Gov. Polis Orders All Schools Closed Amid Coronavirus Spread

By Eric Gorski, Chalkbeat Colorado

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday evening ordered all Colorado schools closed starting Monday through at least April 17 in a bid to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

Many of the state’s public school districts and charter schools had already decided to shut their doors to students. Polis’s executive order extends the closures many had previously announced, and it covers private schools.

“We are acting boldly and swiftly together to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans,” Polis said in a statement. “The science and data tells us this will get worse before it gets better,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are in this together and the state is taking the necessary actions to slow the spread of this disease.”

The Democratic governor’s executive order also directs Colorado school districts and charter schools authorized by the state through theCharter School Institute to make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time “while taking into account the needs of local communities.”

Polis also directed Education Commissioner Katy Anthes to issue guidance to support school systems in developing and implementing plans to assist families and students in accessing alternative learning, and providing subsidized lunch and breakfast.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization covering public education. Sign up for their newsletters here.