California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduces idea of starting school year in summer

FILE: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to members of the press at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. FILE: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to members of the press at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Photo: Randall Benton / Associated Press Photo: Randall Benton / Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduces idea of starting school year in summer 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged in a Tuesday press conference that the state's kids are suffering from learning loss due to the closure of schools to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In a discussion about reopening schools, he said, "We are considering the prospect of an even earlier school year into the fall — as early as late July or early August. We might want to consider getting that school year moved up a bit."

Newsom confirmed this is an idea under consideration and not definite. "That’s one of the things we want to begin to socialize," Newsom said.

In past briefings, Newsom has talked about how schools will need to operate under new guidelines to promote social distancing.

Schools could stagger arrival times of students to enforce physical distancing. In the new framework, schools will also be looking for ways to reduce large gathering of students at assemblies, lunch and recess.

"We need to start to prepare for the physical changes in the schools," Newsom said.

"Our kids have lost a lot with this disruptions," he added. "My wife and I have four kids. I'm not naive."

Over the past few weeks, Newsom has begun to detail a roadmap for how the state will reopen businesses, schools and childcare facilities with a "phased and thoughtful approach" that will support social distancing and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He hasn't provided a definitive date, but said Tuesday the state will relax the shelter-in-place order in "coming weeks not months" if the spread of the coronavirus continues to decline.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.