CVESD recently completed its fourth round of COVID-19 testing through a model partnership with Kahala Biosciences. Since the start of CVESD Safe! in late October, the innovative testing and tracing program has administered more than 4,500 viral tests and 3,600 antibody tests to students, families, teachers, staff, and community members across the District. It is one of the largest testing operations taking place in the County.

The District partnered with the private firm from Irvine as part of a multi-faceted campaign to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and provide valuable data about infection rates in our community. A total of seven schools and the District Offices on J Street have served as host sites to provide multiple testing options for families and staff. Over the course of 26 testing events, 4,660 participants have been tested, with many attending multiple rounds of testing.

“We are thrilled at the response to our COVID-19 testing program from our District community,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “These tests provide reassurance and critical health data to our families and staff at a time when that information is extremely important. We appreciate the adherence to recommended safety protocols our community has shown and look forward to reopening our schools in the near future when it is determined to be safe to do so.”

The CVESD Safe! program has received tremendous support from participating school site staff from throughout the District. Principals and associate principals assisted with marketing and communication of testing dates and registration information and even posted photos of themselves taking part in testing to their social media accounts. Many staff members lent a hand to ensure safety protocols were being followed and to help with participant traffic flow. And, school custodians have done an excellent job with setting up and breaking down testing sites. Working together with the staff from Kahala Biosciences, CVESD’s testing program has enjoyed a very successful implementation.

“Today, we had 185 people tested for COVID-19 and/or antibodies,” Mayra Reyes, Associate Principal, shared after COVID-19 testing was completed at Lauderbach Elementary School on February 17. “Our community is grateful to have a trusted partner and we look forward to future collaboration with Kahala Biosciences. Thank you again for providing this invaluable resource to our families and staff.”

The District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for our students and work environment for our staff. Plans are to continue the CVESD Safe! program as the District makes progress to reopening schools. We look forward to having students, families, and staff back on site once we are cleared to do so.

The Chula Vista Elementary School District

The Chula Vista Elementary School District offers a rigorous 21st Century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction. CVESD’s mission is to nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working collaboratively, the district taps a collective intelligence rich with the spirit and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers. Located in southern San Diego County, the District’s 46 schools serve more than 29,600 students, primarily in grades K-6. The schools serve a vibrant, diverse community that features a blend of residential areas, recreational facilities, open space, and light industry.

Visit the Chula Vista Elementary School District website to learn more!