For Immediate Release
March 1, 2021
Contact: Duc Luu

Statement on AB 86, School Reopening and Extended Learning Plan by Public Advocates Managing Attorney John Affeldt

We are pleased to see that the Governor and the Legislature have finally reached agreement on a deal to spur the reopening of our public schools. Despite heroic efforts from teachers and school staff, distance learning has largely not been a positive experience for those students furthest from opportunity—Black and Brown students, low-income students, English learners and students with disabilities. These students and their families need to have the opportunity to return to learn with their peers in safe learning environments and redress the social and emotional trauma brought on by the isolation of the pandemic.

We are glad to see, in particular, that the equity community’s demand was met to include English learners among the students groups being prioritized for return at all grade levels and that even elementary schools in purple counties will need to reopen to receive grant funds—albeit only TK-2 in the latter when we had strongly urged TK-6. We were also pleased to see the bill prioritize vaccinations for educators formally but not strictly make vaccination a condition for reopening.

Public education has taken a hit in the eyes of the public this year. Consistent with CDC and public health guidelines, it’s time to get to back to school safely and to begin to restore the mental health and academic well-being of our students. Today’s announcement begins that restorative process.

###

Public Advocates is a nonprofit civil rights law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and discrimination. For nearly fifty years it has strengthened community voices in public policy and achieved tangible legal victories advancing education, housing, transportation, and climate justice.