Gov. Kim Reynolds announced during Thursday’s COVID-19 press conference that she is extending school closures until the end of April. On March 15, Reynolds recommended K-12 schools throughout the state cancel classes for four weeks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. With this new order, classrooms will now remain empty through at least April 30.
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According to Iowa Department of Education Director, Dr. Ann Lebo, districts are being encouraged to incorporate some form of distance learning, such as virtual classrooms, a packet-style format or some combination of both. Lebo says schools are not required to offer alternative forms of learning during the two-week extension, but any missed instructional time during this period will not be waived.
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Districts have until next Friday to notify the department as to their educational plans for the last two weeks of April. Lebo says they are currently working with teachers and administrators throughout Iowa to identify potential barriers to the implementation of alternative learning practices.
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Some area schools have already started making preparations for a potential shift to distance learning. Also included in Thursday’s proclamation is the extension of mandated closures of restaurants and bars, fitness centers, salons, theaters and other nonessential retail businesses though April 30.