Dear community member,
This major storm event impacting Santa Cruz County today and tomorrow is something our school community is taking very seriously, and we urge all community members to ensure you are prepared and to closely monitor the news, weather forecasts, and updates from our local governments and emergency services.
School Districts and the COE are working closely with the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor the storm and respond appropriately. Most of our students have not yet returned from Winter Break, which reduces potential impacts. However, two of our rural, small school districts — Pacific Elementary and Happy Valley — made the precautionary decision to cancel in-person classes today based on advice from the Sheriff’s Office. We have postponed the return from Winter Break at three of our COE alternative education sites in the Watsonville area that are at risk of flooding, and we are aware that a small number of private and charter schools have canceled classes today out of an abundance of caution.
COE staff will continue to work with districts and the EOC to ensure we are aware of the latest conditions and forecasts. As conditions evolve, it is possible there may be additional changes to school schedules.
Please keep an eye out for updates from your school and be thoughtful about the safety of any travel today and tomorrow. Anyone unable to safely reach school should not do so, regardless of whether school is in session. Safety is our top priority, and our school community has proven its adaptability and resilience time and time again.
- Evacuation information: https://aware.zonehaven.com/
- Updated forecasts: https://www.weather.gov/mtr/
- Storm event emergency info and readiness tips: https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/OR3/Emergency.aspx
- Additional storm-related info and resources: https://www.unitedwaysc.org/santa-cruz-county-atmospheric-river-emergency-info
- County social media accounts: www.twitter.com/sccounty and https://www.facebook.com/countyofsantacruz
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools