California announces school reopening deal, offers $6.6B to districts that open by this date

California’s public schools could get $6.6 billion from the state Legislature if they return to in-person instruction by the end of March, according to a new agreement announced Monday between Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s legislative leaders. 

Most public school classes have not been held in-person since March of last year because of the coronavirus. Many districts have struggled to reach agreements with teachers’ unions on the best way to return students and staff to the classroom.    Former professor Carol Swain reacts to the comments on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’ Kevin Faulconer, California gubernatorial candidate and former San Diego mayor, criticizes Gov. Newsom and advocates for the reopening of schools on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’ Newsom, who could face a recall election later this year spurred by his handling of the coronavirus, has been at odds with legislative leaders on the best way to encourage school districts to return students to the classroom. California can’t order schools to return to in-person instruction, but state officials can offer a lot of money to those that do.