Education Empowers November 19, 2021 David W. Gordon Superintendent The Honorable Russell Hom, Presiding Judge Board of*

Because there are no vaccine mandates for eligible students attending Sacramento County public schools, public school children are at greater risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Children are now more vulnerable to infection because the Delta variant of COVID-19 is more highly transmissible. Children under the age of 12 are vulnerable within Sacramento County for contracting COVID-19 because they are not yet eligible for vaccinations.

Masks are an important tool, but vaccinations are the most prudent long-term solution to significantly reduce transmission and slow the disease spread by providing a significant portion of the population immunity from the disease.

Participation in school sponsored sporting events and other extra- curricular activities at schools are much safer when participants and attendees are vaccinated since, in many cases, masks are not feasible during these activities. It is widely acknowledged that children need social activities as part of the process through which they develop skills, attitudes, and values. Vaccinations are the only solution to ensure that these activities are provided safely. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 269003, SACRAMENTO, CA 95826-9003 • PHYSICAL LOCATION: 10474 MATHER BOULEVARD, MATHER, CA 95655 DocuSign Envelope ID: F45E5D31-A684-4893-87EC-5D07547BE89D The Honorable Russell Hom, Presiding Judge November 19, 2021 Response to Findings 1-3 Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Sacramento County School Districts and their Superintendents have regularly consulted with, relied upon, and followed guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Sacramento County Public Health Department and all Executive Orders regarding public health matters, including vaccinations, testing, and measures to reduce and slow COVID-19 transmission and protect student and staff health and safety. On October 1, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he was directing the CDPH to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccinations required to attend school in-person when the vaccine receives full approval from the Food and Drug Administration for middle and high school grades, and that all school staff will be required to be vaccinated when the requirement takes effect for students. As we have done throughout this pandemic, we intend to follow all state and local public health guidance and Executive Orders. California's state and public health officers possess the expertise and are thereby charged with issuing findings, recommendations, and orders regarding the public health of our communities and students. Therefore, we respectfully disagree with the Grand Jury's issuance of these public health findings. <b>F4</b>. Remote Classes are an option for students who are not vaccinated. Response to Finding 4 We partially agree. Under Education Code section 51745, et seq., a student may attend school remotely via independent study when applicable legal requirements are satisfied. Upon CDPH's implementation of Governor Newsom's COVID-19 vaccine directive, a student who does not obtain a vaccination may be enrolled in an independent study program consistent with current laws. (Health & Safety Code, § 120335(f); Educ. Code §51745, et. seq.) We have and will continue to follow Education and Health & Safety Code requirements for remote learning and independent study. <b>RECOMMENDATIONS</b>

Remote Classes are an option for students who are not vaccinated. Response to Finding 4 We partially agree. Under Education Code section 51745, et seq., a student may attend school remotely via independent study when applicable legal requirements are satisfied. Upon CDPH’s implementation of Governor Newsom’s COVID-19 vaccine directive, a student who does not obtain a vaccination may be enrolled in an independent study program consistent with current laws. (Health & Safety Code, § 120335(f); Educ. Code §51745, et. seq.) We have and will continue to follow Education and Health & Safety Code requirements for remote learning and independent study.