SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — An Escondido Union School District school is suspending on-campus operations for the rest of the month after three positive COVID-19 tests.
Three people in the Pioneer School community tested positive for the virus in separate, unrelated instances off-campus. Due to this, and the high case rate in the surrounding area, the school district says it is temporarily suspending all on-campus activities at Pioneer School through Nov. 30.
The suspension includes pausing the school's hybrid instruction model and extended care, and moving students to virtual learning. The school's distribution of free, to-go meals will continue.
"EUSD’s decision to suspend on-campus learning at Pioneer School was not directed by a public health department. County health officials have continued to express confidence in EUSD’s health and safety protocols. This decision was made to ensure the stability of the educational program offered to our students, as well as to continue our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our students and employees," a district statement read.
The school says the campus closure will affect 449 students. On-campus instruction will resume on Dec. 1.
"We understand that an interruption of on-campus activities causes a huge disruption to our families and staff, but this action is necessary to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community," said Dr. Luis Rankins-Ibarra, EUSD Superintendent. "The safety and security of our students and staff continue to be at the forefront of all decisions."
