(Johnston)– Governor Kim Reynolds this (Thurs.) afternoon announced she’s extending the closure of non essential businesses and schools in the state through the end of April in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic…
“Today I am updating the proclamation of disaster emergency to extend business closures and suspensions of non-essential and elective surgical data and orthodontic procedures; provide additional regulatory relief and continue the order to limit gatherings to 10 or less all through April 30th. I am also ordering that school closures are extended through April 30th. Keeping Iowa students out of classrooms is a very difficult decision but it remains necessary for now. We anticipate the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Iowa will continue to grow. And keeping schools closed for an extended amount of time will help protect the safety of our students, educators, and school staff; reduce the burden, flatten the curve on our healthcare system and workforce, and of course, reduce the risk to our most vulnerable Iowans and ultimately save lives.”
Department of Education Director Ann Lebo gave further direction to school districts regarding continuous learning opportunities, saying they’ll still have two options available…
“Under the voluntary option schools can encourage students to participate but cannot require them to do so. Under the required option, students are required to participate, attendance is taken, work is graded, and credit granted. Under new guidance, all public districts and accredited non-public schools are now required to indicate which method of continuous learning they will use from April 13th through April 30th. They will have until April 10th to submit their decision.”
Lebo added districts are not required to provide continuous learning opportunities, but she says there will be a consequence if they don’t…
“Districts and accredited non-public schools may choose not to offer continuous learning, in which case the department will follow up to ensure that missed instructional time is made up in a matter that is appropriate in accordance with circumstances at that point in time.”
Lebo added they’ll be surveying districts to see what resources are needed along with other issues they’re facing with continuous learning.
