Governor Gavin Newsom’s predicted Tuesday that the spread of coronavirus will likely keep schools closed for the rest of the academic year. But the San Diego Unified School District says it is still planning to reopen campuses on April 6, "unless conditions call for an extension."

During an address late Tuesday afternoon, Newsom said the public shouldn’t expect schools to be open in the coming weeks.

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“I would plan, and assume, that it’s unlikely that many of these schools — few, if any — will open before the summer break,” he said.

On Wednesday, San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten said as of now district officials are keeping with the plan they set in place last week, which calls for schools to open after a three-week layoff.

“I’m focused on what I am certain about, which is how to serve our students right now,” Marten said. “Given that we’re three days into a school closure, how do we quickly provide nutrition services and a continuity of learning.”

The district is providing meals to families at 10 schools during the closures.

Jennifer Alfonso, whose daughter is a junior at University City High School, said the uncertainty is the scariest part about the closures.

“What my daughter’s more worried about is the SAT tests because they were all delayed. AP exams were delayed as well,” Alfonso said. “We’re just wondering what’s gonna happen. But I have faith in the system that everything will work out.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Newsom issued an executive order suspending all statewide standardized testing.

Meanwhile, teachers are taking it one day at a time. Kisha Borden, the president of the district’s teachers union, said they are saddened by the thought of not seeing their students for the rest of the year.

“Things are changing on a day-to-day basis. Just last week we didn’t realize we would be in this position,” Borden said. “A week from now, worrying about curriculum could be the last thing on our minds depending on how things change.”

Clarification: This article was updated to clarify that the San Diego Unified School District plans to re-open on April 6, "unless conditions call for an extension."

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Joe Hong

Education Reporter

As an education reporter, I'm always looking for stories about learning. My favorite education stories put a student's face on bigger policy issues. I regularly sift through enrollment data, test scores and school budgets, but telling student-centered stories is my top priority.

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