Inslee extends school closures

Governor Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced on April 6, 2020 that Washington schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This order keeps both public and private schools closed.

The proclamation basically prohibits in-person instruction through June 19. Educational facilities will remain accessible for limited use including the take-home meals for students.

"This closure is guided by science and is our greatest opportunity to keep out kids, educators and communities safe," said Inslee. "If there is any opportunity to bring students back for a few days, including graduation ceremonies for our seniors, we will continue to explore that option. That opportunity will be guided by our collective behavior and the success we can achieve with the choices we make today."

According to the proclamation, students' grades will not suffer as a result of the closure. Inslee encourages students to take advantage of the remaining learning opportunities. He also asked teachers and administrators to work together on the best path forward for the remainder of the school year.

"There is no question about it: Our educators and school staff are absolutely dedicated to continuing to provide support for students and their learning," Reykdal said. "We have already seen districts step up to provide meals for students in need and child care for the children of essential workers. Over the past three weeks, they have prepared for and begun providing continuous learning for students - and this will only get better and more sophisticated over time. We will continue serving our students and we will persevere through this."