Coronavirus: New Rochelle Schools To Stay Open

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — While two Westchester County school districts made the decision to shut their doors for a couple of days to thoroughly clean their classrooms, the district, which is for now, at the center of the new coronavirus said it will keep everything open. City of New Rochelle School District Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijóo said in a note to parents and guardians that, based on input from medical professionals, "the City School District of New Rochelle has decided not to close our schools."

She explained in the note that the district has been proactive in cleaning its buildings, which are sanitized three times a week.

The Hastings-on-Hudson and Mount Vernon school districts decided Wednesday to close temporarily because of potential exposure to COVID-19, as the virus is officially known.

Feijóo said, however, that if parents choose to keep their children at home, "they will not be penalized," but that they should communicate with their teachers via email to find out what material will be covered in class as best as possible.

She said the district is working on a plan that will be shared with the state Education Department and the Westchester County Department of Health by the end of Thursday.

Once it is finalized, pending feedback from the state or the county, it will be shared with the community.

The plan is being developed by the central administration team, including the director of special education, the district physician and building principals. It will include plans for special education students who are vulnerable to the new coronavirus.

"Rest assured that the district is taking this matter with the utmost sense of urgency," Feijóo said. "We are fully committed to educating students in a safe and nurturing environment. Student health comes first."

SEE ALSO:

• Mount Vernon Closes Schools Over Coronavirus
• Westchester School District To Close Due To Coronavirus

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