Georgia, Alabama governors extend public school closures amid coronavirus
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order Thursday closing public elementary and secondary schools for in-person instruction through April 24 due to growing concern about the new coronavirus spread throughout the state.
Several hours later Thursday, across the Chattahoochee River, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced her state’s K-12 students won’t return to school this spring and will complete the 2019-20 academic year via online instruction.
Georgia students may return to school April 27, according to the order.
“I am deeply grateful to State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, superintendents, and parents for keeping us informed and helping us make the right decision for our students,” Kemp said in a news release.
“Throughout this process, we will continue to seek the advice of public health officials, school leaders, and families to ensure the health and safety of the educational community. As we approach April 24, 2020, we ask for continued patience and flexibility since circumstances may change, but we encourage families to stay strong and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local leaders in the weeks ahead.”
Ivey’s announcement came during a news conference and in a supplement to the state of emergency.
“Beginning at the start of school on April 6, 2020, all public K-12 schools shall implement a plan to complete the 2019-2020 school year using alternate methods of instruction as established by the State Superintendent of Education,” her proclamation says.
“Local school districts shall make staffing decisions and determinations related to access to school buildings in accordance with all applicable public health orders and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health.”
While Kemp had been leaving any closure decisions up to local school districts, Ivey originally had ordered March 19 her state’s schools closed until April 6.
Now, the neighboring states, with a mix of Columbus metro area residences affected by both decisions, will continue to have schools trying to educate their students through distance learning but under different timelines to reopen.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 12:43 PM.
