UPDATE, 3:15 p.m.: The Humboldt County Office of Education has published an updating spreadsheet of school closures in Humboldt County. You can find it here. 

At the moment, basically everything in the county is closed with the notable exception of Eureka City Schools, which are still listed as open.

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Pacific and McKinleyville Union School Districts and Fortuna Middle School announced today that they will officially be closed for at least for the next week.

Fortuna Middle School and the Pacific Union School District will both be closed for the next two weeks, while McKinleyville Union School District has only committed to closing school for the next week.

Read more from the school administrations below:

Fortuna Middle School press release:

Dear FMS Families,

As a precautionary measure, school will be closed for the next two weeks (starting March 16) in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

A message will be coming out this evening through Blackboard Connect to all families. More information will also be sent out early this next week about the school closures.

Stay healthy!

-Julie Johansen, FMS Principal

McKinleyville Union School District press release:

March 15, 2020

Dear MUSD Families and Students,

The situation with the COVID-19 virus is rapidly evolving. On Friday, there was no suggestion that schools should close. Saturday, it was questionable. This morning, CA State Senator Mike McGuire reported to all Humboldt County Administration that schools should consider closing for long periods of time. Please note, “long periods of time” is not yet defined.

In terms of making quick decisions, our administrative team has worked all weekend to address the needs of our approximate 1100 students, their families, and our 155 staff members. We are not taking this responsibility lightly.

To this end, we announce the closure of our schools for the week of March 16-20, 2020. On Tuesday evening, we will hold an emergency board meeting to evaluate incoming information from state officials. Should it be recommended, we will communicate the need for longer closures as soon as possible.

Please know that we are hard at work with staff to provide all possible services including food service and educational options. We will continue to communicate through our district website, Robo-calls and Robo-emails, and our district Facebook page.

Please heed the warnings of our local and state officials. Wash your hands. Clean surfaces. Distance yourself from others. Be mindful of our elderly community members who may need help. And reach out to our administrative team with questions and concerns. We will continue to address all of the details a decision of this magnitude requires.

With deep appreciation for our community,

Heidi Moore-Guynup, Superintendent Jeff Brock, Chief Business Official Julie Giannini Previde, Grant Funded Program Coordinator Haley Jones, Director of Support Student Services Tiffany Maher, Morris Principal Elwira Salata, MMS Principal Kevin Scheffler, Dow’s Prairie Principal Vin Weldon, Director of Expanded Learning Program

Dear Pacific Union Families,

After speaking with County Superintendent Chris Hartley and Senator McGuire, Pacific Union School District has made the decision to temporarily close our school in response to the COVID-19 virus. This precaution is being taken to address social distancing and recommendations by the state.

Staff is working on preparing enrichment packets that will be available to families beginning Wednesday, March 18th. School will be closed through Friday, March 27th and we will evaluate then if we will reopen or remain closed. Please regularly check the school website, email, and text messages. We will continue to update you as we are able to provide additional services and information.

As always, thank you for your continued support during this unprecedented time.

Sincerely, Rene L. McBride Superintendent