State recommends closure of schools for week

Gov. Laura Kelly spoke Sunday night saying after consulting with the Kansas Department of Education, that the state strongly recommends schools be closed for the next week.

The move is meant to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and allow for contingency planning.

“By asking that all of our schools close for the upcoming week we will ensure they have the time to plan without students in the classroom so when classes do resume parents can be assured their children will continue to receive the same high quality, world-class education that Kansas is known for. ”

Kelly said she has a task force consisting of educators including state teachers of the year that would come up with contingency plans for educating Kansas students.

She said they would be considering how to move classes online, assist students without access to online schools, provide for at risk students, assist in child care for essential workers and help parents continue in education for their children.

The Newton School District is currently out of school next week for spring break.  All sports activities as well as Latchkey have also been canceled for the following week.

The recommendations do not go so far as forcing the closure of schools.

She said she expected that all schools would close but the state was leaving the decision to the schools.

Kelly said that right now the state didn’t think shuttering schools until the end of semester was necessary.

Kelly said now wasn’t the time to panic but use common sense, wash hands, practice social distancing and be caring for those at risk.

Kelly was asked during the press conference if the state would eventually close down businesses or take other social distancing efforts seen in other states.
Kelly said that each state is unique and that any such decision would be made with thoughtful consideration when necessary.

“I want every Kansan to know we will use all resources necessary as we continue to respond to this serious threat,” she said.

 

 

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