West Contra Costa Unified among first districts in state to keep distance learning even after campuses reopen

It remains unclear when California’s K-12 campuses will reopen for in-person instruction, but one Bay Area school district has committed to continuing distance learning in the fall and beyond — at least as an option.

West Contra Costa Unified officials last week presented their early plans for a permanent districtwide, K-12 “virtual learning academy” for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond. They also introduced two additional virtual programs for high school students to enhance the distance learning experience: a visual and performing arts academy and a career technical academy. The school board unanimously approved the concepts for all three academies, directing administrators to start work on models for each.