On March 12, an email and phone call was sent out to parents and guardians of students in the Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified), notifying that all school and district-sponsored events would be canceled from March 16, 2020, until April 10, 2020, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This closure includes all Ventura Unified TK-12 schools, Ventura Unified preschool programs, Ventura Unified supported after-school programs, and Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE). All athletic events, including practices, will also be canceled through April 10, 2020.

This decision comes shortly after Dr. Levin, Health Officer with the Ventura County Public Health, declared a local state of emergency in Ventura County. There are currently 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ventura County.

“This closure is in support of the recommendations from public health officials to encourage ‘social distancing’ to slow the spread of the virus. It is strongly recommended that students stay home during the closure as much as possible and do not gather in public places,” states Superintendent Roger Rice and School Board President Sabrena Rodriguez in the email.

The email also informs that the District is currently, “developing appropriate at-home enrichment activities that [will be shared] in the near future.”

The District hopes to reopen on Monday, April 13, but this will be determinant on the spread of the virus and the circumstances at that time. They will continue to reevaluate this plan and will notify families of any changes by Friday, March 27.