All school districts in the Santa Clarita Valley were closed on Monday and some have confirmed they are reopening on Tuesday, according to a statement released by Mike Kuhlman, superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District, and statements released by some school districts.
The Hart district, Castaic Union School District, Newhall School District, Saugus Union School District and Sulphur Springs Union School District schools decided to follow Los Angeles Unified School District’s move to cancel instruction for Monday amid Tropical Storm Hilary.
“With the heart of the storm still on its way, it is not possible for us to know with certainty whether we will be dealing with significant storm-related issues tomorrow morning,” read Kuhlman’s statement issued on Sunday. “With this decision, we are joining other school districts … to use the day to assess our facilities, and to plan for a safe return to instruction on Tuesday.”
The statement went on to say that classes were cancelled due to concerns for students’ and staff’s safety if they were required to travel or commute to campuses. It also noted the possibility of electrical outages as another point of concern. Examples of water intrusion have also been found at some of their facilities.
“I share this news with the full understanding that school closures have impacts on families. While I deeply regret the challenges this late notification may cause, I trust that you understand that this decision places the safety of our students and staff as the top priority,” read Kuhlman’s statement. “Certificated and classified staff are to remain home (Monday) unless notified by their supervisor. Stay safe and dry tonight and tomorrow. We look forward to the resumption of classes on Tuesday.”
Debbie Dunn, communications director for the Hart district, confirmed on Monday that the Hart district was reopening on Tuesday. Sulphur Springs Union School District and Newhall School District also confirmed they were as well. However, Castaic Union School District and Saugus Union School District did not have publicly available statements to confirm they were also reopening, although it is possible parents were notified.
“Our administrative and maintenance staff spent the day at all sites repairing leaks, draining flooded classrooms, drying out waterlogged carpeting, opening clogged drains and replacing ceiling tiles that had collapsed due to water intrusions,” read a statement sent by Kuhlman on Monday. “In a few cases we have had to close access to students and staff in those areas that are deemed temporarily unsafe due to storm damage.”
