Dear Parents:
If you have been watching the news over the weekend, things are changing rapidly. In California, for example, Governor Newsome has just closed bars, scaled back restaurants, asked those over 65 to stay indoors, etc. With the rapid pace of updates, it’s sometimes difficult to understand all that is happening and why. As a result, we thought it would be helpful if we gave you a little more information about the key concerns and underlying values that are driving our open/close decisions.
1. Parent concerns
- We all want our kids and families to be safe and not exposed to this virus. We care about your children and are working in their best interest.
- We recognize that many of you need our help so you can continue working. All of you have financial concerns, and some of you are doing your part to help the public during this time and need to work.
- We know that any closure notice needs to give you time to make alternate arrangements.
2. Concerns for Public Heath
- Public health is important and we want to be a part of the solution.
- We watch what our surrounding schools do. We don’t have to do what they do, but we do observe what they do and often follow suit.
3. Government Edicts
- We are following the national, state, regional, and educational news closely.
- The state licensing board is the governmental agency that inspects us and gives us our ability to operate. They have been in constant contact. If they say we must close, we have to comply.
- The State Department of Education has also been in constant contact and impacts what we do.
4. Concerns as a private business
- We are a private school and do not receive money from the government for any closure. The guarantees of funding to schools does not apply to us.
- We have teachers to pay, and their livelihoods are important to us, as well as a mortgage to pay, utilities to pay, just like you.
- We have legal liabilities created by the recent government edicts that we must consider.
It is our desire to remain open, and we are actively working toward that end. We know that this is a disruptive time for everyone. We also know that whatever we do, we can’t please everyone. Our hope is that if you know how we are working to address all the concerns listed above you will be willing to be patient and work with us as we navigate this together.
Please let us know if you are struggling with anything like supplies, or anxiety, or other ways we may be able to assist you.
We will be updating you very soon on our status. May God bless you all.
Ed Pagh, Pastor
Katy Maestas, Director
