Several West Tennessee school systems announced they would be closed for at least the rest of March after Gov. Bill Lee urged for a statewide school closure because of COVID-19 concerns.
“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest,” Lee said in a statement Monday morning. “Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31.”
Lee added, “Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”
Jackson-Madison County Schools System announced that they will “remain closed after spring break through Tuesday, March 31st. School-level teachers and staff will remain off during this period as well. More information is forthcoming,” said Rachel Scott, JMCSS Leader of Professional Development and Media Relations, in a statement.
Haywood County Schools will also remain closed through March 31.
Gibson County Special School District announced on their website that the district “will not be in session March 17, 2020, through April 3, 2020. All school events are suspended effective March 17, 2020. We will reassess all of our policy adjustments on April 3, 2020.”
The GCSSD added, “It is our top priority that students stay healthy and have all the supports they need to continue learning. Teachers will work with parents to continue instructing students while they are at home by providing online and/or take home packets. In addition, we will start feeding students on March 18, 2020, and will continue until March 27, 2020. Instructions on how to receive meal services and instructional support will be posted on the GCSSD website and other social media outlets ASAP. Education services and meals will not continue during our scheduled spring break. While we are out of school, we are asking our students and families to follow the recommended guidelines from the CDC.”