MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm has ordered all public and private K-12 schools in Wisconsin to close in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus.
In an executive order announced Friday evening, Governor Tony Evers said the move is the latest in a series of steps to “[keep] our kids, our educators, our families, and our communities safe is a top priority as we continue our work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin,”
Evers added that the decision was not made lightly.
The order calls for all schools to close from March 18th to April 6th. Schools may close before then if they choose, or if students are prepared to utilize E-learning tools from home. Evers adds that the end date is only a suggestion at this time, and is subject to change.
Some districts already have E-learning tools and plans in place.
In response to Evers’ order, State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said “The safety and health of our students, educators, and families remain of the highest importance. When considering the length of school closures, we are asking our local school districts and local health departments to be in close coordination in making these decisions.
“We know schools are thinking about the anticipated academic and economic impacts, and unintended impacts of these decisions, and are planning for ways to provide critical supports to kids and families, such as food and security.
“The DPI remains in constant communication with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Administration as we continue monitoring this evolving situation. We are committed to offering our continuous support to students and educators.”
