Governor closes Schools, March 13

Late Thursday night, March 12, Oregon Governor Kate Brown ordered all k-12 schools to close for two-weeks beginning Monday, March 16 through March 31 because of the COVID-19 virus. Students would return on April 1. “However, I have heard from superintendents, school board members, teachers, parents, and students that it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences. Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff, and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues.” During the closure Brown listed these directives: School districts are directed to develop plans for returning to school that accommodate ongoing impacts of coronavirus. Staff should utilize the final two days of March to finalize plans for operating schools under updated measures, with students expected to return on Wednesday, April 1. Districts are tasked with developing plans to continue nutrition services during the closure. The Oregon Department of Education will examine the impact the closure will have on instructional time. School districts will ensure adequate cleaning supplies for increased cleaning protocols following the closure. The Early Learning Division will support childcare programs and will work to identify resources to support childcare needs for our most vulnerable families, as well as health care professionals and first responders.