Lodi Unified closes schools due to air quality
As the Camp Fire continues to fill the Central Valley with smoke, Lodi Unified School District has closed its schools on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Schools were already scheduled to be closed from Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving, so the air quality closures mean that students will be out of school all week, returning to classes on Nov. 26.
“We understand that parents and staff will have questions about school make up days and work schedules,” Lodi Unified spokeswoman Chelsea Vongehr said in an email to parents on Sunday. “We will provide you with information regarding these issues as soon as possible.”
On Monday, Vongehr said the district was considering its options for making up the lost days, including seeking a waiver allowing for a shortened school year.
The district chose to stay open on Thursday and Friday of last week, as many other districts and college campuses in the area closed their doors. The continuing unhealthy air quality in Lodi caused the district to reconsider its stance.
“Schools remained open last week to provide students with vital services for as long as possible under these conditions,” Vongehr said, thanking staff members for continuing to serve local students.
“Due to continuing unhealthy air quality conditions, we have made the decision to close all LUSD schools and District offices on Monday and Tuesday this coming week to minimize exposure to poor air quality.”
Parents were notified of the decision by email and phone messages on Sunday. Additional information will be posted on the district’s website, www.lodiusd.net, and on social media accounts as it becomes available.