Area school leaders react to orders extending school shutdowns to May 1

Local school leaders said Monday the announcement of an extension of state orders to keep Ohio schools shut until May 1 has them measuring the exact impact of what it will mean to their districts.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine extended state orders to keep all public and private schools closed until April 6, to a new end date of May 1 as part of the state’s emergency corona virus prevention plan.

When DeWine was asked if he has considered pushing the school year back, the governor said it would be more likely that the school year would finish remotely.

Officials at Butler County’s Middletown Schools said the extraordinary and sweeping anti-virus measures create many challenges but none that can’t be overcome.

“We are experiencing a health crisis that none of us has experienced in our lifetime,” read a statement released by school officials shortly after DeWine’s announcement.

“Luckily, the Middletown community is strong and united. Together, we will navigate through this challenging situation,” officials said.

Matt Miller, superintendent of the 16,800-student Lakota Schools, said the order to prolong the shutdown will see the continuation of the district’s remote learning program through May 1 and longer if necessary.

“Lakota Schools is prepared to continue remote learning not only through May 1, but through the end of the school year, should Governor DeWine make that decision,” said Miller.

Public safety is paramount, said Miller, followed closely by maintaining the nutritional needs of students who relied on free and reduced cost school breakfasts and lunches.

“In addition to remote learning, our meal distribution for children will also continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the closure. While it certainly isn’t our preferred method of teaching, this is in the best interest of the health of our community and our state.”

Betsy Fuller, spokeswoman for Lakota, which is the ninth largest district in Ohio, said previously scheduled events are being reviewed for possible postponement.

“We will be looking at our calendar to determine if events can be rescheduled,” said Fuller.

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