Two days after Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced schools in the state would remain open, a change of plans was announced Sunday. Due to the threat of coronavirus, Governor Hutchinson and other state officials announced schools will have the option of remaining open Monday, but closures are mandatory starting Tuesday and continuing for the remainder of the week. Schools will also be closed March 23 through 27 for spring break and will reopen March 30, unless announced otherwise.
Mountain Home School Superintendent Dr. Jake Long says the district’s campuses will be open Monday.
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Parents may use discretion with regard to student attendance, and all student absences will be excused Monday.
During the school closure, enhanced disinfection measures will be conducted on all campuses and in all school buses. When classes resume session, parents and guardians are asked to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for discontinuing home isolation if their children were diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to the virus. Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school building during school hours this week for more information.
During school hours each day, Mountain Home’s technology department will have a telephone helpdesk set up for students and teachers at 425-2549 to troubleshoot Chromebook issues and reset logins and passwords when necessary. For specific requests and needs, send an email to technology@mhbombers.com.
Mountain Home Christian Academy and the Salem and Mammoth Spring school districts will also be in session on Monday. Cotter, Norfork, Flippin, Yellville-Summit, Ozark Mountain, Viola, Calico Rock, Izard County, Melbourne, Mountain View, Lead Hill, Bergman, Valley Springs, Harrison, Omaha and Jasper school districts have elected to cancel Monday’s classes.
The Searcy County School District campuses will close early on Monday. Students will be released from classes at noon at Marshall Elementary and Leslie Intermediate schools, and Marshall High School will close at 12:20.
Image: Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Health
During his announcement, Governor Hutchinson says he realizes the closures go against the original recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key says schools were given the option of having classes on Monday, since some may not be ready for the closure.
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The governor also announced Sunday four new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed, bringing the total in Arkansas to 16.
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