HARRISBURG – The Department of Education announced today all Pennsylvania schools will remain closed through at least April 6, as a result of ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, according to State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33).
The closure order could be extended beyond April 6 if necessary to save lives and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“State officials and lawmakers are taking every step possible to protect students and staff, and their families,” said Mastriano. “I will continue to work with the Senate Education Committee to address questions about testing and mandatory instructional day requirements.”
Under the new timeline, school buildings would reopen April 7 for two days to allow school administrators, teachers and staff time to prepare classrooms, set up cafeterias, schedule transportation and arrange other business operations. Students would return to school April 9, unless extending the closure is necessary.
The state’s 29 intermediate units will be available to provide technical assistance to help develop continuity of education plans for all students beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24.
Additionally, state educators are cancelling standardized testing for students in career and technical education programs for the 2019-20 school year. These include exams from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute and National Institute of Metalworking Skills.
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; spitzer@pasen.gov