Statement on the Reopening of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fresno

The Roman Catholic
Diocese of Fresno
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2020
Contact: Mona Faulkner, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Telephone: Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno
Office (559) 488-7400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dioceseoffresno.org

Statement on Reopening of Catholic Schools In the Diocese of Fresno

On Friday, July 17th, Governor Newsom issued a mandate regarding the reopening of schools here in California. It essentially says that no school located within a county on the state's watchlist can reopen for 'in-person' teaching until such time as that county has been off the watchlist for 14 consecutive days. All 6 of the counties where our Catholic schools are located are currently on that watchlist. Therefore, none of the 20 schools within the Diocese of Fresno will be able to start the school year with students on campus.

However, we want the public to know that excellent online instruction will be offered to our students beginning the first week of August. A remote possibility for 'in person' teaching to take place does exist. The Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Mona Faulkner, has begun the process of applying to the state for a waiver from each of the counties in which we have schools so that our schools might be able to teach with students on campus.

Bishop Brennan required the Diocesan Reopening Guidelines for Catholic Schools and Preschools to be set at even higher standards of safety and precaution than those required by the state or the CDC. It is the hope of the Diocese that those Guidelines will help in a successful effort to secure waivers and that all Catholic schools will open soon.
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