FORT SMITH - Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Sunday that he would order public schools across the state to close as of Tuesday.
Monday will be an optional day for students, while mandatory closures of school campuses will begin the next day. The closures will be in effect through March 30th.
Both the Fort Smith and Greenwood School Districts have announced that they will not be in session on Monday.
“We’ve had many communications from parents and educators,” Hutchinson said. “As we continue to look at the guidance from the CDC where they do not recommend the broad closure of schools, it is also important to listen to the parents and educators who do not have a strong level of confidence when it comes to safety.”
Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key said the reason for optional classes on Monday is to allow districts to make sure they have their plans ready for students.
“We know there are districts who need a day to not only let their parents make arrangements, but their staff to make arrangements as well,” “During this time we will be working closely with superintendents to make sure they are going through a routine process of sanitizing and cleaning their buildings, and preparing them for when students return from Spring Break.”
The Secretary said that even beyond the loss of classroom time, there were many factors that were considered in the decision.
“It is a tough call to make because we know that students depend on so many things for their care and education in their local schools,” Key said. “We also are heartened to know that many communities are making preparations for meal programs to continue.”
Hutchinson implored Arkansans to not continue the activities that have caused empty shelves at retailers across the state.
“We need to avoid panic buying. Grocery stores will continue to be open in the future. While it is wise to have enough for a short period of time in the house, we don’t need to have purchases that will last for a month or two months. Grocery stores will be available, as the supply chain continues in the United States of America.”
