ST. PAUL - Governor Tim Walz announced Sunday morning that he has signed an executive order to temporarily close all Minnesota K-12 schools. His order says schools are to be closed by Wednesday and will last at least through March 27th to make long-term plans for COVID-19.
The Governor said in a statement:
“My top priority as Governor is the safety of Minnesotans. As a former teacher, and father of two teenage kids, I’m especially focused on the safety of our children.” said Governor Walz. “I am ordering the temporary closure of schools so educators can make plans to provide a safe learning environment for all Minnesota students during this pandemic. Closing schools is never an easy decision, but we need to make sure we have plans in place to educate and feed our kids regardless of what’s to come.”
Stillwater had already called off school for Monday. Now, St. Paul school administrators have announced that there will be no class for students Monday or Tuesday.
Students there had been ready to return to school after the teachers strike was settled last week.
Dear @SPPS_News Community - There will be no school for students beginning Monday, March 16. We will send official communication, including specific instructions for staff as we plan for Distance Learning following Executive Orders from @GovTimWalz https://t.co/tv8r7AgFFk
— Joe Gothard, Ed.D. (@JoeGothard) March 15, 2020While St. Paul school classes are now off for Monday and Tuesday, staff members are expected to report to their jobs both days.
In Minneapolis, school is scheduled for Monday and not Tuesday, with school resuming as early as April 6.
.@GovTimWalz has ordered schools to close by Wed, March 18 to reduce the spread of COVID-19.MPS will be OPEN for school on Mon, March 16 to help staff and families prepare, and be CLOSED on Tues, March 17. At this time, classes are scheduled to resume April 6.
— Minneapolis Public Schools (@MPS_News) March 15, 2020Governor Walz also announced 14 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state, bringing Minnesota's total number of cases to 35.
