. In Sanat Monica, there have 521 cases and 36 deaths.

According to Drati, since the pandemic began the district has worked toward the reopening physical buildings on campuses following guidelines and protocols presented by public health officials. Conducting learning remotely will provide the district an opportunity to fully implement these recommendations and prepare for the return of students and staff as quickly and safely as possible, Drati said.

“This was not an easy decision,” Drati wrote. “We understand that distance learning may present a challenge to many families. We will address these concerns in the upcoming school board meeting and during the next month and beyond, along with how we plan to deliver distance learning to our students in a consistent and effective manner.”

Related Posts

Spanish Contemporary Home With Pink Mirrored Cocktail Bar on Market for $6.5M

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

There’s a Private Oasis With a Pool, Jacuzzi, and Verdant Backyard Situated in the Santa Monica Canyon, this residence presents...

Global Surfing Association to Leave Santa Monica, Lists Main Street Office Space

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

The Association’s New Location Is Set to Be Ready by November By Zach Armstrong The office headquarters of professional surfing...

(Video) Interview With Downtown Activist on Being Attacked by Homeless Suspect

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming. @smmirrornews John Alle was hospitalized after...

Suspected Drunk Driver Slams Into Citizen on Venice Beach Boardwalk

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

The Suspect Is Also Seen Drinking From a Modelo Beer Bottle By Zach Armstrong A potential drunk driver hit a...

Beloved Roosevelt Elementary Teacher Kitty Donohoe Leaves a Legacy of Inspiration

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

Longtime Educator Remembered for 35 Years of Dedication to Roosevelt Community By Gail Pinsker The Santa Monica – Malibu Unified...

$10K of Pickleball Equipment Destroyed in Memorial Park Arson

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Thanks to an Outpour of Donations and Support, Storage Bins Should Be Set Up by the End of Next Week...

Revolutionize Your Coffee Experience: Blue Bottle’s Exclusive Residency Unveiled

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

A Full Flavor Coffee Experience With Dessert Meant For Savoring  By Dolores Quintana Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known specialty coffee...

Rebranded Breakfast Burrito Specialist Still Eyes 2023 Santa Monica Opening

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Earlier This Year, It Was Reported the Restaurant Will Expand in a Different Time Frame Than Initially Expected By Zach...

Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers. The Women’s Surf Film...

Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals The Santa Monica College Dance...

Samohi Orchestra Program to Host Annual Fall Benefit Concert

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

Audience Will Be Enchanted With Pieces From Movies Including Aladdin, Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle The nationally recognized and...

Hollywood Twist: Writers Guild Strikes Gold with Extraordinary Deal

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

WGA Members To Vote On Ratification of the Tentative Contract  By Dolores Quintana  After The Writers Guild of America (WGA)...

Film Review: Amerikatsi

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWAmerikatsiUnrated117 MinutesReleased September 8, 2023 A storyline predominantly based on voyeurism is not a new cinematic concept, and here...

Film Review: Bottoms

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWBOTTOMSRated R91 MinutesReleased August 25th Welcome to a new generation of breakout stars of American comedy who make the...

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar,...