San Rafael City Schools Closed Friday Due To North Bay Wildfires

SAN RAFAEL, CA – All San Rafael City Schools and the Central Services Office will be closed Friday due to the impacts of the North Bay wildfires on staff members and the unhealthy air quality, district officials said. San Rafael City Schools includes the San Rafael Elementary School District and the San Rafael High School District.

All public schools in Marin County are reporting they will be closed. Additionally, Marin County Athletic League has canceled all sporting events for the weekend.

<< Related: North Bay Wildfires Close Schools In Marin County >>

Also See: California Wildfires Are Causing Problems Well Beyond The Fires' Edge

"The loss of life and property is devastating, and we currently have many staff members in danger of being evacuated from their homes, including many of our staff members who live in areas who have been recently advised that they should prepare for possible evacuation," Superintendent Michael Watenpaugh said in a statement posted on San Rafael City Schools' website.

A number of teachers and staff members are unable to work Friday because of personal health or safety related issues, Watenpaugh said. Over the past week, the substitute teacher pool has also decreased as substitutes were affected by the wildfires.

"We will not be able to provide adequate coverage for our classrooms," Watenpaugh said.

Schools are anticipated to open again on Tuesday. Monday is a non-student day.

Also see:

• Northern California Wildfire Latest: Death Toll Climbs, Acres Burn
• Red Flag Warning, Wind Advisory Issued For North Bay
• Wildfires Cause 'Unprecedented Levels' Of Air Pollution In Bay Area
• SMART Continues Free Train Service Through Sunday

Photo: A helicopter flies over a wildfire Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, near Calistoga, Calif. Photo by Jae C. Hong/Associated Press