Gov. Parson orders schools to remain closed for remainder of school year

In a press conference held Thursday, April 9, Missouri Governor Mike Parson reported that he had decided, under advisement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as well as superintendents across the state, to keep all Missouri schools closed throughout the remainder of the academic year. With most districts having been closed since the middle of March, the permanent closure leaves students without the last two months of the 2019-20 school year. The official closure also means all sports and extracurricular activities are now canceled, as well.
“Continuing our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering all public and charter schools to remain closed through the remainder of this academic year, with the exception of nutrition and child care outlined in our Stay Home Missouri Order,” Gov. Parson said.
Since the first closure, on March 16, Greene County schools have been proactive about continuing education for all students, whether it be online or in packets made available to students. Schools have differed on the work being made mandatory to maintain grades, or being considered “enrichment” with assignments being turned in considered extra credit.
Educators have also gone to great lengths to keep in contact with students through social media and online meetings.
School districts are expected to continue services through what would have been the end of the academic year. These services will include meals being provided to students and alternative education materials that most districts have provided to students since the closing of school.
DESE plans to issue additional guidance to Missouri school leaders in the
near future.
In conjunction with the governor’s office, DESE is continuing efforts to help local school leaders by removing barriers and waiving the necessary state statutes and regulations.
As of now, most end of the year activities such as graduation, prom, track and field days, as well as many others, have been put on hold with an uncertainty as to whether or not they will be rescheduled.
Additional information can be found at dese.mp.gov/COVID19.