On Friday, March 13, Governor Wolf announced that all public K-12 Pennsylvania schools and school district run pre-k programs will be closed for the next two weeks.

Schools will not be required to make up the ten missed school days and no district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180-day or school hours requirements.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, so school districts will be allowed to serve meals to qualifying students in a non-congregate setting, including offering drive-through or grab and go options.                                    

PA Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera, said that the state will apply for the maximum waiver from the U.S. Department of Education for accountability measures beyond the state’s control, including standardized testing and attendance requirements.  And officials at PDE will continue to work tirelessly in this rapidly evolving situation to offer guidance to districts as they move forward.

This decision to close schools received the unified support of organizations that represent teachers, school administrators, school staff, and school board members, who wrote in a statement:

We agree that this action will create an ability for better social distancing, which helps prevent the spread of the virus, and will provide schools with the opportunity to further address facility cleaning and prepare for instruction going forward, along with other outstanding issues.

Much of what will happen going forward is unknown. However, throughout the state, teachers, administrators and school staff members will be working diligently to help meet students’ needs now and to prepare for what may come next.

Many school districts have already announced that they will make meals available to students who need them, often in partnership with community organizations.  Administrators are making plans to ensure the continuity of educational programming. Building staff are cleaning facilities. And the list goes on and on and on.

Our public schools aren’t just places where students go to learn. They are where many students receive nutritious food, healthcare and mental health care, and countless other supports from caring adults.  School closures in our communities will not be easy for students, families, or school staff.

We are all in this together and I am deeply grateful for the professionals who dedicate their time and their hearts to Pennsylvania’s students.

Best,

Susan Spicka, Executive Director, Education Voters of PA