California Department of Education
FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, first graders applaud while listening to their teacher in a classroom on the first day of in-person learning at Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School in Maywood, Calif. California's public schools have seen a "sharp decline" in enrollment this year as the pandemic forced millions into online school and districts dawdled in bringing children back to the classroom. Data from the California Department of Education released Thursday, April 22, 2021, shows the number of students at K-12 schools dropped by more than 160,000 this academic year, most of them in K-6. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
California public schools see 'sharp decline' in enrollment

By Jocelyn Gecker Apr. 22, 2021 03:18 PM EDT

A chain-link fence lock is seen on a gate at a closed Ranchito Elementary School in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles on Monday, July 13, 2020. Amid spiking coronavirus cases, Los Angeles Unified School District campuses will remain closed when classes resume in August, Superintendent Austin Beutner said Monday. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
2 biggest California districts say school will start online

By Kathleen Ronayne And Jocelyn Gecker Jul. 13, 2020 07:39 PM EDT

FILE — In this Oct. 31, 2019 file photo, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond answers a reporter's question during a visit with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, background, to Blue Oak Elementary School in Cameron Park, Calif. California's Department of Education plans to release a detailed how-to guide to safely reopen schools in the age of face masks and physical distancing. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond says he'll release a new manual Monday, June 8, 2020, titled "Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California's Public Schools." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
California schools chief details plan for reopening

By Jocelyn Gecker Jun. 08, 2020 01:45 PM EDT

FILE - In this May 29, 2020, file photo, Jessica Ciaramitaro, Daryn Feenstra and Nicholas Soriano mix drinks while wearing face masks at the bar at San Pedro Brewing Company in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles. California will allow schools, day camps, bars, gyms, campgrounds and professional sports to begin reopening with modifications starting Friday, June 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
California to let gyms, bars, day camps reopen next week

By Kathleen Ronayne And Amy Taxin Jun. 05, 2020 04:44 PM EDT