RICHMOND, VA – Governor Ralph Northam has ordered K-12 schools in Virginia to stay closed for the remainder of the academic year.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Northam also closed all non-essential businesses.
The Governor is also urging all Virginians to avoid non-essential travel outside their home, if and when possible.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and it requires unprecedented actions to protect public health and save lives,” Northam said. “I know the next several weeks will be difficult. These restrictions on non-essential businesses will create hardships on the businesses and employees affected. But they are necessary, and we do not undertake them lightly. I am calling on Virginians to sacrifice now, so that we can get through this together.”
The Virginia Department of Education will issue guidance to help divisions execute plans to continue instruction, while ensuring students are served equitably, regardless of income level, access to technology, English learner status, or special needs.
This includes options for additional instruction through summer programming, integrating instruction into coursework next year, and allowing students to make up content.
VDOE will submit a waiver to the federal government to lift end-of-year testing requirements and is exploring options to waive state mandated tests.