Mastriano: PA Schools will Remain Closed Indefinitely due to COVID-19

HARRISBURG – The Department of Education announced today that all schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed indefinitely to limit the spread of COVID-19, according to State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33).

All schools in the state have been closed since March 13. The closure order was originally in effect through April 6, but the deadline has been extended until further notice.

“State officials are taking every step possible to protect students and staff, and their families,” said Mastriano. “During these unsettling times, lawmakers are committed to providing students with the resources they need to continue their education, as well as graduate on time.”

The state’s 29 intermediate units will continue to be available to provide technical assistance to help develop continuity of education plans for all students.

Mastriano supported a bipartisan bill last week that was signed into law to remove the requirement that all public schools must be open at least 180 days per school year. The new law also gives the Secretary of Education authorization to increase the number of flexible instruction days that may be used by a school district.

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

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