NC Public Schools will remain closed through the year

Photo courtesy of ncdps.gov

• Gov. Cooper announced today at a press conference that N.C. Public Schools will remain closed through the end of the 2019-20 academic school year.

• Schools have been closed throughout the State since March 14th when Cooper closed them for two weeks but later extended that date to May 15th.

Governor Cooper’s prepared statement:

“All of us have been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Overnight, beloved teachers our children saw in real life are now seen only on a computer screen. Friends are distant and ball fields are empty. Concert halls are quiet. And the hum of the hallways has turned to silence.

“It’s such a confusing time to be a child. And it’s a hard time to be a parent, especially a working parent. And we all know children can ask the toughest questions. Probably now more than ever.

“When we closed schools to in-person instruction last month, we knew it would be difficult for a lot of students, especially those who lack high-speed internet, good food or the safety and security that the school building offers.

“I want to thank our state Board of Education, Department of Public Instruction, our local school boards and Superintendents for their leadership ensuring schools have remained open for remote learning. I appreciate the hard work being done to overcome technology barriers.

“I’m pleased to announce a partnership with AT&T, which has agreed to provide 100 hotspots for use in school buses to help students without home internet access. We also have a partnership with Duke Energy Foundation which has agreed to provide 80 school bus hotspots.

“I’m deeply grateful for our teachers who have continued their lessons, and to the school nutrition and transportation staff plus volunteers who have made sure children have access to nutritious meals.

“Those of you who know me know that teachers have always been my heroes, starting with my mom. Most of them already go the extra mile for their students and now, they’re running a marathon.

“I’ve seen so many examples of creative teaching our educators are doing –music videos, carpool parades, online charades, checking in on students who need some extra attention. It’s so heartwarming in these unprecedented times.

“Today, we’ve had to make another tough choice. Together with Superintendent Johnson and Chairman Davis, we have decided to continue remote learning for the rest of this school year for our K-12 public schools. School classrooms may be closed, but the learning is not over.

“We don’t make this decision lightly, but it’s important to protect the health and safety of our students and our school staff.

“Many students will need additional help to regain ground that could be lost this school year. I support the Board and the Department of Public Instruction’s efforts to plan for an intensive learning program for students who require it.

“Already we know that even the next school year will not be ‘business as usual.’ There will be new measures in place to protect health when school buildings open again next year.

“This pandemic will be with us for some time. But I have every confidence we will find a way to get schools open safely in the new school year. These challenges will require close coordination with the Board, DPI and the General Assembly, and I hope to continue working together.

“The opening of schools in summer and fall, and the availability of summer camps, are going to depend on meeting health guidelines.

“We do have some more news to share today. I am releasing a proposed budget for our state that directs $1.4 billion in federal money to help our state from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to help our state.

“The budget package is intended to fund immediate needs in three main areas: public health and safety, continuity of operations for education and other state government services, and assistance to small businesses and local governments.

“I’m recommending strong investments to respond to this unprecedented crisis. We know people are hurting, businesses are struggling & governments are facing severe shortages because of this virus. That’s why we must act now to get resources distributed in a smart, efficient way.

“Those who have followed my past budget recommendations know that this proposal does not contain everything I want, but I present it after consultation with General Assembly members in both parties in the spirit of consensus and compromise.”