(Johnston) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced an extension of the Proclamation Disaster Emergency at Thursday’s press conference.
The latest proclamation extends business closures, non-elective surgical procedures data, and orthodontic procedures. Additionally, it provides added regulatory relief and continues to limit gatherings to ten people or less.
The Governor also suggested extending school closures through April 30.
The Governor says keeping Iowa students out of classrooms is a tough decision, but it remains necessary for now. “We anticipate the positive cases of COVID-19 to continue to grow, “stated Governor Reynolds. “Keeping schools closed for an extended amount of time will help protect the safety of our students, educators, and school staff, reduce the burden, flatten the curve on our health care system and workforce, and of course reduce the risk to our most vulnerable Iowans and save lives.”
Governor Reynolds called on Iowa schools to provide continuous learning opportunities for their students. “There are several ways schools can engage students during this time, and it’s each district’s responsibility to do so,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds says the Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo has been working proactively with the Education Task Force developing a plan that defines an action for continuous learning programs including non-credit and for-credit options. “School districts will be required to select the best option for the students and families they serve,” explained Reynolds. “School districts that choose not to provide continuous learning will be required to make up the instructional time lost, beyond what has been waived by the legislature.”
To help districts and nonpublic schools accommodate student and family needs as flexibly as possible at this time, the Iowa Department of Education is providing further guidance on school closures and continuous learning.
Iowa Schools have three options, no continuous learning, voluntary education enrichment opportunities, and required educational services.
As the Governor stated, schools are required to indicate which method of continuous learning they will use from April 13 to April 30 by submitting their response no later than April 10. Districts may choose not to offer continuous learning, in which case the Department will follow up to ensure that missed days of instruction are made up.
