BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — After discussions with the Kern County Department of Public Health and the 47 Kern County School Districts, Mary C. Barlow, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, has recommended Kern County Schools remain closed through the end of the school year.

The school year is not over and districts will continue to transition from classroom instruction to online distance learning.

Superintendent Mary C. Barlow stated, “Kern County school districts recognize the impacts of school facility closures for families in Kern County. The most effective way to slow and disrupt the transmission of this pandemic is by continuing to follow the advice of the Kern County Department of Public Health, implement social distancing practices and look for alternative ways to ensure our children continue to grow and thrive. All 47 school districts are committed to taking those actions, collectively.”

Kern High School District Superintendent Dr. Bryon Schaefer acknowledged the significant impact of school closures, stating, “our district’s students, parents and staff are all learning to adapt to new ways of providing ongoing and meaningful education to students while they remain at home, as well as addressing our students’ nutritional needs by continuing our modified meal services. Affording one another grace and patience, while also acting with common sense and persistence, we will persevere and make the upcoming months productive and a valuable educational experience for all students.”

The latest school-related information on the impacts of COVID-19 can be found here.