California Gov. Gavin Newsom has struck a deal with state lawmakers to reopen classrooms to the state’s youngest students by the end of March. School districts could tap into a fund of $6.6 billion if they reopen classrooms by March 31, but, to get the money, schools must return to in-person learning at least through the second grade by that time. The deal includes districts in counties like San Bernardino, which are still in the purple tier. Those that do not open by that deadline would lose 1% of eligible funds for every day they miss the deadline. Schools in the state’s red tier or above would be required to offer in-person learning to all students in all elementary grades as well as at least one grade in middle or high school, or they would risk the same penalty.
