Area school districts extend closures for rest of school year

The Fountain Valley School, Huntington Beach City and Newport-Mesa Unified school districts have extended their campus closures through the end of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both the Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach City school districts recently announced extensions of their closures to May 4, while the Newport-Mesa Unified School District previously extended its closures to June 1.

“Like you, we are deeply saddened with the need to dismiss our schools, but we are in full agreement with the need to do so,” Fountain Valley Supt. Mark Johnson said in a statement.

“The safety of our students, staff and community is the most important thing, and we must continue to protect each other during this pandemic,” Johnson said. “I know that I am speaking for the entire FVSD family, as well as our board of trustees, when I say how much we miss our students, more than words can express.”

In addition to its numerous elementary and middle schools, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District has five comprehensive high schools and one alternative education center, whose end-of-the-year activities, including graduations, have been impacted by the closures.

The district said it is currently looking at options for those activities as well as ensuring that seniors are on track for graduation.

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