The San Diego Office of Education has announced that the first day of school will be delayed “out of an abundance of caution” due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
Superintendent of Public Education, Dr. Lamont Jackson announced the decision in a letter to parents and faculty Sunday. Dr. Jackson states the decision is based due to the latest information from local officials on the potential impact of Tropical Storm Hilary.
On Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Lamar Jackson stated, “as we continue to monitor the weather and the impact on our community, I remain hopeful that the storm will continue to decrease in its intensity as it moves though our region. However, given the uncertainty of the weather and our need to thoroughly assess any impacts to our facilities, school will be closed to students on Monday.”
“I remain hopeful that the storm will continue to decrease in its intensity as it moves through our region. However, given the uncertainty of the weather and our need to thoroughly assess any impacts to our facilities, all schools will be closed to students on Monday, August 21,” Superintendent Jackson continued. “The first day of school brings joy and excitement for students, families and staff. I thank our entire community for their understanding, and for our collective desire to have the best first day of school possible for our students, staff, and families.”
In addition, Board of Education President Sabrina Bazo stated, “as eager as we are to welcome students and staff back to school, safety must come first. I would like to thank our entire San Diego Unified community for their understanding as we work through this unprecedented weather event. To the staff who are working to keep our schools, students and employees safe, I thank you,” Bazo concluded.
To boost preparedness for Tropical Storm Hilary, San Diego Unified School District is urging families to sign up for Alert San Diego and visit the County of San Diego website.
Below is a copy of the letter from the San Diego County Office of Education:
The San Diego Unified School District announced today that it will postpone the start of its school year by one day, with schools being closed to students on Monday, Aug. 21. Postponing the first day will allow the district to assess any impact to sites and offices and ensure they are prepared to welcome students and families to the new school year.
In conjunction with public safety partners, school districts, charter schools, and private schools are continuing to monitor weather and road conditions. Most school districts in the county have already begun the 2023-24 school year and, conditions permitting, will operate as usual on Aug. 21 to ensure students have a safe place to go and learn.
The San Diego County Office of Education will update this webpage with any additional closures, schedule changes, and additional updates as they are available. Follow @SanDiegoCOE for real-time updates.
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