This Petition is to close all Irvine Schools during the coronavirus outbreak.

Our students, teachers, and other staff members are driving or taking public transportation to schools every day contacting other families and those in the community.  All potential people may be carriers of this virus and it creates a dangerous environment where our children may be bringing home these germs and others to their families.  There are not even testing kits available to the City of Irvine to test everybody who wants to be tested.  

Covid-19 is spreading and has infected at least 3 individuals in Orange County.  Orange County and the State of California have declared state of emergencies.  Why hasn't Irvine Unified School District taken steps to protect the children, staff members, teachers, and the public? IUSD please stop making this about money and your bottom line and worrying about the loss of revenue you will receive if you close our schools.  IUSD must take action and preventative measures to protect all people and stop the spread of this virus within our beautiful community.  IUSD please show us that you are the leader in our community, you care about our children, and offer families the option for keeping their children at home without repercussions that they may face prosecution or fines.  IUSD should offer parents and families the option to have the students take online classes or other methods to continue their education.  Our children are crying and fearful of catching the virus from someone.  Our children have to come home to family members, sometimes elderly people, who are more prone of catching the virus and having serious consequences.  There are not even masks to protect our kids and ourselves.  There is not even enough bleach, hand sanitizer and other disinfectants available to protect our families in our homes. The groceries stores have none or very limited supply. Some children are still going to school sick because their parents have to work.  Children are afraid of being near these children.  

Other school districts in Washington and New York states and other countries are taking the responsibility and closing the schools.  Why aren't you doing the same?  With today's technology, our children can still be able to progress academically as well and keep everyone safe.  Why aren't teachers using Skype or other online teaching apps which are safer?  Closing schools or at least providing parents the choice to send their children to school without having to have additional absences on their record should be done now.  That will help to keep our students safer, our teachers healthy, and support administration that work within our schools.  So we are asking you to please close the schools or give parents the options to have their children learn academics online without any effect on their grades and progress!  Utilize email, Skype, or other online tools now!