MD Coronavirus Prompts Extended Public School Closures

MARYLAND — As the new coronavirus swept across the state, Maryland's public schools responded by closing their doors through March 27 per an executive order from the state schools superintendent, ultimately forcing students to stay at home in an effort to "flatten the curve" and slow the spread of the virus. Private schools also followed suit.

On Wednesday, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced schools will remain closed through April 24.

"We do not make this decision lightly," Salmon said at a news conference with Gov. Larry Hogan. "However, with the challenges facing our state and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and the communities at large.”

Salmon said she has been in contact weekly with school district superintendents and has had all districts provide her department with a plan for continuity of learning so that her staff can determine what resources they have at the state department to support local learning initiatives.

"We will be diligent in providing educational services to our students with disabilities," said Salmon.

Salmon also emphasized that the need for school closures will continue to be reassessed.

Just this week, two Maryland public school staffers tested positive for the new coronavirus: one at Whetstone Elementary School in Montgomery County and a teacher at Templeton Elementary in Prince George's County. A staff member at Anne Arundel Community College has tested positive for the virus, as has a U.S. Naval Academy civilian employee and two midshipmen. A 5-year-old from Howard County who attended Elkridge Elementary School was the first pediatric coronavirus case in the state.

As of Wednesday morning, 423 Marylanders have tested positive for the virus.

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The Maryland State Education Association's President Cheryl Bost, a Baltimore County elementary school teacher, said that it was a "tough decision, but the right call for the safety of our students, educators and state."

"The months ahead will be challenging and we will work to make the best of them. It’s heartbreaking to know that so many children will miss out on field trips, art projects, athletics, performances and the everyday enjoyment of being with friends and learning new things together. We know that virtual learning is less beneficial for students than in-person learning, and we need to do all we can to address equity issues for students without access to technology and for students entitled to special education services. We must make sure that food insecure children receive meals and that all school employees, including hourly employees, continue to receive their pay so that they can support their families. Educators have stepped up since the first day schools were closed and will continue to do all we can to support our students as we work together to overcome this crisis," Bost said in a statement.

On March 10, officials with the University System of Maryland — which includes 12 universities and three regional higher education centers — asked students to prepare for an additional two weeks off campus following spring break, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. After Hogan recommended the University System of Maryland close for the rest of the semester March 19, its board decided undergraduate instruction would be done remotely through the spring term. Commencement ceremonies will be canceled to comply with the governor's order that groups of more than 10 people may not gather for events.

Nationwide college placement exams in the spring have been cancelled amid concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). The College Board, which owns the SAT, announced that it would not administer tests on March 28 or May 2. Those who registered for the May 2 SAT will receive a refund.

Numerous school districts have been providing free meals to youth who simply show up at delivery sites to obtain breakfast, lunch and dinner while students have been out of school. Officials also have provided students with links to continue their learning online and through televised segments.

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