School district administrators say they are on their way to finalizing new education models after Governor Laura Kelly ended the in-class school year Tuesday afternoon.
Calling it a “mitigation measure,” Kelly used an executive order to halt in-class education and close all Kansas schools as coronavirus continues to spread across the state.
USD 253 Emporia Superintendent Kevin Case says the district has been working on what he calls a continuity plan as the district went from planning to stay open to a one-day-shutdown to a weeklong closure, all in less than a week — and now this.
Before the governor’s announcement, Case appeared on KVOE’s Emporia Showcase to announce a grab-and-go meal program for kids that will continue through the rest of the school year. Case also said students will graduate or move to the next grade if they are in good academic standing, although the plan for commencement exercises is pending.
USD 251 Superintendent Mike Mathes wasn’t surprised by the decision, and he says the district had been moving towards a replacement learning model before the governor reached her decision. He says online will be one aspect of the total package.
USD 252 Superintendent Mike Argabright says the new learning model isn’t meant to replicate classrooms, but he sees at least one advantage to the new setup when it’s ready.
Once schools are sanitized, small personnel groups may return to implement online education options. Several districts, including USD 253 Emporia, USD 251 North Lyon County, USD 252 Southern Lyon County, USD 243 Lebo-Waverly, USD 284 Chase County, USD 329 Wabaunsee, USD 417 Morris County, don’t plan to start under their new education procedures until March 30 or March 31. Others, including Emporia Christian School and Sacred Heart Elementary, will announce their plans later.
Lawmakers, at least those surveyed by KVOE News, agreed with the move. Senate Vice President and 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia calls this an extraordinary time, meaning extraordinary methods are needed.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia says the decision by Kelly, supported by Watson, was the right one, given the rapidly-changing landscape with COVID-19.
76th District Eric Smith of Burlington says it was a decision that had to be made at some point.
51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego says lawmakers have spent the last few days finalizing a basic budget to help out the situation.
Separately, Kelly told state employees to stay home on administrative leave for two weeks starting Monday to reduce the risk of exposure. Some agencies and departments are excluded, including Attorney General, Insurance Department, State Treasurer and Secretary of State. Lawmakers and judicial branch employees are also exempt from the order.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates. Listen to KVOE’s Morning Show on Wednesday as we interview Emporia Superintendent Kevin Case, North Lyon County Superintendent Mike Mathes and Southern Lyon County Superintendent Mike Argabright during the Newsmaker segment at 7:15 am — and we then interview Lebo-Waverly Superintendent Corey Reese and Madison-Virgil Superintendent Stu Moeckel in the Newsmaker 2 segment at 8:20 am.
5:15 pm Tuesday: School closed, in-class education halted for rest of current school year
School’s out for spring — and summer — in Kansas.
On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly — joined by Education Commissioner Randy Watson and representatives of the Kansas National Education Association and Kansas Association of School Boards — ordered schools to close and in-class education to cease effective immediately across the state for the balance of the academic year.
Kelly says the state is currently working to develop a continuous learning plan to allow students to continue their education through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once schools are sanitized, small personnel groups may return to implement online education options.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
