| Background Senate Bill 98, Section 43509, established the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (Learning Continuity Plan), which is intended to balance the needs of all stakeholders, including educators, parents, students and community members, while streamlining meaningful stakeholder engagement and condensing several pre-existing plans. It combines the intent behind Executive Order N-56-20, which extended the timeline for the 2020-2021 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and required a written report to the community, and the ongoing need for LEAs to formally plan for the 2020–21 school year, amid the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Learning Continuity Plan replaces the LCAP for the 2020–21 school year and supersedes the requirements in Executive Order N-56-20. The LCAP and annual update to the LCAP are not required for the 2020–21 school year. A new three-year LCAP is currently scheduled to be adopted by local educational agencies by June 30, 2021. Current Considerations The Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) memorializes the planning process for the 2020–21 school year and includes descriptions of how the LEA will do the following: offer classroom-based instruction whenever possible; provide continuity of instruction and ensure access to a full curriculum regardless of the method of delivery; address gaps in learning; conduct meaningful stakeholder engagement; maintain transparency; address the needs of unduplicated pupils (English learners, foster youth, low-income students), students with exceptional needs, and students experiencing homelessness; provide access to necessary devices and connectivity for distance learning; provide resources and supports to address student and staff mental health and social emotional well-being; and continue to provide school meals for students. The Learning Continuity Plan shall be adopted by the local educational agency’s Governing Board by September 30, 2020. School districts are required to submit the Learning Continuity Plan to the county office of education not later than 5 days after adoption of the plan. The county superintendent of schools may submit recommendations, in writing, for amendments to the Learning Continuity Plan by October 30, 2020. The governing board of a school district shall consider the recommendations submitted by the county superintendent of schools in a public meeting within 15 days of receiving the recommendations. School districts must post a copy of the Learning Continuity Plan on the homepage of their internet website. Financial Implications There are no financial implications directly associated with this public hearing and Governing Board adoption of the Learning Continuity Plan. However, as the LCP replaces the LCAP for the 2020-2021 school year, it identifies the priorities for the 2020-2021 school year and the associated steps and costs related to implementation. Therefore, all of the financial implications of the LCP are identified within the Plan.
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