By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph school officials have informed students and parents, as well as staff, that students will not be returning to classes.
Alternative education and the distribution of school meals will continue.
The action comes in compliance with an order issued by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson this afternoon that all state public and charter schools remain closed through the remainder of the academic year.
The St. Joseph School District released a message to the school community this afternoon, thanking the staff and families for their continued support.
“We realize this time has also been challenging in many ways and we are all looking forward to the opportunity to see our students and staff come together again. Unfortunately, we learned this afternoon that, following an announcement from Missouri Governor Mike Parson, the St. Joseph School District will remain closed through the end of the school year. There are many questions that remain unanswered at this time. We will work to gather more information in the coming days and share updates with you as new plans are developed. We encourage you to continue to monitor district communications for distance learning resources, information about meals, updates on major district events, and other important news for our families and staff.”
According to a news release issued by Gov. Parson’s office, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education made the recommendation to the governor to not reopen schools, which were closed as a part of the battle against COVID-19. Several school superintendents also requested the governor to take the action, the news release states.
“Continuing our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering all public and charter schools to remain closed through the remainder of this academic year, with the exception of nutrition and child care outlined in our Stay Home Missouri Order,” Parson said in a written statement released by his office.
Alternative education and school meals are expected to continue through the last day of each district’s school calendar.
State education officials will issue additional guidelines to districts later.