K-12 Schools
A March 23, 2020 Executive Order directs K-12 public schools across North Carolina to close for in-person instruction until May 15
From the office of Governor Cooper
You can read the statement from Governor Cooper’s website HERE.
The statement reads:
“Governor Cooper has asked the State Board of Education in collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to develop a plan for access to quality education through the remainder of the school year.
A previous executive orderOpen PDF directed K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16 through at least March 30.
The two-week period allows time for North Carolina to further understand the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the state and develop a plan for continued learning for students should a longer closure be needed. Governor Cooper made the decision in consultation with State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, State Schools Superintendent Mark Johnson, and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen.
Governor Cooper has appointed an Education and Nutrition Working Group to develop a plan to ensure that children and families are supported while schools are closed. The working group will focus on issues including nutrition, health, childcare access for critical health care and other front-line workers and learning support for children at home. Read the press release.”
Colleges and universities should also:
- Take precautions to protect students, faculty and staff from the spread of respiratory illnesses
- Review absenteeism policies and procedures to make sure students faculty and staff are not being encouraged to attend or work if they are sick.
- Establish a relationship with the local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.
- Remind your faculty, staff, students and student guardians that an annual flu shot is an important way to support overall health. While the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is the best defense against the flu, which is a common respiratory illness.
- Make sure you are getting reliable information. Be thoughtful about what you read or hear about the virus and make sure you are separating rumor from fact before forwarding information on to your students and children, faculty or staff. All North Carolinians can better prepare for COVID-19 by getting up-to-date information directly from reliable sources like NCDHHS and CDC.
While some may be worried or have concerns about COVID-19, it is important to not let fear and anxiety lead to social stigma toward students and staff.
Guidance:
See all guidance for colleges, universities and schools.”
