Coronavirus: Fremont Schools Remain Open

FREMONT, CA — Anxious parents are monitoring new coronavirus updates and wondering if their children are safe attending school. In a message to the school community Wednesday night, the superintendent of Fremont Unified School District, Kim Wallace, said that schools will remain open.

Wallace said in the message, "We are all working diligently to provide a safe environment for your children while causing as little disruption as possible to student learning."

Wallace participated in a conference call Wednesday for Alameda County school superintendents, the Alameda County Office of Education, and Alameda County Public Health Department which resulted in the decision to keep schools open.

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However, the district will implement the following through Spring Break:

Cancellation of Mass Gatherings (1,000+ people) – FUSD principals have been asked to cancel all school events involving large gatherings of people for the next 30 days. This will include assemblies, rallies, socials, dances, and open houses. Also, study trips/field trips to mass gathering locations – amusement parks, concerts, arenas, etc., will also be canceled. This policy will be re-evaluated after 30 days to account for events such as proms, performances, senior events and graduations.

Medium and smaller gatherings will be looked at individually based on the type of activity, location and ability for social distancing. Athletic events will proceed as scheduled for the time being but decisions may be made to limit spectators at indoor sports.

Indoor facility rentals from outside groups and organizations will be canceled for 30 days. Outdoor facility rentals that exceed 1,000 people will also be canceled. This does not include pre-approved existing long-term leases.

School Closures – Public health professionals have consistently recommended against closing schools in part because that could actually contribute to the crisis.

The ACPHD will notify the district of any confirmed COVID-19 cases for students or staff. Should a school closure be necessary due to a confirmed case of a student or employee at the site — family members or other third party contacts do not qualify for a school closure — FUSD staff is developing a Continued Learning plan for students and online instruction options to minimize disruption.

Absences – County School Superintendents have made a request to the California Superintendent of Public Instruction to temporarily waive some sections of Ed Code regarding attendance to provide families with more options should they wish to keep students at home. The district will announce any adjustments as soon as the state responds.

However, some students may have people in their households who are vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. If you choose to keep your child out of school, truancy notices will be suppressed through April 10. The situation will be reassessed after Spring Break.

Absences will be excused, and students’ teachers will do their best to provide missed schoolwork.

Self-Quarantine – Students/staff with exposure to confirmed cases of other members in their household should self-quarantine for 14 days, even if not experiencing symptoms themselves. Parents should notify Student Support Services and staff should notify Human Resources if they are opting to self-quarantine.

General Health – The best methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19 remain the same – frequent hand washing, covering of coughs and sneezes, and most importantly, staying home if you are sick. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to cold and flu. If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. Custodial staff continues to perform additional cleanings of touch points and disinfecting common areas.

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