Gov. closes school facilities for rest of year

On Monday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson extended the closure of public schools through the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

“Schools will continue to provide alternative methods of instruction (AMI),” Gov. Hutchinson said. “This is necessary for our students to be safe, but let’s keep learning every day.”

Blytheville Superintendent Bobby Ashley said the district has been making preparations in case the governor made the directive.

“The announcement of no school for the remainder of the year is no surprise under our state’s current situation,” Ashley said. “We've been talking about this possibility and working towards this issue. All of our schools will continue with our AMI method for the remainder of the year. Each principal with the guidance of our curriculum director, Sally Cooke, is planning our AMI instruction moving forward as they've been doing. Just like the Church building doesn't make the Church, the people do, here at Blytheville Schools we feel the same way. The buildings do not make the school but the people do.”

Manila Superintendent Jason Evers said, “School being closed the remainder of the year is the last thing we wanted. However, we will make the best of it for our students educationally, continue reaching out to them digitally as much as possible, and continue to distribute food to those that need it. Students have what they need for AMI work through April 17th, the teachers have a schedule that allows them to enter the school each week with plenty of social distancing, and they will have what the students need to complete AMI work ready each week until the school year ends.”

“We will make adjustments as issues arise and will continue to keep everyone informed of changes through school messenger, email and social media,” Evers continued. “Decisions will be made on important events as we see how things change in regards to how long we must observe social distancing. I feel strongly that we will have some type of graduation ceremony. When that will be and what it looks like will be determined by when social distancing comes to an end.”

Gosnell Superintendent Bonard Mace said students will continue using AMI.

“Governor Asa Hutchinson stated in today’s news conference that there will be no additional on-site educational instruction for the 2019/20 school year,” Mace said. “Students will continue with AMI plans through the remainder of the year. The Gosnell School District with the CDC and Arkansas Health Department assistances will plan future activities.”

Armorel Superintendent Tiffany Morgan wrote in a statement, “Governor Hutchinson announced today that school will remain closed for onsite instruction and the AMI process will continue for the 2019-2020 school year. We will release a schedule regarding the last day of AMI, the mailing out of report cards, and a specific date that you can collect your child's belongings that are on campus. We thank you in advance for your patience as we finalize our plans in addressing these issues. Please continue to be patient with us as we navigate through this trying and uncharted situation. Please contact us directly for any questions that you have. We would also like to reassure you that later we will have new dates for Prom, Senior Graduation, and Kindergarten Graduation AS THESE CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE.”

Riverside Superintendent Jeff Priest and Buffalo Island Central School Superintendent Gaylon Taylor, along with other area superintendents from Bay, Brookland, Greene County Tech, Jonesboro, Nettleton, Paragould, Valley View and Westside, released a statement on Monday afternoon following the announcement of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson on Monday, April 6.

“Earlier today, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 virus upon our country, our state, and our local communities, and in order to remain in compliance with recommendations from the Office of the President of the United States and national health organizations, public school districts in Arkansas will remain closed for the foreseeable future, thereby bringing an end to the 2019-2020 school year.

“Local school districts will now begin sharing plans with their teachers, parents and students on how to complete any unfinished business for the school year effectively, efficiently, and as soon as possible. As superintendents of the local districts, we understand the importance of the tasks, but we also understand the sensitive nature of the ending of the year so abruptly, and under such downhearted and challenging conditions. We recognize the unprecedented circumstances that we are all facing in education and are working diligently to make decisions that are both thoughtful and respectful. However, at all times these decisions must ensure the integrity of our learning environments and the health of our school patrons. As such, we have come to a joint decision that as of today, graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 are postponed indefinitely.

“We do not make this decision lightly or without the deepest consideration for our seniors and their families. We know the commitment and achievement that high school graduation symbolizes and do not wish to lessen the significance of this milestone. We are currently working on a solution for graduation and will communicate that decision in the coming weeks. We thank you all for your understanding. Until we see you again, we wish our school families, and especially the Class of 2020, to be strong and be well.”