Oregon Gov. Brown issues order closing schools across the state

SALEM, Ore.-- On Thursday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an order to close K-12 schools across the state starting Monday, March 16th, in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Oregon currently has 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including two from Umatilla County.

During a press conference Thursday, Brown acknowledge that the closure would make it difficult for some families who depend on children being at school during the day so parents can work.

“However, I have heard from superintendents, school board members, teachers, parents, and students that it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences. Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff, and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk, such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues.

Per the Governor’s directives and with the support of the Oregon Department of Education and the state’s Early Learning Division, during the closure:

• School districts are directed to develop plans for returning to school that accommodate ongoing impacts of coronavirus. Staff should utilize the final two days of March to finalize plans for operating schools under updated measures, with students expected to return on Wednesday, April 1.
• Districts are tasked with developing plans to continue nutrition services during the closure. 
• The Oregon Department of Education will examine the impact the closure will have on instructional time. 
• School districts will ensure adequate cleaning supplies for increased cleaning protocols following the closure.
• The Early Learning Division will support child care programs and will work to identify resources to support child care needs for our most vulnerable families, as well as health care professionals and first responders.

"This is a trying time for our community and I am reluctant to increase the burden on families who are already struggling to adapt to and stay healthy during this crisis," Brown said. "However, we are left with little choice in light of school districts’ staff capacity and operational concerns. I want to thank all of the teachers and school employees who have worked hard to keep our schools open until now.”