Gov. Reynolds closes schools in Iowa for remainder of school year

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year as part of her press conference on Friday, April 17, 2020.

As a result, Iowa Department of Education director Dr. Ann Lebo announced that spring athletics have also been canceled. An announcement on summer sports is expected by June 1.

“While we are disappointed that student-athletes will not have the opportunity to compete this spring, we remain committed to our primary goal of keeping students, coaches, officials and communities safe,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “This cancellation comes out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of all. Conducting our spring season would involve moving groups of people in and out of various communities for competition. At this time we believe that is a risk we should not take.”

Several schools in the area are still planning on turning the lights on at their athletic facilities at 8 p.m. tonight and invite families to drive by and honk their horns to show support.

The state of Iowa will waive Instructional time requirements for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year for schools that continue to provide continuous learning through either voluntary enrichment opportunities, required educational services, or a combination of the two.

Aplington-Parkersburg will proceed with its existing continuous learning plan through the rest of the school year. Prior to the Governor’s announcement, the school had already been planning on having more interactive instructional delivery beginning on April 20.

Dike-New Hartford superintendent Justin Stockdale announced on Twitter that virtual learning will continue through the scheduled last day of school, May 21. Graduation has been postponed pending discussion of a reschedule date at next week's school board meeting and meals will continue to be served through Friday, May 22 at the free lunch locations around the district. Meals can be picked up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

"I know today's announcement has caused a great deal of concern and disappointment for our students, staff and families," Stockdale said. "When we first were directed to close our school buildings in March, we did not realize it would be the last time we would see our students in person this school year. Please know that we share in your disappointment."

Schools are required to submit a "Return to Learn" plan to the Department of Education by July 1, outlining ways that they will address disruptions to learning as a result of the coronavirus. This can include summer school, enrichment activities or other opportunities. The state of Iowa has also waived the requirement that schools start no earlier than Aug. 23, 2020, allowing school districts and nonpublic schools to make local decisions about the length of the 2020-2021 academic year.

School buildings that are operating as approved meal sites in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program and those providing temporary emergency childcare may remain open.

“Iowa teachers should be commended for how quickly they have transitioned from the classroom to online and distance learning,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo. “Our schools have really stepped up to the plate and worked hard to develop and implement continuous learning solutions in only a matter of weeks. We appreciate everything schools and families are doing to support children’s well-being while continuing to support their academic progress while school buildings are closed.”