All Marin County schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year, confirmed Superintendant Tara Taupier in an email on Tuesday, April 7. The announcement came six days after Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that all California schools would remain closed through June in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. In the three weeks since the initial closure, Newsom’s statements and Tam District’s statements have seemingly contradicted over whether schools would remain closed, leading to widespread confusion and uncertainty.

“This is obviously not a decision that is made lightly, and we recognize the stress and challenge it places on families […] It is, however, a decision that puts the priority on the health and safety of families and the community in Marin and the Bay Area.” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County’s Deputy Public Health Officer in the county’s official statement.

Taupier also acknowledged the impact of school closures on the district’s 12th graders: “I know this is not the end of the school year we had hoped for, especially for our 12th grade students who will be beginning new chapters in their lives in the fall.” At this time, it is unlikely that traditional Drake senior events will continue, including the awards night and parent dinner. “We will find a way to celebrate our graduates in June” Taupier added, although it is not clear at this time whether the graduation commencement will be virtual or otherwise.