Dr. Ansorg,
Thank you for all of your work and attention to our communities during our collective response to COVID-19. As you are aware, High-School Graduation is the culmination of thirteen years of education and the seniors in Santa Barbara County, recognized as the class of 2020, have made a tremendous sacrifice in the interest of public health. For instance, the last three months of a senior year usually include: bidding farewell to beloved teachers, competing for the final time in interscholastic sports, senior night, collegiate signing day, senior prom, barbeques with family and friends; and the list goes on. As a local graduate (Righetti ’97) and a former teacher, I am intimately aware of the special nature of graduations for all students throughout the County and understand the importance of this year more than most.
For this reason, I am writing this letter and calling attention to the Public Health Order 8.1, which I do not believe acknowledges the sacrifices already made by our seniors, or the ongoing efforts by our education community to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Over the last few weeks, I have spent hours talking to principals, superintendents, and families throughout the County about their concerns and needs, and based on my conversations and findings, I respectfully request that you reconsider two pieces of the 8.1 Order.