SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California plans to set aside 10 percent of first vaccine doses for educators, school staff and childcare providers starting in March to help get children back in classrooms.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday he hopes the move will help jumpstart in-person learning. It comes a day after California’s legislative leaders agreed on a $6.5 billion proposal aimed at reopening schools this spring that Newsom said doesn’t move fast enough and suggested he could veto.
It also comes as California temporarily closed some vaccination centers and delayed appointments following winter storms elsewhere in the country that hampered the shipment of doses.
Following the announcement, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria called on school districts to develop clear plans to get kids back into classrooms.
"Today’s news stresses the urgency from Governor Newsom to prioritize children by getting teachers vaccinated and providing guidelines for youth sports," Gloria said in a statement. "I’m calling on school districts to provide clear, specific timelines on getting kids back in the classroom. We need schools to reopen."