| West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced an updated plan for how the state will handle its statewide school closure.
Justice said in a news release that schools will be closed to students through at least March 27.
The governor said essential staff, as determined by each county board of education, will report Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18, to develop continuity plans for students.
All teachers and staff will report Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20 to make sure plans are properly implemented so student needs, educator well-being and the continuity of instruction are properly addressed.
County boards of education will determine staff requirements for Monday, March 23, and beyond.
“At the heart of everything we are doing right now is the protection of our children, making sure our schools are safe for our teachers and staff, and making every effort to protect all of the people of West Virginia,” Justice said in the news release.
All child nutrition programs will be minimally affected by the statewide closure. Personnel will be on hand to make sure more than 200,000 students who rely on those meals get them.
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