Kelly R, jokingly remarked, “I’m not receiving a hefty check!” as she assisted her daughters with homework in the kitchen of their Los Angeles residence. “But I’m optimistic that the children will benefit. That’s my main concern. Ensuring all children benefit.”
Kelly is part of a coalition of parents, students, and community organizations who successfully sued California, demanding increased resources and attention to assist underserved students—primarily low-income Black and Latino children—in recovering from educational setbacks during the Covid pandemic.
These students, already facing disadvantages before the pandemic, were disproportionately affected during Covid and are slower to recover.
To address these issues, California agreed to allocate $2 billion to aid the most impacted children in overcoming lost learning and the mental health consequences of school closures during the pandemic. While the federal government granted over $190 billion to public school districts nationwide for similar purposes, plaintiffs argued that California failed to ensure funds were targeted appropriately.
The settlement’s terms, pending enactment by the state legislature, mandate extended school days, tutoring, and mental health support for affected students, with strict oversight by the state. Parents retain the right to file complaints as needed.
Mark Rosenbaum, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is the most urgent crisis in America today.” He hopes the settlement will serve as a model for other states.
The lawsuit highlighted numerous challenges faced by students during remote learning, including technology issues, inadequate training for teachers, and disparities in access to digital resources. Many students, like Kelly’s daughters, struggled without proper support.
Experts warn of the long-term consequences, with some students potentially never fully recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Kelly expressed concern over her children’s ongoing struggles in math and emphasized the importance of addressing historic inequities in education.
The hope is that initiatives like this lawsuit and settlement will prompt systemic changes to ensure all students receive equitable access to education. Kelly stressed the importance of not allowing children to continue falling behind due to systemic failures.
