Arizona schools to stay closed for the rest of the school year

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation today to support schools during closures due to COVID-19.

Governor Doug Ducey has closed schools for the rest of the school year.

Local schools move to online instruction and/or school packets to be completed at home

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PHOENIX – On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey and Secretary of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced that Arizona schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ducey and Hoffman released the following statement Monday:

“In alignment with yesterday’s updated federal guidance, today we are announcing the extension of school closures through the remainder of the school year. Today’s announcement is intended to give parents and educators as much certainty as possible so they can plan and make decisions. While this isn’t the outcome any of us wanted, we are grateful for the partnership of schools around the state, who have stepped up to offer virtual and take-home learning opportunities for our students. These efforts are crucial, and we recognize that schools are making every effort possible to continue providing instruction during closures. We also thank our legislative partners for passing legislation ensuring all educators and staff see no disruption in pay. Our number one priority will continue to be health and safety, and we will continue to work closely with public health officials to make the best decisions for kids, families, and our school communities.”

Ducey previously signed bipartisan legislation that would allow students to finish the school year from home. 

On Monday, the Pima School District moved forward with the start of its online curriculum plan as well as distributing school packets to be completed at home for its K-12 classes. School districts in Safford and Thatcher planned on operating in a similar fashion. 

Schools will keep their meal plans going for takeout only and students will not be required to pass any federal testing for this school year.

Additional information about meals for kids, childcare, special education considerations, learning resources for families and educators and more can be found at azed.gov.

Keep up with your school’s latest news by visiting their Facebook pages, click here for Pima, click here for Thatcher, click here for Morenci, click here for Fort Thomas, or click here to go to the Safford School District website or here to go to the Duncan School District website.

Today’s announcement applies to Arizona public schools, both district and charter. Private schools are required to remain closed in alignment with federal guidance recommending closures through at least April 30, 2020. School leaders have the option of announcing closures through the end of the year or waiting for additional guidance.