This release was written at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning (3/21/20).  Currently, there are no specific announcements from the governor that the school closing through March 29th will be extended.  With that said, the governor and state superintendent of schools both indicated last week that an extension of school closings is likely.

This is a preemptive message to students, parents, staff, and the community.  Our current announced plans and procedures are designed to carry us through next Friday (3/27/20).  If, or likely when, an announcement is made to close school for a longer period of time, we have refined plans to continue educational support, food distribution, and other essential services.  Please read our previous press releases for additional information.  These press releases are located on the school system website and school system social media sites.

There are numerous questions that we do not have the information to answer.  Please understand when the president, governor, or other elected official makes a statement, it rarely includes the specific administrative rules that will follow from federal or state agencies.  In most instances, it can take days or weeks for the specific directives to be issued to us at the local level.  These rules are also much more restrictive than the actual statement from the elected official.  We will share specific reliable information after it is shared with us.

If, or likely when, there is an extension of school closures, we intend to provide enhanced remote education and food distribution.  We will do this as long as funding and staff are available to carry out these and other essential services.  Please be patient as we wait on additional detailed information about academic testing, the school calendar, traditional school events, and many other matters.  This is an evolving situation.  In the meantime, be calm, kind, smart, and safe.

Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent