O’Connell visits with swine flu manual for schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell was in Lemon Grove Thursday to release a draft manual that public schools can use to prepare for the spread of the swine flu.

The “Pandemic Influenza Planning Manual” includes recommendations and resources to prepare for - and prevent the spread of - the H1N1 virus and reporting procedures for student dismissals. It also outlines the fiscal impacts of possible extended school, district or statewide school closures.

O’Connell held news conferences at Golden Avenue Elementary and in San Jose to update efforts to combat the spread of the H1N1 influenza and to release the draft manual.

“Over the course of the last few months, I have spoken often with the education community regarding this matter, and it is important that this communication continues throughout the school year,” O’Connell said. “So I am pleased to announce the release of the draft Pandemic Influenza Planning Manual, which I feel will serve as a great resource for schools in dealing with the H1N1 virus and other future influenza outbreaks.”

O’Connell said he wants students, parents, teachers and school administrators to review the document and make recommendations on how it can be improved.

The document is posted on the California Department of Education’s