The Los Angeles Unified School District and the San Diego Unified School District, the two largest districts in California, serving more than 750,000 students combined, announced today that both will close, effective Monday, March 16, in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19. San Diego Unified plans to reopen schools on April 6, unless conditions call for an extension. Superintendent Austin Beutner of Los Angeles and Superintendent Cindy Marten of San Diego spoke by phone early this morning. They have issued the following joint statement: “California has now entered a critical new phase in the fight to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic,” they said. “There is evidence the virus is already present in the communities we serve, and our efforts now must be aimed at preventing its spread. We believe closing the state’s two largest school districts will make an important contribution to this effort. For that reason, we plan to close, effective Monday, March 16. “Later today, we will be providing students, parents, and staff with more information on our plans to continue providing learning opportunities for students during the closure. We have also directed staff at both districts to prepare to continue providing nutrition and other supports through family resource facilities.” The boards of Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified School Districts have unanimously approved this action.