To prepare for the reopening of schools, the Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified school districts have announced a purchasing pact to save money on Personal Protective Equipment and necessities for other new requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders finalize details of the state budget, California’s two largest school districts are calling for full funding of costs for reopening schools this fall. Implementing recently issued guidelines by the California Department of Education could cost billions in additional school spending across the state.

“Schools across the state are working around the clock to plan for reopening because students must have the chance to continue their education,” LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner and SDUSD Superintendent Cindy Marten said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the state published 55 pages of new guidelines on districts with no funding attached. Unless the funding needs are addressed comprehensively in the state budget, there is no way schools will be able to follow all the new recommended guidelines required for a safe, responsible reopening in the fall. It is inappropriate to pronounce public guidelines as recommended best practices and then leave districts without the necessary funding to implement them. Schools must be able to reassure parents, students and staff that their wellbeing is being addressed and these guidelines will now be viewed as a minimum threshold.”

School districts will face increased operational costs for as long as the COVID-19 health emergency continues. Among the requirements outlined in the CDE document issued on June 8 are stringent physical distancing standards. These impact every aspect of the school experience, from the school bus to the classroom and cafeteria.

To prepare, LAUSD and SDUSD plan to pool their purchasing power on PPE and other equipment. The alliance will save time and money, according to superintendents Beutner and Marten.

“We frankly do not want to spend a single dime on PPE when that money should be going toward the education of our students,” the superintendents said. “However, we do not have the luxury of waiting for the state to explain how they plan to fund the 55 pages they have issued for reopening. It is time for us to get on with the business of preparing the best that we can, and that is what we will do.” 

Last month, the LAUSD modified a recently negotiated Verizon contract to provide low-income students with internet services at home so that any school district in the state can access the offer and receive the same low cost. Since March, both districts combined have provided more than 35 million meals to families in their communities. Every week, they use more than 50,000 masks, gloves and protective supplies to safely deliver meals to the public following the CDC, state and local guidelines.

While state officials recently announced state agencies will assist schools in procuring necessary PPE, supplies and equipment, no details have been provided. County leaders are also looking at ways to supply PPE. Since it is not guaranteed either state or county support will be sufficient or arrive in time for the reopening of schools, purchasing staff from each district began meeting last week to explore solutions and outline a common purchasing strategy for PPE and other necessary materials. More details will be forthcoming.

For information, visit lausd.net.