Gov. John Carney is extending the time Delaware schools will close in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.
Public schools, including charters, will remain closed until May 15th.
“We have spent a significant portion of the last week discussing plans for remote instruction, the delivery of meals, and other social services. This is an unusual time – but children still deserve access to a quality education, and families rely on the social services we deliver in our schools every day," said Carney in statement. "We’ll continue to work directly with school leaders on these important issues.”
A Carney spokesman says the May 15th date was selected since it is consistent with the “stay-at-home” order the governor issued on Sunday.
Carney also plans to formally recommend to the State Board of Education that no district or charter school extend their school calendar beyond June to make up days.
The state is also seeking a waiver from the federal government to skip state student testing this year. The U.S. Department of Education indicated last week it will honor those requests by states.
Carney initally order schools to close from March 16 to 27, but in recent days has moved to further limit activity in the state as the number of COVID-19 cases in Delaware rise.
As of Monday afternoon, the state reported 87 cases.
Carney Letter on school closing by Delaware Public Media on Scribd
