MCSD schools remain open for now amid coronavirus concerns despite nearby closures
Update March 14 2:10 p.m.: The Muscogee County School District has suspended all classes and activities beginning March 16 through April 6.
Muscogee County School District schools will remain open for now as officials monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a release sent Friday night.
All MCSD field trips, athletic events and extracurricular activities are canceled from March 13 through April 5, including practices, plays, musical productions and games.
After-school care programs will continue as scheduled.
MCSD leaders will continue monitoring Centers for Disease Control guidelines and public health recommendations, Director of Communications Mercedes Parham said in the release.
Friday’s decision came based on the latest recommendations and information provided by the CDC.
“In the event there are confirmed cases in our community, we will work with public health officials to carefully evaluate necessary actions,” Parham said.
Any further updates on MCSD can be found on the District’s website.
Superintendent David Lewis commented on the ongoing situation Friday after surprising the three Teacher of the Year nominees.
“We recognize that we have to be responsible for not only the safety and welfare of our students and employees first and foremost, but we also have a responsibility for many of the people who have to provide for childcare if we close,” he said. “We have hourly workers, and it’s our plan to make sure that we pay all of our employees throughout the situation.”
Lewis also said the district will organize any necessary makeup time should schools close.
“Of course, during any closure, we’ll have people working to sanitize buildings, provide meals,” he said. “We’re going to try to ensure our kids that need the meals have those if necessary. … It’s all very fluid, depending on who gets ill and how many get ill and what departments that affects.”
Many Chattahoochee Valley school districts announced closures on Friday including Harris, Meriwether, Marion, Troup and Chattahoochee counties.
Columbus government officials also announced multiple event cancellations and closures on Friday.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 7:17 PM.
