March 15, 2020 - Jeff Aranguena, Superintendent Mariposa County Unified School District:

Dear Mariposa Families: The extent of the COVID-19 crisis currently facing our country is not something we could have expected. Over the last several weeks, Mariposa County Unified School District has approached this issue with a targeted calm approach, relying on public health experts and our Governor to determine each step.

After careful collaboration with our Mariposa County Health Officer, Mariposa County Unified School District will be canceling classes and all school-related activities from Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th. Schools will reopen Monday, March 23rd, unless conditions call for an extension.

During this time, we will evaluate our path forward in close coordination with all of our schools, County Public Health, Office of Emergency Services, and the Governor’s Office.

We believe closing the county’s schools will allow time for staff to develop and plan an organized approach to address this pandemic, with current, relative, and factual information.

“In Mariposa County, we remain in the ‘containment’ phase of our COVID-19 response. Working closely with our school district, we see this closure as an opportunity to do those preparatory activities that would be needed when we transition into mitigation and surge phases.“ says Dr. Eric Sergienko, Mariposa County Health Officer.

This is not an easy decision. We understand the far-reaching effects caused by this action and the difficulties this presents to families. We are determined to provide ongoing services for students who rely on our nutrition programs and will provide additional information within the next 24 hours for students and parents to access those programs.

I appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate our way through this health emergency. The safety of our students and staff are at the forefront of this decision, and I want to thank our staff and community for their efforts and professionalism during this difficult time.

Our team is committed to maintaining regular and ongoing communication as we gain information and make the necessary adjustments.

Sincerely,

Jeff Aranguena
Superintendent
Mariposa County Unified School District