Contra Costa Schools Cancel Classes, Activities Over Air Quality
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (CBS SF) -- The Mt. Diablo, Pittsburg, Antioch and Martinez unified school districts are joining others from Contra Costa County in closing Thursday because of poor air quality in the area from the North Bay wildfires.
The Contra Costa Community College District has decided to close all of its colleges and educational centers Thursday.
In Alameda County, parents who wish to keep their children home from school Thursday due to poor air quality may do so. Those absences will be excused.
West Contra Costa County Unified School District Superintendent Matthew Duffy wrote in a letter to the district community that "the fires to the north continue to affect air quality in our district and it is predicted to worsen on Thursday."
All athletic events and practices, as well as other after-school activities are also canceled.
Duffy noted that "surrounding districts in Benicia, Vallejo and Vacaville also made the decision today to close schools on Thursday and Friday" and said WCCUSD officials will make a decision on whether to also close schools Friday "as more information is gathered."
District offices and departments will remain open Thursday.
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District - with schools in Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, among other cities - also canceled classes for Thursday, and anticipated possibly closing schools on Friday.
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